Youcef Nadarkhani Update

Youcef Nadarkhani

I've scoured the web looking for any updated information on Youcef Nadarkhani and as it currently stands there's no new information that I was able to find. 

Pastor Youcef remains in prison, having had his death sentence annulled for the time being by the Iranian Supreme Court siting insufficient background evidence to prove that he was in fact a declared, practicing Muslim prior to his conversion to Christ.  His case was then remanded back to the lower court in Rast where they are waiting on Youcef to recant his Christian faith, as well as to find sufficient evidence to prove to the court that he was a declared Muslim.  As it stands, if he does recant all charges will be dropped.  However, if he does not, then he most likely will see the death sentence reinstated by the lower court.  The Supreme Court agrees with the death sentence, but sited procedural flaws in proving he was once a Muslim.  Had they been able to prove this, then he would have been hanged in 20 days.

The Nadarkhanis

Youcef's lawyer, Mohammed Ali Dadkhah, was later sentenced to nine years in prison and ten years of not being able to practice law or teach in the Iranian universities.  He was charged for "actions and propaganda against the Islamic regime."

Youcef has been imprisoned since October of 2009.  He is 33 years old, married abd has two young sons.


According to Voice of the Martyrs, they had this to say about his prison stay,

The pastor is imprisoned in Lakan prison, where authorities have used various methods, including medication, to [attempt to] convert him back to Islam.

Please pray for Youcef and his family, and as well for Iran to become open to the gospel.  Pray that change will come to this nation through Christ.  I've prayed for Youcef daily and have been asking God to comfort Youcef and give him peace and to strengthen him against their attempts to convert him.  I've prayed that God would use him so strongly while in prison to preach to guards as well as fellow inmates.

It's easy for us to go about our daily routines oblivious to the fact that the church is severely persecuted abroad.  We should pray for our brothers and sisters and become co-laborers and co-sufferers for them through prayer to Christ.

I encourage you to pray also for Iran that it would become open to the gospel.  We must pray that when God does open the country that we too will be ready to leave everything, every comfort, luxury and presumed security, if necessary, to take the gospel in love and service to this nation.  We must be ready to go should He call.  Please pray.