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When the SALT Has LOST its SAVOR
Photo: Karyn Christner flickr.com
We human beings ALWAYS have freedom to worship. What we do NOT always have is the freedom to worship… without persecution. When we speak of “religious freedom” we usually mean freedom for CHRISTIANS to worship AND participate in society without persecution. This was the reason Puritans fled England: they could worship… but not own property or engage in other “normal ” societal functions. They were out-casts and some were persecuted by not having a means to earn a living.
Historically, The LORD alone grants Christians from time to time, from era to era, from one country or another, the freedom to worship JESUS CHRIST without persecution. However, historically, it has never been a PERMANENT CONDITION or state of being for Christians.
Constantine was a famous example of a ruler who “gave” Christians the right to worship AND function in society without persecution. Different rulers throughout history in a variety of lands have been so appointed by The LORD to grant Christians the freedom to worship AND function normally in society.
This “appointment” has NOTHING TO DO with the ruler’s qualifications, but rather, it has to do with The LORD’S GOOD WILL ordaining a season for Christians to live without persecution. But, it is ONLY for a season.
We see this, for example, in Thomas Jefferson. He was a deist, at best. He made his own “Jefferson Bible” by cutting away the parts of the Holy Bible he found offensive. This included all things referring to the Divinity of JESUS CHRIST. [ See the Wikipedia article on “Jefferson Bible” for Mr. Jefferson’s horrendous views regarding Our LORD JESUS CHRIST.] Yet, The LORD used this apostate man to establish a statute for religious freedom which would benefit Christians, allowing them to function in society.
Mr. Jefferson, who did NOT honor The LORD JESUS CHRIST, was prominent in establishing “religious freedom” for all… precisely BECAUSE he was not a Christian and did not wish to live under religious rule: Let every man choose his own “god.”
Thus, when we give thanks for religious freedom of choice, let us keep in mind The ONE+ Who+ actually does this: giving His+ Followers a reprieve — for a season — so that we may function normally in society.
But keep in mind: the reprieve is ONLY for a season.
As soon as Christians assimilate into society so that the distinction between Christians and worldlings no longer exists, PERSECUTION COMES. The LORD Himself+ removes the “freedom” to be a Christian AND to function normally in society, at the same time. Oh yes, we will STILL have freedom to worship CHRIST JESUS… just like the strong and living Church does under persecution in North Korea. Man does not have in him the ability to force us to stop worshipping CHRIST. We simply will not have the freedom to function in society AND to serve CHRIST JESUS, as before. Thus, we will have to choose.
That is what PERSECUTION does for the church: it makes each person choose deeply and irrevocably to whom his allegiance lies: to the world or to CHRIST JESUS. We cannot have both.
Pastor Saeed Abedini made his choice. He paid dearly for it, but great will be his reward. He remained “the salt of the earth.”
Will we?
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Matthew 5:13
By Sister Judith Hannah – Going Deeper with Christ
Heartfelt Prayers and Encouragement for Persecuted American Pastor in Iran
The story of Christmas represented by the birth of Jesus and his death on the cross.
(Voice of the Persecuted) This Christmas, Christians around the world shared personal messages of encouragement, love and prayers for Pastor Saeed. Below you will find the last submissions for the Christmas campaign to lift up our brother and let him know he is not forgotten. Please continue to pray for our brother and his family as they suffer in persecution.
To all of you who shared during this campaign: Your loving words and prayers have deeply touched our hearts. They’re a radiant example of the true Christian meaning of brotherly love and being ‘one’ in the Body of Christ. Thank you! Merry Christmas and may God bless you now and in the coming year.
Kristen Gilmore- Pa., USA
Dear Paster Saeed,
When you write someone, you ask how they are and that you hope all is well. I don’t know nor will I pretend all is well, but I will say this: I pray you find comfort in the Lord which I’m sure you have and are. Your courage has spread all over the world. You have touched the lives of people you do not know. I pray everyday you are as well as you can be and that the Lord extends you strength every waking moment of everyday.
