Newest News Release on Pastor Youcef in Iran

Here is a recent news post about the current state of Iranian Pastor Youcef. He continues, as far as we know, to be held still in prison awaiting a final word of what the verdict of his case may be. Please continue to be in prayer for this Pastor! The LORD is using Youcef's stance for Jesus in so many ways - both within and outside of Iran - and it is no accident that the LORD has foreseen  and allowed Pastor Youcef's imprisonment to happen.

May JESUS be seen in all ways and may our brother be encouraged to continue standing fast and firm in the faith.

Thank you for your faithful prayers!!
In Jesus' Grip,
Cassie

UPDATE on Asia Babi

Here is an update on Asia Bibi - if you haven't taken time to sign the petition for her release, please do so now! It will only take a minute of your day but that one minute might change history as we know it now. Please, lift up our sister in prayer, that the LORD will strengthen and encourage her RIGHT NOW and that she may be faithful to Him through this trial. May the LORD's will be done. 

CALL FOR MERCY PETITION TO BE DELIVERED SOON. PLEASE SIGN TODAY.

Dear friends: We recently received an update from our field staff in Pakistan regarding Asia Bibi, who has been sentenced to death for alleged blasphemy against Muhammad. Although we had heard reports that Asia had been "tortured" by a prison official, her husband clarified that she hasnot been tortured but has been harassed by a prison guard (the guard has since been disciplined). Because of threats against her, Asia is held in a secure cell, separated from the general prison population. Asia's husband also shared some encouraging news. One of Asia's guards is a Christian and has consistently been kind to her. Asia has her Bible, and she receives encouragement and blessings from God's Word each day. In spite of her challenging situation, she testified that God has been faithful in encouraging and sustaining her. "God is with me," she told her husband. "I feel strong and protected." THANK YOU for your prayers for Asia Bibi. Clearly, God is answering our prayers. Please continue to pray. Asia has been in prison for more than two years, separated from her husband and daughters by an unjust ruling based on an unjust law. Her appeal has been filed with the High Court, but there is no clear indication of when the court will rule on the case. NOW IS THE TIME TO SPEAK OUT FOR ASIA BIBI. Since VOM launched the Call For Mercy petition drive in August, more than 300,000 signatures have been collected (including digital and paper signatures). In November, VOM staff will make the first delivery of those signatures to the Pakistani Embassy in Washington D.C. If you haven't yet added your voice to this chorus for justice, NOW IS THE TIME. GO NOW TO WWW.CALLFORMERCY.COM and sign the petition to free Asia Bibi. Our goal is 1 MILLION SIGNATURES on her behalf. If you've already signed the petition, PLEASE SHARE THE WEB ADDRESS with your friends. Share it on Facebook and Twitter. Share the petition drive with your Sunday school class or Bible study group. Encourage everyone you know to speak out for Asia Bibi by joining this CALL FOR MERCY. For those in bonds, Tom White Executive Director

"Godliness and Persecution"

I read this daily devotional this morning and thought to share it with you all. I hope that it encourages you and brings you strength through Jesus and knowing Him today. Much love and blessing in our great and awesome LORD! - Cassie
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Godliness and Persecution
"Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution - 2 Timothy 3:12


Living a godly life will not insulate you from hardship. Paul said that the more blameless your life, the more likely you will be persecuted. According to Paul, "evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse" (2 Tim. 3:13). As the world increasingly embraces sin, worldly people are becoming increasingly intolerant of godliness. Darkness cannot tolerate light; the more your life illuminates the presence of Christ, the more you should expect opposition from the forces of darkness. Your Christ like nature will be offensive to those in rebellion against Christ's Lordship.

You may have recently repented of your sin and taken a new step of obedience to God. Perhaps you expected to experience God's blessing immediately as He demonstrated His approval of your obedience. Instead, you were met with opposition. The persecution may have come even from other Christians who misunderstood your motives. Perhaps you obeyed God, and still you actions were met with criticism instead of praise.

If you are sincerely following the LORD's direction, don't e discouraged. Paul warned that those who seek to live godly will suffer persecution. Do no be surprised when this happens to you. If the world crucified the Son of God, surely the world will be hostile to anyone who lives by the power of the Holy Spirit. Persecution may be the best evidence that your life is like threat of Christ. Jesus warned that the world hated Him, the Savior, and so it would certainly misunderstand and mistreat His disciples (John 15:18).

