Reformed. Christianity. Evangelism. Modern Culture.
If you got a letter from me while in prison it would probably be full of me whingeing. I probably would complain how I’m missing three baths a day, missing day time Christian television game shows, missing the pizza parties on Sundays and movie sermon series. Oh yeah, you would get an ear full. Afterall we modern day Christians live in comfort and theology is just a by the way- a disposable means to an end. Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani has been in jail for the last 3 years. Has faced trial for apostasy and converting to Christianity and at this moment awaits execution by hanging. Despite many attempts by the authorities to quietly advise him to recant and renounce his faith in Christ he has remained steadfast. Here is an excerpt of his letter to his church members. See if you can hear his side of the story:
Dear brothers and sisters, Salam
In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I am continuously seeking grace and mercy to you, that you remember me and those who are bearing efforts for his name in your prayers.
Your loyalty to God is the cause of my strength and encouragement….
…May you are granted grace and blessings increasingly in the name of Lord Jesus Christ.
Yusef Nadarkhani
Lakan Prison in Rasht (written in 12th October 2010)
Following the receipt of new information pertaining to Pastor Nadarkhani’s affiliations I have added a new post here.
A Twisted Crown of Thorns ® 
Good post. What a great encouragement, How’d you find this letter? It is definitely a blessing. I love the strength and confidence Pastor Youcef shows in the middle of such a situation. Truly God is at work. I just wrote a small post about how we should respond to such situations from a western perspective for those interested http://heraldinthewilderness.wordpress.com/2011/10/04/when-god-calls-us-into-the-fire/
is the date of the letter correct? its a year old?
Its the only available letter. It’s dated October 2010.