Gwen Muncey – United Kingdom
Dear Brother Saeed, You ate not alone or forgotten my family and I stand with you in prayer that God will strengthen you, surround you with His love and that your hope will be renewed as nothing is impossible with God. You are precious and He is watching over you. God Be With You Brother and may you trust in Him for your freedom.
Peace & love
Gwen, Richard & Patrick
Kathy Everette – North Carolina, USA
Dear Pastor,
You and your family are so often in our thoughts and prayers.
Please hold on. I encourage you that you are not forgotten.
John W. Rappleyea – Arkansas, USA
Saeed- I pray for you, Brother. I have a deep desire in my heart for you to be encouraged to hold fast and stand firm and ultimately be returned to your family. I pray that Jesus, our Lord and Savior will provide you with peace and joy this Christmas and throughout all of your days. I have a great amount of respect for you and proud to call you Brother. My heart is heavy in that I am here at home and you are there. You are on my mind often, since hearing about your circumstance. I am proud of your family for standing with faith for you. I pray for comfort for Naghmeh and your children also. I hope that brings you comfort also, knowing that Jesus has kept them close to His heart. I don’t know what else to say other than Merry Christmas to you. Just know that there are so many of us holding on to our faith that you will be returned home to your family. I will continue to pray for strength, patience, and good health to you. I pray for our Lord’s protection over you. Perhaps, you will pray for us as well this Christmas- to find some of the strength and patience you have had- to boldly stand, unwavering, in the presence of the sight of God to share His love with those who desperately need it.
Merry Christmas Saeed-
your Brother in Christ-
John W. Rappleyea
B Pinero – Texas, USA
Dear Rev. Abedini,
You’re in our thoughts and prayers every day, and most especially on this glorious day of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May the Emmanuel be particularly “God with Saeed” today and the joy and light of Bethlehem fill your heart as we continue to pray for you and your dear family! We are one in Christ. We love you and admire your faithfulness and perseverance. It builds up the faith of countless people. We entrust you to the infinite mercy of God knowing our destiny rests in the living hands of our Almighty Father.
Toni Dupree – NC, USA
Pastor Saeed: My church and family continue to pray for you. We hope you are next to be released. I pray for continued joy and strength for your family. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Donna Wozny – OH, USA
Blessings of Peace Brother Saeed,
Although we are separated by a great distance, Your brothers and sisters are keeping you surrounded by prayer and embracing your dear family in your absence. Be encouraged knowing that you have not been forgotten but that we are continually sharing your story and petitioning for your release.
Our Father in Heaven has a plan and a purpose in this we cannot fully realize and we trust Him in all things as wait upon Him and watch it unfold before us. Jeremiah 29:11
What a glorious day it will be when you come home and we can see you face to face!! There will be singing in the streets and a grand chorus of Praise being lifted.
We love you Dear Brother, we pray for you and your family.
Nela Bianco – Ontario, Canada
Brother Saeed, you are on many peoples hearts who continue to pray for you. You are a blessing to us, even though, I`m sure it does not feel like it many times from where you are. God is using you as a sign and a wonder to your brothers and sisters in Christ as well as to the enemies of the gospel of Christ. Your reward is great in heaven. I pray you will have supernatural encounters with our Messiah in the place where you are. God bless you my dear brother.
Kathryn Serio – MD. USA
Pastor Saeed, Praying that the Lord will pour out His grace to you each and every day.
In His love, Kathryn
Jeanne Merkel – Arizona, USA
Hi Pastor Saeed, I’m praying for you. I hope your free for Christmas, Jesus can protect you. I really really hope you’re free for Christmas. I hope you have a good Christmas if you’re home. I hope the president and Jesus can free you.
Love Charlotte (age 7)
Jennifer Cottrell – Mississippi, USA
Dear Pastor Saeed,
We have not forgotten you. We are still praying for God to deliver you. I pray that His peace would guard your heart and mind.
