Pastor Saeed Abedini Expected To Finally Reach U.S. Soil, Wife Naghmeh Asks for Healing Prayers

By Julie Brown Patton

Iranian-American pastor Saeed Abedini, who was released from imprisonment by Iran Saturday, is expected to physically reach the United States Thursday evening (Jan. 21). While in prison during the last three years with charges of undermining Iranian government security, he was questioned about his Christian faith and tortured.

Since being released from the Iranian prison as part of a prisoner exchange agreement with Iran, Abedini has been at a U.S. military hospital in Germany.

Read The Gospel Herald coverage:  Saeed Abedini:  American Pastor Freed from Iran Prison Along with Three Other Americans  

According to a Facebook post made Wednesday by his wife, Naghmeh Abedini, she described him in "very good condition."

6423680
Saeed Abedini and Congressman Robert Pittenger met in Germany. Naghmeh Abedini Facebook

"Please pray for us as we will be spending weeks or possibly months healing as a family and going through counseling," Naghmeh Abedini said. She also asked for prayers "that we can heal and move forward united as a family."

Naghmeh Abedini shocked supporters in November when she said her husband abused her and was addicted to porn.

Saeed Abedini will spend a few days with his parents before his wife and children join him Monday, she said. She hopes their son Jacob will get his birthday wish to spend his 8th birthday in March at a Disney theme park with his father.

"I am thankful for Franklin Graham for coming along side our family through this next steps of the difficult journey ahead," said Naghmeh.

"I am believing in a miracle for our marriage. WE need your prayers more than ever. The enemy wants to bring division and destruction. Please pray that we can heal and move forward united as a family."

Naghmeh tweeted: "I just had a wonderful call w/ ‪@BarackObama ‪@POTUS ! Our family is so thankful for all the hard work and support in bringing Saeed home."  

One of Naghmeh's Facebook friends, Ann Saladino Lindholm posted a direct message to her:  "As a military family, Spec Ops, many deployments and battling PTSD, I can attest to the trials that arise with so much outside stress on a marriage. The Lord is powerful and mighty. I am praying for your marriage and for our Lord to bring healing, unity, and strength. In the name of Jesus, I speak against Satan and his attacks. Love you sister!"

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo

Top Stories