[DAII]

From DKB's latest Bulletin 12/01 (http://upci.org/news/Default.asp?NID=805) :

Urgent Prayer Request for Persecuted Pastor

Through multicultural ministries in North America, God has given us an open door in a totalitarian country where we did not have an Apostolic contact. There is great revival in the country and among emigrants from the country, with hundreds baptized in Jesus' name. Several leaders have been imprisoned and even sentenced to death. A number of individuals and churches have petitioned for their release through the government's embassies in the U.S. and Canada, but we have not directly involved the UPCI name because of concern about harming other evangelistic efforts in the region. A U.S. government body that monitors religious freedom around the world is also pressing for their release.

The imprisoned leader of this group has been scheduled for hanging in a few days. On the day that the execution letter arrived, more people were baptized in Jesus' name. Let us pray for God's intervention so that this leader's life will be spared and he will be released. Let us also pray for continued revival in this country and among this ethnic group.

Sincerely in Christ,
David K. Bernard

The Pastor in Question:

Iranian Pastor Accused of ‘Thought Crimes’ to Die by Hanging

According to www.presenttruthmn.com, the official verdict has now been delivered in writing to Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, stating that he is to be hung for the crime of apostasy.

Spokesman Jason DeMars of Present Truth Ministries, says: “There are 20 days to appeal the verdict, and Youcef’s attorney is now beginning the process of the appeal.”

The prayer burdens surrounding this development are many, DeMars said in an e-mail to ASSIST News Service.

“Please pray for Youcef, that God would grant him peace and strength in this hour, that God would move on his behalf, and that he would be delivered! Pray also for his wife and children; this is extremely difficult for them.

“We are trusting our great Lord to give her the peace that comes only from the True Comforter. Pray that the church in Iran would stand strong, that their faith would not be shaken, but that their eyes would remain fixed on Christ. Pray also for the local officials in charge of this case in Iran, that their hearts would be changed, and that they would experience salvation in Jesus Christ,” he said.

http://continentalnews.net/christian...ging-3344.html

More on the Branhamite connection and Pastor Youcef:
http://presenttruthmn.com/biblical-d...e-of-the-hour/
http://presenttruthmn.com/biblical-d...e-of-the-hour/

Updates about Pastor Youcef posted on Bramham.org

http://branham.org/20101109_UpdateFromIran
http://branham.org/20101202_UpdateOnBrotherYoucef
http://branham.org/20100816_UpdateOnIran

I am hoping and praying that this pastor is released ... however ... the org's Apostolic contact in Iran is through a Branhamite ministry?