 - Experiencing God Day-By-Day by Henry and Richard Blackaby. October 12th

Iran's Ayatollah to decide Pastor Youcef's Fate

Christians - PRAISE report thus far!! We have just received word that the Iranian govt. has NOT executed our Christian brother Youcef. Instead,b/c of the international pressure Iran is receiving, they have moved to inquire of the Ayatollah's opinion on what Youcef's fate should be.

 The Ayatollah's is the most powerful Islamist leader in IRAN and translates the actions of the Shariah law. Even though the sign of Iran bowing under international pressure is evident, Youcef is not out of the woods yet. PLEASE, keep praying!!! The ACLJ will be delivering a petition to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton TOMORROW (Oct 11th) morning at 8:00am asking for the USA's support of releasing Pastor Youcef from prison. IF you haven't signed the petition yet, please do so! If you have, PLEASE keep praying for the LORD's will on this man's life and on those of his family.

Thank you, dear brothers and sisters for having a part in Christ's Body and in the eternal realm!

You Are A Chosen Race For Christ

Walking the narrow road is never easy, as we know. There are many things that try to sway us from walking on the path that God created, prepared, and called us to; the one the Holy Spirit leads us on, guiding, direction, and teaching us along the way, and the one that Jesus said is the only way to LIFE. It is for the road that we have been saved and for a purpose, greater than we have ever known, that we have been created. It is because now we are a chosen race of God's.

In 1 Peter 2:9 & 10 it says:
"...but you are A CHOSEN RACE, a royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY..."


Transferring us from sin and a kingdom of darkness to a salvation and a kingdom of God's (Colossians 1:13 & 14), we now have been set apart from the world to become what God calls us a different race of people. One that is saved and has a higher calling, and that is to proclaim the mercies of God!

As Christians, we now are commanded by our awesome, saving God, to share what He has done for and in us with the world. We are to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing the love and knowledge of who He is and what Jesus has done for us. This is what sets us apart from the world!! Because of He who knows and lives in us, the Holy Spirit, God's amazing gift has now made us HOLY. Now made us into a PRIESTHOOD and a HOLY PEOPLE to be set apart for God's will, glory, and purposes. What an amazing work He has done for us!!!

What was once lost has been found. What was once covered in sin - our soul - now rejoices in the Light of Jesus Christ, in cleanliness and robbed in righteousness! And now, we have work to do, to share the mercies and love of our Savior.

Christians near and far, share your faith. Live for Christ - 100%. Remember, that He is with you. He is, the Guardian and Shepherd of your soul. Jesus holds you and is with you. If you are under persecution because of the way you live, if you are being threatened to recant your faith, if you are hearing doubts about who you believe in and why Jesus is your Savior, know that your hardships are a good, right, and a CONFIRMING work of Jesus in your life. (James 1:2 - 3). Your life will confirm or deny what you live for a what you worship.

"For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOW WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls"  - 1 Peter 2:21 - 25

If you are feeling weak, battled down, and as if hope is fading, fix your eyes on Jesus once again, the Author and Perfector of you Faith. There are a cloud of witnesses surrounding you, testifying of the faithfulness and goodness of our LORD. Remember, when you are persecuted, Jesus is persecuted, and He knows the ins-and-outs of your pain, hardship, and trials. He has overcome the world, and you are in Him. Rest in the LORD, He will carry you.

"For consider Him [Jesus] who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:3

Know, dear friends, you are being lifted up continually to walk with Jesus faithfully until He calls you home. May you be strengthened and encouraged by the LIVING God today!

Love in Jesus,
Cassie

Looking Back...Pastor Youcef's Letter To His Church

I wanted to copy/paste a letter that Pastor Youcef sent his church back in June of this year (2011). Thank you, to my dear fried here in America, who has made us aware of his writings. Here is it is taken from this website.
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A letter from Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani who currently faces the death sentence for apostasy. Please continue to pray.

(This message has been translated from Farsi to English.)

"Dear brothers and sisters, Salam

In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I am continuously seeking grace and mercy to you, that you remember me and those who are bearing efforts for his name in your prayers. Your loyalty to God is the cause of my strength and encouragement.

For I know well that you will be rewarded; as it’s stated: blessed is the one who has faith, for what has been said to him by God, will be carried out. As we believe, heaven and earth will fade but his word will still remain.

Dear beloved ones, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of a few verses, although you might know them, So that in everything, you give more effort than the past, both to prove your election, and for the sake of Gospel that is to be preached to the entire world as well.

I know that not all of us are granted to keep this word, but to those who are granted this power and this revelation, I announce the same as Jude, earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints.

