January 16th 2016
Great news to celebrate!
We are just learning of the release of AEA Ministries Pastor Saeed Abendini – and what a great Thank You God Moment!
American Pastor Saeed Abedini has just been released from imprisonment in Iran – where for more than three years, Pastor Saeed – a U.S. citizen – has endured imprisonment in Iran.
Pastor Saeed has been connected with the American Evangelistic Association since early 2010, when Dr. John Reinhold, who was then President of AEA, invited Pastor Saaed into the organization.
As CNN News reported: “Abedini, an Iran native and convert to Christinanity, was arrested in 2012 and convicted the next year on charges of attempting to undermine the Iranian government. He had been sentenced to eight years in prison.
His arrest came three years after he had been arrested by Iranian authorities and later released after agreeing to stop organizing churches in homes. His 2012 arrest came during a trip to help build a state-run secular orphanage.
The American Center for Law and Justice, a Washington-based group dedicated to protecting religious and constitutional freedoms, reported that Abedini has endured torture during his imprisonment and was beaten by fellow prisoners in June. He suffered injuries to his face during that incident, the center reported.
“We’re delighted this day has finally arrived,” ACLJ Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow said in a statement. “Pastor Saeed should never been imprisoned in the first place.”
Abedini’s wife, Naghmeh Abedini, said in the statement that the release was “an answer to prayer.””
We echo Nagmeh’s sentiment – and Thank God for His answer to our collective prayer! Welcome back, Pastor Saeed!
Best Blessings,
Kerry L. Fink
President – AEA Ministries