God bless you and Merry Christmas,
Jennifer Cottrell
Sam Waddell – Alabama, USA
Pastor Saeed: You are not alone. I pray that in your time of trouble that JESUS will comfort you and that you will rejoice and have a Merry Christmas!
Marie – CA, USA
Dear Brother Saeed,
Praise God for your faithful witness to those who are in prison with you and to the world as well. You and your family are in my prayers daily. I pray that God would heal your body and continue to bless you with a persevering spirit to see you through this time of persecution. I pray for God’s will to be done and for your freedom to come. You have not been forgot dear brother. You have been an awesome testimony to faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. Please be encouraged to know that the Lord Our God is your strength and stronghold in times of trouble, He is your hiding place. Remain forever abiding under the shadow of the Almighty. Keep your eyes fixed on Christ and know that He is standing for you as He was standing for Stephen when he was being stoned. Take comfort in the loving, never ending embrace of our Abba Father! You remain in my thoughts and prayers dear brother. Your sister in Christ, Marie
Peggy Hartman – NC, USA
Pastor Saeed,
May the Lord strengthen you and grant you freedom from prison and be reunited with your family!!! Praying for you!
Be strong in the Lord and in the Power of His might.
I am sending your family a gift.
Christine – Washington, USA
I can’t imagine what you and your family have been through, but SO appreciate your love for the Lord and His gospel and your true commitment to serve the Lord at any cost and love the lost unto salvation. He is truly glorifed in you! I pray for His continued will to be done in you and for His strenghten, peace and love be magnified even
more!
Charmaine Hoo, USA
Dear Pastor Saeed, my brother,
I send you greetings in the name of the Lord to let you know that you are not forgotten, but that you are being prayed for by a host of other believers that care deeply for you! If at your weakest moments you’re tempted to think that Your God has not abandoned you, perish the thought because though it may not seem so now, one day you will, with great joy, proclaim, “The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His works” (Ps 145:17). May His peace reign in your heart moment by moment.
Sandy – Canada
Dear Pastor Saeed,
You are in our thoughts and prayers now and always. Praying the Lord will continue to uphold and sustain you and praying that you will soon be reunited with your family. The Light has overcome the darkness. Amen and Amen.
Erlande, France
Joyeux Noël!
Luanne – Idaho, USA
Dear Saeed,
Sharing one of my favorite writtings by Frances J. Roberts, from his book; ” Come Away My Beloved”.
May these words bless and encourage you.
“In the midst of difficulties, I will be your comfort. In the darkness, I am your Light; there is no darkness that can hide My face from the eye of faith.
My beauty and My radiance are all the lovelier by the contrast.
In grief, My comfort is more poignant. In loneliness, the touch of My presence more tender. You are hidden in Me; and I will multiply both the wisdom and strength in due proportion to meet the demands of every occasion.
I am the Lord thy God. I have planned ahead for you.
I am your strong tower and support. I am your guide and your shield. Rejoice in Me and occupy thy heart with praise!”
My prayers are always before the Lord for your healing and freedom Saeed.
Blessings to you and your beautiful family.♡
D. Young – USA
Dear Saeed, I pray for you and your family. May you be upheld and sustained by knowledge that you are loved and in the arms of your Heavenly Father. We love you!
Lorraine ♡ Joe Simon – California, USA
We pray and Think of you Saeed and your family each day , God Loves you Sooooo Much to have aloud this Great, Bend in the Road of Life ! Praying for your Return, MERRY Christ mas ♡♡♡
Lois Kanalos – USA
My brother, Saeed,
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5: 11-12
The Lord is blessing you for your refusal to deny Him. You’re a representative of Christ, stay strong and firmly planted on the foundation of faith. I pray you are given peace and wisdom and able to be content in this great trial. The Lord is your portion and ever near to you. He is your reward!
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
I pray you will be encouraged as we, along with many others, stand in solidarity with you. We will not remain silent about the wrongful persecution you’re experiencing for choosing Christ. Know you are not forgotten and our efforts to bring awareness and help through advocacy continues in any way possible. When crying out to God in despair, we cry out with you and commit to lift you and your family in prayer with many requests.
