Pastor Saeed Abedini was finally released from his prison cell in Iran, only to be greeted by bad news when he got home. His wife Naghmeh filed a domestic relations case against him and refused to remain in his presence when he got to the Billy Graham Training Center in North Carolina.
"Last November, Naghmeh began to write about our marriage on her Facebook page and suspended her public advocacy for me. Her Facebook reports have been widely reported in other media outlets, raising questions about me, and the state of our marriage," Abedini said in a statement to the Idaho Statesman. "As a prisoner in Iran I was not able to respond to her comments and accusations. I have chosen not to respond in the two weeks I have been back in America because I believe personal issues are best dealt with personally."
But now, Abedini would like to voice out his thoughts regarding the matter. He admitted that his marriage with Naghmeh is currently under "great stress," although he is optimistic about healing and restoration.
"I love my wife and want God's will for both of our lives," he said. Abedini even hailed her as a "hero" for being a single parent to their two children, all the while leading a crusade on his behalf.
However, Abedini said "much of what I have read in Naghmeh's posts and subsequent media reports is not true."
He requested for some privacy as they work on rebuilding their relationship.
Abedini admitted that he is a sinner and could not profess to be the perfect husband to Naghmeh. He is hopeful that with God's help, he will be able to achieve "victory" in his crumbling marriage.
"While I am far from perfect — as a man or as a husband, I am seeking every day to submit to God as He molds me into what He wants me to be," he said.
