This week as I have been resting from my eye surgery, I have had a lot of time just to be still, pray and think. I have thought a lot about the last 15 wonderful years as the pastor of Southside Bible Church in Greenwood, Indiana. My mind’s eye has taken me back to all of the different places we have met in for worship. These are great memories. But these memories have been interrupted numerous times this week
as I have reflected on the events surrounding Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani. Pastor Youcef is younger than my three sons. He has been arrested by the Islamic regime in Tehran for converting to Christianity. It appears that he will soon be executed because of his unwillingness to recant his faith in Jesus Christ. There is no doubt in my mind that his testimony will be used of the Lord to reach many thousands all around the world. His ministry is not one of wonderful buildings or exciting programs. It is much simpler and yet much more powerful. It is a ministry and a life of simple faith. Please join me and Kathleen and we join with thousands of other believers all around the world in praying for Pastor Youcef, his wife and their children.
onemorechurch
finishing our lives loving what He loves
Thanks Ken for sharing Pastor Youcef’s story. I will partner with you & Kathleen in prayer for them.
God Bless.
Thanks for highlighting this story, Ken. The last item I read on this a few days ago indicated that it is expected Iran will execute him without warning, possibly soon. He is in our prayers.
An interesting point, indeed if the government puts this man to death of professing a faith in Jesus Christ, God’s will may be that millions of people stuck in Islamic nations will be reached with the gospel. I wonder how many Americans who profess a faith in Christ would be willing to be executed to maintain that faith?
Just now reading this older blogpost, Ken. I am so grateful you have highlighted Pastor Youcef. I have been lifting him up in prayer for awhile, since this story really starting catching fire. While Pastor Youcef is 1 man being brought to international attention, there are literally thousands of Christian believers in prison in Iran. Yet, sadly, they are not newsworthy so we don’t hear of them. I have no doubt God is using this one Pastor in a very important way. And my 85-year old Mother for many years has supported a specific ministry that broadcast the gospel and Christian programming into Iran. There is surely a vibrant church inside Iran! We are in an amazing time. Will be praying for you & Kathleen as you find the LORD’s path for your next steps.