Imprisoned Iranian Pastor Reportedly Leads 'Over 30 People to Christ'

Pastor Saeed Abedini, an American citizen imprisoned in Iran on charges that he was evangelizing in the Islamic country, has been jailed for nearly one year in the notorious Evin Prison. On Thursday, a world-wide prayer vigil will be held to commemorate this tragic anniversary.

Despite his plight, which includes intense pain, suffering and mistreatment, Abedini's wife, Naghmeh, recently revealed an intriguing fact during an address she delivered at Liberty University -- a tidbit that will likely enrage Iranian officials: The detained Christian has reportedly "led...over 30 people to Christ."

Pastor Saeed Abedini and his kids (Photo credit: ACLJ.org)

Naghmeh told students at the college that her husband has bravely stood for his faith while in prison, even risking his freedom, his health -- and his life -- to do so.

"They've told him many times that they would free him and allow him to return to our family, the kids and I, if he would deny his Christian faith, and he's stood strong in that prison," she said. "He's led many, many—over 30 people—to Christ in that prison."

Watch her message, below:

If Abedini is, indeed, converting his fellow prisoners to Christianity, it's likely that Iranian officials would be less-than-content to learn of this development.

Naghmeh also told the Liberty University audience that he has been tortured and abused, as captors have told him that returning to Islam is paramount. Despite the odds being stacked against him -- and taking into account his poor health -- Abedini continues to remain strong.

In a letter that was sent to his wife earlier this year, he shared some of the physical and mental abuse he has sustained while in captivity. According to the text, the pastor has been denied medical treatment because of his faith as well.

“The nurse would also come to take care of us and provide us with treatment, but she said in front of others ‘in our religion we are not suppose to touch you, you are unclean. Baha’i (religion) and Christians are unclean!’ She did not treat me and that night I could not sleep from the intense pain I had,” Abedini wrote in his note (read the rest of that letter here).

The preacher's plight continues, but it's clear he hasn't lost hope. For more about the vigil being held this week, go here.

(H/T: Charisma News)

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