Family Life

09.29.11 | Sarah Harnisch

  An evangelical pastor is facing imminent execution in Iran for refusing to deny Christ.  Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani is the leader of a 400-church movement in Rasht, Iran. CBN news says he is set to be hanged today after being given 4 chances to renounce Christ; and refusing each time.  Jay Sekulow is the chief counsel for the American Center of Law and Justice. He says "if he recants his beliefs in Jesus Christ, then he gets mercy, according to Sharia law. And anybody who says Sharia law is compatable with universal human rights or the U.S. Constitution, obviously it's not-- and this is a perfect example of this."  At one point, Nadarkhani's Muslim lawyer was disbarred for 9 years representing him. Iran has threatened to take Nadarkhani's 6 and 8 year old children away-- and have them raised by Muslims. But still, Nadark-hani refuses to deny Christ.
   Sekulow says every American needs to get on their knees today. He says "pray-- and pray without ceasing for this family. We don't know exactly how they're going to impose this sentence so we're monitoring. There is also nothing wrong with calling your senator to get some action here. Call the state department."  Nadarkhani has exhausted all of his legal options. His family says unless there is a miracle, he could be executed at any moment today.