Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani turns 35 in prison

Please keep Pastor Youcef in your prayers.

Youcef Nadarkhani, an Iranian pastor imprisoned for his faith in Jesus Christ, turned 35 yesterday, April 11, reports Present Truth Ministries.

Youcef was arrested in October 2009 after he protested a government policy that required children, including his eight- and nine-year-old sons, to study the Qur’an in school. Youcef told school officials that the Iranian constitution allows for freedom of religious practice.

As a result of his protest, secret police called him before a political tribunal and arrested him for protesting. The charges were later amended to apostasy and evangelism of Muslims. Youcef was tried on September 21–22, 2010 by the 1st Court of the Revolutionary Tribunal and sentenced to death on November 13 for apostasy.

The pastor is imprisoned in Lakan prison, where authorities have used various methods, including medication, to convert him back to Islam.

An Iranian envoy has since denied an execution order was issued for Pastor Youcef, but revealed a list of charges that allegedly make him guilty of "offending Islam."

The envoy said Youcef was inviting juveniles into his home, without their parent's permission, to preach Christianity. He also claimed Youcef converted his basement into a church without the government's permission. He also said that in preaching Christianity, Youcef was offending Islam, a serious charge that shows the true reason why his case is so concerning to the government.

Please remember Pastor Youcef by praying for him and writing him an encouraging letter.

Please pray that:

• God will provide for Pastor Youcef’s every physical, spiritual, and emotional need while in prison.
• God will enfold Youcef’s family with His love and care.
• God will work in the hearts and lives of Iranian authorities involved in Youcef’s case.
• Youcef will be released, in God’s good timing.

Please send your letters to:
          Youcef Nadarkhani
          Lakan Prison
          Rasht
          ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN

Please note: When writing a letter, never mention the name of the source of your information or the name of any organization such as Voice of the Martyrs. Also, please do not state anything negative about their government. For more information on letter writing, click here. To create a letter using phrases in Youcef’s own language, please visit www.PrisonerAlert.com.