Many of us have been praying for Pastor Saeed Abedini, the Iranian-born American pastor who has been a prisoner in Iran for the past three years. The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) confirmed this morning that Saeed has received his freedom.

Pastor Saeed Abedini – free man!

This is great good news, and the answer to millions of prayers. Please continue to pray. Saeed sustained many injuries as a result of the abuse he suffered at the hands of his guards, and they compounded the offense by denying him medical care. Please pray for his health and healing — not only for his physical wounds, but for the emotional and spiritual scars such an experience can leave.

Please pray also for the Abedini family, as they have some healing and adjustment to go through, too.

And please continue praying for the persecuted church — for those who are suffering for the name of Jesus. May they not be forgotten.

As you know, I don’t normally post here on Saturdays, but this was too important not to share. Rejoice, brothers! God has heard our prayers and granted freedom to our brother! And let’s follow his example of faithfulness to Christ even to the point of persecution and deprivation — and let’s show the same grace and forgiveness that he showed to his captors.

Thanks be to God! Hallelujah!