Iranian Pastor gets Temporary Delay in Death Sentence.
This is a follow up on a posting that Stacy shared with us in the middle of the month.
By way of reminder, here is the first paragraph of that report:
Christians in Iran are reporting that Pastor Youcef Nardarkhani has been sentenced to death for what is called a “thought crime.” VOM contacts confirm that the pastor’s trial was held in recent weeks in the 11th Chamber of The Assize Court of the province of Gilan, but a formal verdict has not yet been delivered by the court.
Today, our good friends at the Assist News Service have more information on the plight of our brother Youcef Nardarkhani. The latest info is that there has been a delay in the carrying out of his sentence of death for "thought crime."
Michael Ireland reports:
DeMars [Jason DeMars of www.presenttruthmn.com] says Nadarkhani is currently under a sentence of death, but authorities are delaying the delivery of the verdict in order to put more pressure on him to turn away from Christ.
"Once the written verdict is delivered, there will be 20 days to appeal to the Supreme Court," DeMars said.
Currently, Nadarkhani's attorney is being denied any access to him, DeMars told ANS.
"However, security officials have informed the courts to temporarily delay his execution until further notice. Youcef is being kept in a security prison in Lakan, Iran, which is just south of Rasht, his hometown," said DeMars.
The authorities may intend this delay to occur because they want Pastor Youcef to deny Christ but I thank. Jesus, for delay and pray that in it Christ would be glorified.
Iran is center stage on many news shows today with their plans and stance on the world stage. Let us join in prayer for our brother and his family and pray that the Holy Spirit would bring peace and strength to them. Pray too for Pastor Youcef's jailers, that they would see Christ in our brother and hunger for the freedom and liberty found only in the blood of Christ shed for them so that they could become sons of the Most High God.