American Pastor Saeed Abedini has been held in Iran’s Evin Prison since September 2012 and in January 2013 was sentenced to eight years in prison – accused of evangelising and threatening national security. It is reported that he has been beaten and refused medical attention. Saeed Abedini met his wife in 2002, they converted from Islam to Christianity and Saeed became a US citizen in 2010. (www.foxnews.com)
Pastor Abedini’s response
In a letter, the U.S Citizen says, “My response to them is Romans 8 verses 35-39. The reality of Christian living is that difficulties or problems do arise in our lives. Persecution and difficulties are not new occurrences, but are seen often in the Christian life. It is through the suffering and tribulations that we are to enter the Kingdom of God,” (global.christianpost.com)
Iranian authorities have given an ultimatum, “Deny your faith in Jesus Christ and return to Islam or else you will not be released from prison. We will make sure you are kept here even after your 8 year sentence is finished,” according to a letter that was recently obtained by the American Centre for Law and Justice.