When you suffer, we all suffer and we ask healing for your injuries and protection from disease. We pray for the pain of separation and concern for your family. For your emotional and Spiritual needs. We pray for your release and return to your family. That you are filled with hope in the Lord and reassured by His promises.
“For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:32–33)
As an ambassador for the Kingdom, I pray you can continue the Lord’s command to share the Good News with the lost and desperate in a very dark place.
May the Lord give you strength to overcome all things. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
Merry Christmas! God bless you now and throughout the year. Rejoice! He has overcome the world.
Your sister in Christ.
Joy Pilarski – NC, USA
Dear Pastor Saeed, you and your dear family are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray Jesus returns very soon but until then I pray you will be returned safely to your family. May Jesus be with you and carry you through this extremely traumatic time.
Your sister in Christ,
Joy
Share Encouraging Christmas Message with Persecuted Pastor Imprisoned in Iran
jacinta lluch valero flickr.com
Dec. 19, 2015 (Voice of the Persecuted) Christmas messages, prayers and outpouring of Christian love for our persecuted brother, Saeed Abedini imprisoned in Iran for his faith in Christ. In the weeks to come, we will continue to post these beautiful messages and encourage others to join as we remember, uplift and share Christmas with Pastor Saeed and his family, our family in Christ.
To all of you sharing: Your loving words and prayers have deeply touched our hearts. They’re a radiant example of the true Christian meaning of brotherly love and being ‘one’ in the Body of Christ. Thank you, God bless you and Merry Christmas!
Kim and Phyllis – Ontario, Canada
The Lord Jesus is with you Pastor Saeed!
I am praying fervently for your release from this martyr’s prison.
We await your return to your occupation of spreading the word of the Lord to those in dire need.
Dear Heavenly Father please bless this man and comfort Saeed in his time of great sorrow during his imprisonment. Strengthen him as you strengthened Daniel when he was in the den with the lions. And, if you can, Lord, give him the power to overcome all of his adversities. In Jesus name, Amen
Roxane Hendrix – France
Dear Saeed,
You are in my prayers. Hold strong in the Lord and ask him to remain firm and fear not.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
Mike Walter – VA, USA
Dear Brother Saeed,
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I pray this message reaches you and finds you well – as well as can be expected for enduring what I am sure are very difficult circumstances.
As an ordinary American living in Virginia, I have been very concerned about you ever since I learned of your imprisonment. I am just one of a large army of faithful supporters and prayer warriors that you have in the U.S.A. that continually prays and advocates for you. We stay connected to each other, stay updated on and raise awareness about your situation with “facebook” over the internet.
Continue to stay strong in the Lord, my brother, you are an inspiration to me and many others around the world. I believe God is using you powerfully.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13
Your brother in Christ,
Mike W.
Pam Whitfield – Canada
Dear Saeed,
Please keep strong and remember that your jail time and demonstration of your faith even in this vulnerable position is important in spreading God’s love for His people. My heart is open to you and always praying that your love for Jesus Christ will soon overcome evil.
Love Pam
Margaret Wallace – Pennsylvania, USA
Dear Pastor Saeed,
I am praying for you, your safety and your release. I pray for your family. May the Light of Christmas shine brightly on you, may God guide you and give you strength! Sending love and prayers from my family to yours!
Margaret Wallace
6 more days to send a Christmas message and encourage our brother, Pastor Saeed! Help to let him know he’s not been forgotten by the Body of Christ. Share with and ask your family, friends and church to join this mission to uplift our suffering brother. Enter your message below:
Church Body Shares Christmas Messages with Persecuted Pastor Imprisoned in Iran (Dec. 12, 2015)
(Voice of the Persecuted) Christmas messages, prayers and outpouring of Christian love for our persecuted brother, Saeed Abedini imprisoned in Iran for his faith in Christ. In the weeks to come, we will continue to post these beautiful messages and encourage others to join as we remember, uplift and share Christmas with Pastor Saeed and his family, our family in Christ.
