September Prayer Alert: Youcef Nadarkhani
Youcef Nardarkhani has been sentenced to death for his faith.
Youcef Nardarkhani is a 34-year-old pastor from Rasht, Iran, who has been sentenced to death for apostasy (turning away from Islam).
Youcef was arrested in October 2009 after he protested a government policy that required children, including his 8- and 9-year-old sons, to study the Koran in school. Youcef told school officials that Iran’s constitution allows for freedom of religious practice. He was arrested by the secret police and charged with apostasy and evangelism of Muslims. He was tried in September 2010 and sentenced to death on 13 November 2010 for apostasy.
Youcef has been held in prison where the authorities have used various methods, including medication, to convert Youcef back to Islam. But he has refused to deny his faith in Christ.
Because of his firm stand, the authorities also arrested wife, Fatemah, who was put on trial without an attorney and sentenced to life in prison. She was later released after an attorney appealed her sentence.
On 3 July 2011, following an international prayer campaign, Iran’s Supreme Court overturned Youcef’s death sentence, under the condition that he recants his Christian faith.
“The Supreme Court has annulled the death sentence and sent the case back to the court in Rasht, asking the accused to repent,” Youcef’s lawyer said.
It is not clear what will happen if he does not recant.
Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani remains in prison awaiting re-examination of his case. Voice of the Martyrs contacts report that he is standing firm and strong in his faith. He is even encouraging other prisoners, exhorting them to trust in the Lord.
How You Can Help
1. PRAY for Youcef and other Christians who are imprisoned for their faith.
- That Youcef will stand firm in his faith, full of joy and courage in the Lord.
- For Youcef’s case to be heard and that he will be released.
- That God will comfort, protect and encourage Youcef and his family.
- For Youcef’s attorney who is facing imprisonment for his work for religious freedom in Iran.
Use this PowerPoint to share Youcef’s story and pray for him at church, youth group or school.
2. WRITE a special note of encouragement to your persecuted brother.
Your prayers are vital and your letters of encouragement speak loudly to the authorities in Iran that Youcef Nardarkhani is not alone and will not be forgotten!
Print this advocacy profile and get your youth group to write to encourage Youcef Nardarkhani.
Youth Group Resources
Posted in Get Involved
4 Responses to “September Prayer Alert: Youcef Nadarkhani”
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Youcef is an amazing man of God. reading his letter breaks my heart.
Christians these days, including myself forget the value of our Lord and
the freedom we have to say we are Christians, when people like Youcef
are put to death because they say they believe in our fatherGod!.
Youcef is facing death in the face, and to stand stonger then ever
and declare he would rather be put to death then give up his faith
is beyond me or any other!. He is truley amazing and deserves the freedom
he so well deserves. He gives me courage to move on and to stand
strong in my faith, not only for myself but for him and others in his
position!. I have the freedom to say proudly that I am Christian
and I can freely walk around living for God and doing his ways!.
for people in Youcefs position I pray for them, I pray that
no matter what, there faith for Christ means more then
the lies of the world! We may never fully understand the depths of gods
love but He understands our heart for him!
stand strong in the Lord Youcef, you are truly amazing,
Gods watchin over you and your family!
xox
Mi querido hermano estoy orando por tu vida, tranquilo que Dios tiene todo bajo su control. El es el Señor y todas las cosas que nos pasan tienen su proposito glorioso…
hermano
Tu Me das coraje para seguir adelante y estar
fuerte en mi fe.
Dios te benga.
DESDE COLOMBIA ESTAMOS ORANDO POR TI Y TU FAMIA.
Youcef is a loving caring man who cares for God nad will not say no to be a christian.I was so sad when I read the story. It is just so sad to see other in other countries that people get killed because of their faith I am so happy I live in Australia and I can worship my God freely but Youcef does not have this right were he can freely worship his God. I just pray that God will be with his family in this very tough time but also remember that when he is killed he will be with his heavenly father forever which is the azaming part of the story. I will pray that his country will release that he has done nothing wrong and he does not have to worship the Islam and everyone can worship what they choice. Stabd strong Youcef nad remember all chritians around the world care for you and that your Heavenly father is waiting for. Love Lauren your Spirtually Sister
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