We are passing by special and sensitive days.They are days that for an alert and awake believer can be days of spiritual growth and progress. Because for him, more than any other time there is the possibility to compare his faith with the word of God, have God’s promises in mind, and survey his faith.

Therefore he (the true believer) does not need to wonder for the fiery trial that has been set on for him as though it were something unusual, but it pleases him to participate in Christ’s suffering. Because the believer knows he will rejoice in his glory.

Dears, the “ judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

Therefore those who are enduring burdens by the will of God, commit their souls to the faithful Creator. Promises that he has given us, are unique and precious. As we’ve heard he has said: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you”

How can it be possible for a believer to understand these words?

Not only when he is focusing on Jesus Christ with adapting his life according to the life Jesus lived when he was on earth? As it is said ” O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.”

Have we not read and heard: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Many attempt to flee from their spiritual tests, and they have to face those same tests in a more difficult manner, because no one will be victorious by escaping from them, but with patience and humility he will be able to overcome all the tests, and gain victory.

Therefore in the place of Christ’s followers, we must not feel desperate, but we have to pray to God in supplication with more passion to help us with any assistance we may need.

According to what Paul has said: In every temptation, God himself will make a way for us to tolerate it.

O beloved ones, difficulties do not weaken mankind, but they reveal the true human nature.

It will be good for us to occasionally face persecutions and abnormalities, since these abnormalities will persuade us to search our hearts, and to survey ourselves. So as a result, we conclude that troubles are difficult, but usually good and useful to build us.

Dear brothers and sisters, we must be more careful than any other time. Because in these days, the hearts and thoughts of many are revealed, so that the faith is tested. May your treasure be where there is no moth and rust.

I would like to remind you of some verses that we nearly discuss everyday, (Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.) but as long as our human will has priority over God’s will, his will will not be done.

As we have learned from him in Gethsemane, he surrendered his will to the father, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

What we are bearing today, is a difficult but not unbearable situation, because neither he has tested us more than our faith and our endurance, nor does he do as such. And as we have known from before, we must beware not to fail, but to advance in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, And consider these bumps and prisons as opportunities to testify to his name. He said: If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

As a small servant, necessarily in prison to carry out what I must do, I say with faith in the word of God that he will come soon.”However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Discipline yourself with faith in the word of God. Retain your souls with patience. For there is no man that doeth anything in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly.

May you are granted grace and blessings increasingly in the name of Lord Jesus Christ."

Yusef Nadarkhani
Lakan Prison in Rasht
2/June/2010

Changes in Pastor Youcef's Charges to Rape Not Religion

Iran is looking to change P. Youcef's charges from religion to rape in order that they may execute him promptly and avoid the international pressure the country is receiving. Please keep praying! The enemy is seeking to destroy this man and his testimony, and we need to continue praying that Jesus, who is the TRUTH will shine forth in this situation. "The battle belongs to the LORD..." may our awesome LORD win this battle and fight for his child.

Thank you for your continual support and prayers!

Before the Throne of Grace,
Cassie

Pastor Youcef's full story here.

Christian Sister Sentenced to Death in Pakistan - Help Asia NOW!

My dear brothers and sister in Christ,

Another one of our family members is under the cruel hand of persecution and is in need of our prayers and physical help.

Asia Bibi has been condemned by the Pakistinian government for being a Christian and is sentence to death. Pakistan, as you may know, is a country where Islam is their national religion. To be anything other than a Muslim is a crime and punishable by death. Asia has been mocked for her faith and condemned for believing that Jesus, her Christ, is alive. She has not recanted her faith in light of death, and for this we praise Jesus that He is keeping her strong in Him. However, our work and our caring for her is not complete and we are being called, by Jesus, to remember her and what she is going through for the sake of Jesus.

Please, sign this petition in request for her life. Pakistan is leading in total requests being made for her life so let's join in spreading the word through the United States that we might truly exercise our freedom of speech and speak on behalf of our sister in order that her life may be spared.

Only the LORD knows when our days are over on this side of heaven but we seek and pray that this time in Asia's life may be used of His purposes and His glory.

Please be in prayer for:

• Asia, that she will stand strong in the face of trial and that her faith would not waver in these dark times.
• For Asia's enemies, that they would see the Christ that is ALIVE in her and that they would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus!
• For Asia's family, that their faith would not be jeopardy because of their trials, but that they would be strengthened to walk with Jesus all the more and to share His truth with those who do not know Him. 

Thank you, family, for lifting up our sister. May the LORD have control in all situations and in this one as well, and may His will be done! 

We look forward to seeing His answers...