To all of you sharing: Your loving words and prayers have deeply touched our hearts. They’re a radiant example of the true Christian meaning of brotherly love and being ‘one’ in the Body of Christ. Thank you, God bless you and Merry Christmas!
With tears in my eyes. Your brother. Blaine Scogin.
Aggie & Andy
Your faithfulness is such an example. Your wife’s strength is, also. I have no words to express my sorrow at your continued imprisonment. God bless you and keep you and your family. You are truly keeping Christmas. ~ Jane
May The Lord Jesus strengthen your heart and mind as you suffer during this time of imprisonment and separation from your family. Please know you are deeply loved and prayed over.
“The grace of The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen
Philippians4:23
God Bless you,
Brenda
Over these past few years, I have heard about your faith and strength as you are in prison. Your suffering is not in vain, like the apostle Paul, your imprisonment has served not only the Lord, but the people and country that you love. Like Paul you have done all that you can if it means that they would all receive eternal life through Christ Jesus’ work on the cross. I know that you have that same love for your countries of Iran and America as Paul did for his fellow Jews as well as the Gentiles. Your perseverance, strength, and love for the Lord is beautiful and encouraging. I pray that you will be released to be with your wife and raise your two children together, once again. I pray that you continue to stay strong not only spiritually but also mentally and physically. I pray that your wife and children, your parents, and all of those closest to you will continue to be strong in this time. I pray that those who do not know Jesus as their personal savior would continue to see your light shine and would question you on how they can have that same light. It may seem dark, but continue to remember the love that Christ has shown you and the change that he has made in you. “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” Jeremiah 31:3 “Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39. Nothing can separate you from His love, and He will never leave you. Right now may not seem peaceful, but “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 and “For he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 Thank you for your life and testimony, and know that I am thinking of you.
Your friend and sister in the Lord Jesus Christ,
Ashley. – My personal life verse, Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it; the world and all who live in it.”
What a WONDERFUL example you are giving to the Body of CHRIST and to the unbelievers, alike. May we all do as well as you when our times of testing come.
Hear the GREAT SHEMA, the WORDS of Our LORD JESUS CHRIST:
“The FIRST of all the commandments is Hear, O Israel: The LORD our GOD is ONE LORD. I+ and My+ FATHER are ONE.
And thou shalt love The LORD thy GOD with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.
This is the FIRST and Great Commandment.
And the second is like unto it: thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. There is no commandment greater than these. ”
Matthew 22:37-40 and Mark 12:29-31 and John 10:30
During this Christmas season, when we remember the INCARNATION of Our LORD, remember that HE+ came to PURGE away the Lies that attack us and drag us into discouragement.
NO LIE SHALL STAND when HE+ appears!
So now, we pray strongly for you that you, having done all, may STAND FIRM AGAINST THE LYING TORMENTS that the satan is throwing at you, dear brother in CHRIST. The LORD will restore to you the years the locusts have eaten.
Much love in CHRIST, Who+ alone is Life,
both here and beyond the grave…
You are in our prayers. Many thousands of your brothers and sisters are praying also.
May The LORD+ give you HIS+ Supernatural Strength and Shield you on every side, and cover you with the most Precious Blood of The LAMB+ of GOD, and cloth you with HIS BLESSED HOLY SPIRIT.
In HIS+ Great Love
Please send a Christmas message to encourage our brother, Pastor Saeed below:
Christmas Messages to American Pastor Imprisoned in Iran (Dec. 10, 2015)
(Voice of the Persecuted) Christmas messages, prayers and outpouring of Christian love for our persecuted brother, Saeed Abedini imprisoned in Iran for his faith in Christ. In the weeks to come, we will continue to post these beautiful messages and encourage others to join as we remember, uplift and share Christmas with Pastor Saeed and his family, our family in Christ.
To all of you sharing: Your loving words and prayers have deeply touched our hearts. They’re a radiant example of the true Christian meaning of brotherly love and being ‘one’ in the Body of Christ. Thank you, God bless you and Merry Christmas!
