A few weeks ago we shared with you that CNN took notice of The Voice of the Martyrs because of the prayer activity for Pastor Youcef and other Christians who are suffering because of their faith in Jesus Christ.
Yesterday, CNN did a follow up story on Pastor Youcef titled With pressure mounting, Iranian Supreme Court could rehear pastors case in which VOM's Todd Nettleton offered the following:
But don't tell that to the thousands of people who post comments on the Voice of the Martyrs Facebook page. The group's page has become a hub of activity for Americans interested in Christians who are being persecuted abroad. Written prayer is common for the page, with people regularly turning to God via Facebook.
Todd Nettleton, spokesman for Voice of the Martyrs, said the group's activity on Facebook has helped.
"I think in terms of people praying for Pastor Youcef, that has had an effect, and I think we are seeing the results of that," Nettleton said. "Iran is a bit hesitant to put this man to death, and I think that is a result of international pressure."
Zafar said that although international pressure like Voice of the Martyrs is helping keep Nadarkhani alive, Iran is probably hoping to delay the case so long that the international community moves on to the next pressing issue.
Iran's hope is that they "delay a little longer so the pressure would die down and they can make a decision under the guise of the dark," he said.
Nettleton said that won't happen.
"We continue to monitor the case and we continue to talk about it on our Facebook page," he said. "One way or another, people are going to know when a verdict is announced."