Christian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who is in an Iranian prison facing a death for preaching Christianity, has written this open letter to the world.
May 7, 2012
Greetings from your servant and younger brother in Christ, Youcef Nadarkhani.
To: All those who are concerned and worried about my current situation.
First, I would like
to inform all of my beloved brothers and sisters that I am in perfect
health in the flesh and spirit. And I try to have a little different
approach from others to these days, and consider it as the day of exam
and trial of my faith. And in these days which are hard in order to
prove your loyalty and sincerity to God, I am trying to do the best in
my power to stay right with what I have learned from God's commandments.
I need to remind my
beloveds, though my trial due has been so long, and as in the flesh I
wish these days to end, yet I have surrendered myself to God's will.
I am neither a
political person nor do I know about political complicity, but I know
that while there are many things in common between different cultures,
there are also differences between these cultures around the world which
can result in criticism, which most of the times response to this
criticisms will be harsh and as a result will lengthen our problems.
From time to time I
am informed about the news which is spreading in the media about my
current situation, for instance being supported by various churches and
famous politicians who have asked for my release, or campaigns and human
rights activities which are going on against the charges which are
applied to me. I do believe that these kind of activities can be very
helpful in order to reach freedom, and respecting the human rights in a
right way can bring forth great results in this.
I want to appreciate
all those are trying to reach to this goal. But at the other hand, I'd
like to announce my disgust at insulting words or activities which make
stress and trouble, which unfortunately are done with the justification
(excuse) of defending human rights and freedom, for the final result is
so clear and obvious for me. Insulting the belief of other nations or
people, whether they be a majority or minority, is not accepted and is
an unworthy deed, specifically for those who have this teaching to love
and respect others more than themselves and treat them the same as you
want to be treated.
Then, burning and
insulting is not a reverent behavior for a Christian, but it's worthy to
be in obedience to the word of God and humble ourselves to glorify God.
I try to be humble
and obedient to those who are in power, obedience to those in authority
which God has granted to the officials of my country, and pray for them
to rule the country according to the will of God and be successful in
doing this. For I know this in this way I have obeyed God's word. I try
to obey along with those whom I see in a common situation with me. They
never had any complaint, but just let the power of God be manifested in
their lives, and though sometimes we read that they have used this right
to defend themselves, for they had this right, I am not an exception as
well and have used all possibilities and so forth and am waiting for
the final result.
So I ask all the
beloved ones to pray for me as the holy word has said. At the end I hope
this be prepared as soon as possible, as the authorities of my country
will do with free will according to their law and commandments which are
answerable to.
May God's Grace and Mercy be upon you now and forever. Amen.
Youcef Nadarkhani
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