Kathy Brandt – Minnesota, US
Merry Christmas Saeed! Praying form you! May God comfort you and guide you. May God be there with you and give you His comfort, healing and peace. May you see Him and feel His presence each moment! Kathy
Amy – California, USA
I am praying for your release. You are loved by your family and many others. It hurts us that you are still in prison. The Lord continue to give you peace and comfort during these difficult days.
Helen – Texas, USA
Pastor Saeed
The Father is so delighted in YOU! You have a front row seat in the sanctuary and you are NOT forgotten! God is at work for you. Our prayers will not cease for you and all your family.
In Christ with love!
Linda – Alabama, USA
Pastor Saeed,
Prayers for your quick return. We will set a place for you again this year.
Bernard Geargeoura – Canada
Pastor Saeed, you are always in my prayers.. The lord will never leave you alone.. He will be always with you.. my thoughts and prayers goes also to your family..Christmas cant be the same as long as we see our brothers and sisters persecuted and jailed for speaking the truth and trying to spread the word of salvation to all nations.
Kristi Ann – Oregon, USA
Please PRAY for Pastor Saeed, and please release him from prison!!
FATHER who art in HEAVEN please help Pastor Saeed and his family and friends, in Jesus ( Yeshua ) Christ NAME AMEN!!
Love Always and Shalom,
Kristi Ann
Butch and Nadia Dybvik – Wisconsin, USA
Dear Saeed,
He said never will I leave you nor will I forsake you!!! We also will never stop praying for you, but love you and your family to the time when He will bring you back home!!!
We love you dear brother and we admire you. You are a blessing to all of us!!
Merry Christmas
Love
Butch and Nadia
Tammy Hager – NC, USA
Hello my brother!
What an amazing man of God you are!! Don’t think for one second you are forgotten or not thought about. Your precious wife works so hard every day to make sure you are always in our prayers.
Keep the faith God is doing miraculous things through you for his glory. There are thousands praying for your continued strength and faith. We love you — Keep the faith. Praying you are back home soon!
Tammy Hager
Patricia – USA
Pastor Abedini,
Beloved in Christ, Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ and all the Brethren there with you. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ….according as He has chosen us in Him…that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace…in whom we have also obtained an inheritance….according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His will: that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. In Whom you also trusted after that you heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation…how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures and that He was buried and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures…and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the 12 …after that. He was seen of above 500 brethren at once…after that He was seen of James, then of all the apostles…and last if all He was seen of me also. You see how large a letter I have written with my own hand. Be not weary in well doing my beloved brother for in due time we shall reap if we faint not. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. We love You dear brother. Thank you for your many prayers.
Patricia
Please send a Christmas message to encourage our brother, Pastor Saeed below:
Pray On: O Lord, hear our prayer
Psalm 143:1, “Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my pleas for mercy! In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness.”
(Voice of the Persecuted) There are many praises to God for the situation that Saeed and Naghmeh Abedini find themselves in. So many changes in this global event; today I am led to provide a prayer list for all of you to follow in your prayers for Saeed. Please pray for the following;
1) For Saeed’s immediate release.
2) For the Abedini support, for one another that we may never tire on waiting for the Lord to be glorified.
3) For Saeed’s Health; for medicines to be received.
4) For the pain to cease from his injuries.
5) For Saeed to receive treatment for his injuries.
6) For Saeed’s peace of mind, for his mental regulation and his wellbeing.
7) For Saeed’s safety in prison, that cellmates will not danger him.
8) For prison guards, wisdom and discernment as they oversee Saeed’s ward.
9) Pray for cellmates and guards to come to know Christ .through Saeed’s testimony. For spiritual support.
10) For Naghmeh’s faith in Christ to grow, to remain strong and humble in spirit.
11) For Naghmeh to know when to rest. Her peace of mind, and emotional regulation.
12) For Saeed’s children Rebekkah & Jacob that they will enjoy life and know their dad is safe in Christ.
13) For Saeed’s imprisonment will point to Christ and souls saved around the world, changed hearts.
