Naghmeh Abedini, wife of Pastor Saeed Abedini

This past Sunday, November 2, was the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.  This was the occasion for Christ-followers all over the world to pray for the encouragement and the freedom of those imprisoned, beaten, exiled or tortured simply for following Jesus.

Our local church had the privilege this weekend of hearing from Naghmeh Abedini, the wife of Pastor Saeed Abedini, an American citizen who is currently imprisoned in his native Iran for the “crime” of founding house churches.

Despite the churches’ prior authorization by the Iranian government, this imprisonment has gone on for more than two years.  In addition to solitary confinement Pastor Saeed’s mistreatment has included multiple beatings and the denial of medical care for the injuries caused by this torture.

The American Center for Law and Justice has written extensively about Pastor Saeed’s captivity.  You can read their coverage here.

Naghmeh explained that many of Saeed’s captors and fellow prisoners have put their faith in Jesus based on the grace he has shown in the face of such cruelty.  She said that Saeed’s steadfastness is not an act of defiance — it’s an act of love.  He wants to give the best thing he has to his captors — the only thing he has — Jesus.

Get Involved
Naghmeh has asked for Christ followers to pray for Saeed, for their family and for other faithful Christians living under threat in Iran and around the world.  One way you can do this is to visit the BeHeard project and read about Saeed and others who are being denied basic human rights.

Sign petitions, blog, tweet and talk about this issue.  Are you looking for a mission?  This could be it.

You can also click here to see a map highlighting the countries that are persecuting Christians, and more information to inform your prayers.

But don’t stop there.  If you have the means, donate to reputable organizations that are working to expose and put an end to persecution.  Contact your congressmen and senators and ask them to use their influence to end persecution and human rights abuses.

Why You Should Care Even If you’re Not a Christian
Some of you who read this blog aren’t Christ followers.  I realize that you may be wondering what this has to do with you.  Right now, perhaps nothing.  But consider: religious freedom is a human rights issue.  Any government that will attempt to coerce your religious belief and practice, is not likely to leave you alone.

What Do I Do With My Anger?
If you’re angry, I understand completely.  The temptation to hate is strong, but it is just that — a temptation — and  you must renounce it, confess it, resist it.  If Saeed Abedini can endure without hating those who are abusing him, we can do no less as we champion his cause.

The correct response is to take our legitimate outrage to our Heavenly Father and let Him guide us.  I can assure you He is more concerned about Saeed than you or I could be, and He is at work in this.  Our part is to make ourselves available for His purpose in this and every circumstance.

So how about you?  How will you take up the challenge for praying for believers suffering for their faith?  Add your comments below.