Christian Man Fined & Sentenced Over AZ Home Bible Studies Reportedly Starts His Jail Sentence Today

On Friday, we told you about Michael Salman, the Christian man who has been fined and sentenced to 60 days in jail over his home Bible studies in Phoenix, Arizona. Initially, reports claimed that Salman would potentially be jailed within the next week. Today, a Facebook message posted to his personal profile says that he must report to the jailhouse by 10 a.m. MST.

"Today I have to report to jail at 10:00 AM to start my jail sentence," he wrote. "While those at our home are praying and seeking the Lord's face we ask you all to please pray for us. I want you all to know that we love you and thank you for all your support."

Salman ended the note by claiming that he believes that he and his family "will win in the end." He also wrote, "Glory to God!"

(Related: Christian Fined & Sentenced to 60 Days in Jail Over AZ Home Bible Studies)

The Phoenix New Times reports that Salman had already gone to the Maricopa County jailhouse earlier in June in an effort to commence his sentence. Oddly, the outlet reports that he was turned away, attributing the action to city officials potentially "losing their nerve." He has apparently been waiting for a date to report since this unfolded.

As we previously reported, Salman has been sentenced to a startling 60 days in jail, given a $12,180 fine and granted three years probation for refusing to stop hosting Bible studies at his home. Why, you ask? He‘s apparently in violation of the city’s building code laws.

City officials claim that he’s running an operation that is reminiscent of a home church — but without the required permits. And according to Fox’s Todd Starnes, Phoenix court documents show that he violated 67 codes. Unless the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals grants an emergency injunction, he will be jailed for the time given (read the rest of his story here).

Also, watch the video that Salman and his wife produced and posted on YouTube to explain the ongoing debacle:

The Blaze exchanged messages with Salman this weekend and planned to speak with him on Monday for an interview about the ongoing legal drama. Phone calls this morning to a phone number he provided went unanswered.

This is a breaking news story. Stay tuned for updates.