14) For the Iranian country that many will come to know Christ and their world view will change to Christ.
15) For the unity of Christians, for revival to occur, for our voice to be stronger in Christ for souls to be saved.
16) For President Obama’s voice to be louder and stronger for the release of Saeed.
17) For Secretary of State John Kerry that he will begin to consistently ask for the release of Saeed.
18) For the Iranian Supreme Leader’s heart and mind to be changed and clemency to be given.
19) For the preparation of Saeed’s release when that time arrives that events are in order.
20) For the persecuted church, around the world, that God will provide a hedge of protection around them as they worship and share Christ.
I am confident all of you have been praying (Col 4:2) as we continue let us watch and as each prayer is answered let us praise God and rejoice.
By Dr, Jim Seward – Voice of the Persecuted
Opening Photo Courtesy : bigbirdz
Christmas Messages from the Body of Christ for American Pastor Imprisoned in Iran
(Voice of the Persecuted) Below are only a few of the Christmas messages, prayers and outpouring of Christian love for our persecuted brother, Saeed Abedini imprisoned in Iran for his faith in Christ. In the weeks to come, we will continue to post these beautiful messages and encourage others to join as we remember, uplift and share Christmas with Pastor Saeed and his family, our family in Christ.
To all of you sharing: Your loving words and prayers have deeply touched our hearts. They’re a radiant example of the true Christian meaning of brotherly love and being ‘one’ in the Body of Christ. Thank you, God bless you and Merry Christmas!
Lois T – Michigan, USA
Dear Pastor Saeed,
I’m praying for you, Naghmeh, Rebekka and Jacob. I also pray for your parents and siblings. I pray you and your family will receive many blessings as we prepare and celebrate the birth of Jesus. Your enduring faith inspires so many, including me…Thank you! Merry Christmas and may the new year be a happy one with our prayers answered to soon send you home. God bless you.
Debra Young – USA
Dear Pastor Saeed,
I pray for you strength and comfort in this time of need. Know that you are on the hearts and minds of thousands of people every day. May God’s angels surround you and minister to your mind, soul and spirit. May you be a light to those around you!
George Mate – Cumbria, UK
MY Dear Brother, we pray daily for you way up here in the English Lake District 9 miles from the Scottish Border. You are such a great encouragement to so many of us and others across our world. We thank and praise our Lord Jesus for your witness and your faith and for the light that shines so brightly from your prison cell in his wonderful name. I run a prayer group that is mostly friends and there about 30 of us now plus about 9 churches, 3 are in the USA most of the others are here in Northern England. We serve a mighty God and we will continue to hold you up to him. May The Lord Bless YOU and KEEP YOU
Kay Waldrop – Oregon, USA
Please know that you are not forgotten, Pastor Saeed. Our hearts hurt for all that you are going through and your family too. Yet, we know that, through your faithfulness and incredible testimony, many are encouraged and coming to faith in Christ! Praise God! Our church has a prayer meeting Wednesday night. We are very small and there are only usually 12 of us, but God hears our prayers and we are privileged to pray for you.
Kristin Stone – Michigan, USA
Pastor Saeed,
I continue to think of you and your family. I am praying that Almighty God will deliver you back to your family soon. I pray that the Holy Spirit will be with your spirit in constant communion so you know that you are not forgotten. I don’t know how many people are praying for you, or how many know of your plight, but I do know that there are MANY. Please do not despair. May God protect you, hold you, and give you favor with even your enemies.
Love from Michigan, USA
Arlene Fisher – Utah, USA
Dear Pastor Saeed, You are in my prayers. I pray a lot that you will have deep supernatural encounters with Jesus. That the communion with Him will be so magnificent that all of your suffering will pale in comparison. You and your entire family are loved and prayed for by millions. Until you are released, which I pray is very soon, may the love, peace and joy of our Lord be with you and may you be surrounded constantly by His holy angels. God bless you always, Arlene
Jim and Lorna Wainscott – Idaho, USA
Dear Brother,
We have not forgotten your imprisoned in Iran. We are praying for you daily and believe that God is in control of your imprisonment and release. Stay strong in your faith and God will uphold you with His right hand! We can’t wait for you homecoming! it will be a glorious celebration of life and freedom from your captors. Remember Psalm 46 – He is our fortress and rock in Him there is salvation and freedom!
