Romans 5:1-5(ESV)

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us

This morning my heart is overwhelmed with the thought of my brother in Christ, Pastor Saeed Abedini.  While I type this, the thought of suffering he is enduring brings grief to my heart.  I had the privilege of talking with his wife Naghmeh when she came to speak at our church. What a blessing! My heart aches for her and their children.

Yet while in grief, there is joy that fills my heart, knowing the above truth: The suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character and character produces hope and hope will not put him to shame.  The suffering of Saeed is not worthy to be compared with the glory of Jesus that is being revealed in him!

The faith of many have been strengthened and I count myself among them.  As your brother in Christ, I petition you that we would pray daily until he is released.  Pray that many more would come to know Christ and be strengthened.  Pray for Naghmeh, her children and her parents.  Especially as she travels to make others aware of the situation and clearly shares the gospel.  Pray for our government and the Iranian government to take real action.  Remember God is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine…Pray Big!

Take the time to sign this petition and share this so others are aware also.

http://beheardproject.com/saeed

#SaveSaeed and #BeHeard.