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