I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1
Easter eggs hunts, ham dinners with friends and family, worshipping together.....but.....
What would you do if you couldn't see your family and friends for 907days?
How would you feel if you couldn't talk to or hug them for 907days?
What events would you miss of theirs in 907 days?
These are the things Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani and thousands of others face everday.....out of their love, devotion and praise for Jesus Christ.
Pastor Youcef was taken from his family October 2009. He's been allowed sparse visitations with his family, like for the birthday of one of his sons. His situation hits home for me because I'm just four years older that Pastor Youcef, and we share a birthday, April 11th. For a young father and husband to be subjected to such isolation is a lifetime of milestones missed with his children and anniversaries he should be sharing with his beloved wife.
When I think of the persecution he still suffers, the isolation from friends and family and the forms of torture he's been subjected to, I've come to realize in great depth what God means for us to be Living Sacrifices.
Persecuted Christians like Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani are not just persecuted Christians, but Living Sacrifices speaking out for relious freedom. Theirs and ours. People like Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani need people like you and me to speak for them.
Blessings, Liz Ciccone
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