Your family is beautiful and thriving here in Idaho. Please know that the Body of Christ is taking good care of them and they are loved and adored. Naghmeh has gone all over the world to many leaders to tell them your story and to give them the Gospel so they know that you are in prison because of your faith in Jesus Christ our Lord! Stay strong, our brother, and we will stay strong for you…
Jessie Diaz – CA, USA
Dear Pastor Saeed,
My prayers are with you! Your family is in my prayers as well. I keep thinking of the Apostle Paul in jail & how he kept the faith & was such a living testimony to the other prisoners. I see you in the same way being the light in the darkness. You are the only Jesus they see. May you Shine your light for our Heavenly Father in that spiritually dark prison. I’m praying for your release, health, safety & strength. Keep the faith! My family & I haven’t forgotten you! Our Heavenly Father hasn’t forgotten either. Im praying that He protect you & send you back home. You are not alone.
– Jessie & family
Jeff Padgett – Idaho, USA
Pastor Saeed, I hope and pray that the light of the Lord shines on you, and through you, in a powerful way this Christmas and always. I can’t imagine what it must be like having to endure what you do for the sake of Christ and be away from your family at this time. I know your suffering is not in vain and your reward is great. I admire you for your witness, your courage and your perseverance under such circumstances. I think of you often and pray for your release. I hope and pray someday soon I could meet you face to face and and embrace you as my brother in Christ. It would be an honor. It’s hard to say and wish you a merry Christmas without my heart aching for you, but I do want to wish you a merry Christmas in that, Christ fills you, comforts you, and blesses you with Himself in a way that is beyond anything you’ve ever known. Bless you, Pastor and know you are greatly loved, not only by your Savior, but by thousands . -Jeff
Morag Coleman – South Africa
Dear Pastor Saeed, Wishing you God’s presence and his peace and comfort, during this Christmas Season. We continue to pray often for you and your precious family, you have touched our hearts… that the God of all comfort and strength will keep you all during this very difficult time. Thank you for your amazing testimony of faith, we have been so encouraged and challenged by the faith of you and your family. We pray and give thanks for your reunion with your beloved family. Sending all our love to you all. The Colemans in South Africa xxx
Deborah Rogers – Wa, USA
I am so proud to say that I am your sister in the Lord. I prày that you will be back home to the USA soon. I know that you will bring a testimony of the time that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit were there for you. Nation against nation…..they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory… Lift up your head, your redemption is drawing near.
Send a Christmas message to encourage Pastor Saeed below:
Prayer Warriors who joined the 24 hour Prayer Event: THANK YOU!
Dear Prayer Warriors
I would like to say a heartfelt thank you for those of you who participated in the 24-hour prayer call. Your prayers called out for Saeed Abedini, his family, and the persecuted church.
350 people came to unite in prayer during the 24 hours of the call. There was much heartfelt prayer and many tears shed. We do believe that God heard and expect that He will act and answer our prayers. For the prayers that were prayed from our hearts were reflecting His heart. The tears that we shed were His tears.
Please continue to remember Saeed, his dear wife Naghmeh, and his children Jacob and Rebekka in your prayers. Also please remember the Persecuted Church in your prayers. For Saeed represents those who suffer for Christ around the world.
I would like to thank our partner ministries for helping to put this call on. For one ministry alone could not have pulled this off.
And most importantly, I would like to thank the Lord Jesus Christ who showed up mightily on our call. For were He not present, this call would have been in vain.
Brothers and sisters, much blessings be on you in Jesus.
Your brother in Christ,
Blaine Scogin and the VOP team
Prayer Director, Voice of the Persecuted
Director of Prayer, Persecution Watch
Ephesians 6:18