Praying alongside you all, 

Cassie

A Way To Help Pastor Youcef

Pastor Youcef's state remains unaltered and he could be killed for his faith at any time the Iranian government so desires. However, ACLJ is acting to put pressure on Secretary of State Hillary Clinto, to move on behalf of Youcef and place pressure on Iran to release him from prison. Please, take a moment to sign this petition that will be sent to Washington! This is a simple, yet profoundly powerful way that you can take part in supporting our brother and his family. It will take you less then 5 minutes and with a life on the line, 5 minutes of your time is nothing to what he may experience.

Thank you for praying and taking action. May the LORD be magnified and continue to bring hope, peace, and strength to our brother.

Blessings in Jesus Christ, our LORD and awesome Savior!

Cassie

PS: If you would like to read more information on why Youcef's ruling is unconstitutional in Iran, read this article and you are able to view a copy of Iran's Constitution as well as the stance the Washington Political member, John Boehner, is speaking on freedom for Youcef. 

Update on Pastor Youcef - Iranian Pastor Under Threat of Death

As we have taken time this week to petition the LORD on behalf of our brother, Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, and as such organizations as ACLJ (Amercian Center for Law & Justice) have put legal pressure on Iran and the USA to act on behalf of Youcef, we have discovered that he has refused his 3 chances to "recant" his faith and return to Islam. Praise Jesus for this!!! Youcef is holding onto Jesus. However, his decisions now mean that the Iranian government could, at any moment, fulfill their threat of executing him at any time.

We know, that God holds Youcef's life in His hands, but we also know that we, as a Christian community, have the right to "do justice." (Micah 6:8). It is for this reason that we stand alongside Youcef at this time.

• By prayer, lifting him up that God might strengthen and keep him, and that the LORD would use this trial for His glory.
• Legally, that Youcef's life would be spared on account of justice, not crime (Iran's Constitution gives NO LEGAL AUTHORITY for execution based on religion. Rather, the execution command is coming from an Ayatollah - or spiritual leader (Islam) within the country).
• And lastly, by communication - that you, the Christian community would spread this word to everyone you know, that we might take part of this trial alongside our brother and that we would "remember those who are in chains..."

Please, take a moment to pray and keep Youcef and his family in your prayers. May the LORD be lifted up and exalted, and may our brother be steadfast in His faith until the end.

Peace and blessing in Christ Jesus our LORD-

Cassie

"He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8

The Persecuted Church

"Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body." Hebrews 13:3 - NASB

If you are a Christian today - a follower of Jesus Christ - and you proclaim that the LORD is your Savior and God, then there is more to your life of being a Christian then living for yourself. As a part of the family of God, you have the calling and mission to remember others that are being persecuted for their faith in the Name of Jesus, to take action, to pray, to send, to go, and to be a part of the bigger picture and reality of this "life" in Christ.

We are a family. Each person that is under the banner and reality of the saving grace of Jesus the Christ is directly linked to one another by the Holy Spirit which indwells all who call upon the Name of the LORD in faith. We are called "children of God" if you are saved. If you are in America, most likely, your "persecution" for your faith will be minimal. However, if you live in another country - say, anyone that is predominately Islam or Communist, most likely, you will or have, experienced persecution to a much higher degree, possibly even death - it is for this reason I write.

This blog is not for ranting or raving against to debate hypothetical Christian points or views on different religions. Rather, the purpose of this blog will be for the awareness of the persecuted church, for encouragement for those who are being persecuted, and for educational purposes to make aware of who is being persecuted, why, and how we can "remember those who are in chains." This will be in order to pray for them, support them, and stand alongside them as they face dark nights, intense trials, and maybe even death.

As readers, I invite you to post and make aware the community of Jesus followers of our brothers and sisters that are facing persecution, as I will do my best to post, relate articles, and write words that may perhaps evoke action, conviction, encouragement, and hope.

For any of those that are reading this from another country and/or being persecuted right now for your faith in Jesus, take heart, for HE IS STANDING WITH YOU! The Arm of the LORD is not so short that it cannot save those who are lost (your persecutors) and as you are facing the battles, remember that it is HE who clothes you and arms you against the schemes of our enemy. He will be your strong Tower, your refuge, your place of strength. Wait upon the LORD and He will be your strength - HE IS WITH YOU!!

Know that the Christian community is praying for you - your family is standing alongside of you and maybe you are not able to see it in person, know that in the Holy Spirit of our LORD, we are supporting you and lifting you up to HIM who is able to do all things.

Your sister in Christ,

Cassie