American Pastor Saeed Abedini, a US citizen who is suffering from serious injuries at the hands of his Iranian captors, has told family members he is praying for America in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings.
According to a story by Jordan Sekulow for the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), during a brief visit with family members, Abedini reported that he is experiencing intense pain as a result of untreated internal bleeding - injuries he sustained from repeated beatings and torture in Iran.
The ACLJ said Iranian prison authorities have told Abedini he will not receive any medical treatment for his injuries for another two months.
Even as his medical condition worsens, Abedini told family members he had heard about the terrorist bombings in Boston on the prison radio. He expressed his concern, and told them he is praying for the victims and their families during this difficult time for Boston and the nation.
Abedini became an American citizen in March 2010. His wife told a Congressional panel last month that becoming an American citizen was one of the proudest moments in his life.
The ACLJ said that, in another example of the emotional and physical torture Abedini is enduring, he was recently taken to a hospital only to be turned away and returned to his prison cell untreated. He was then beaten again.
Abedini explained that during the course of his trial and intense interrogations, Iranian authorities continually accused him of engaging in a "soft war" against the regime through his Christian activities.
The ACLJ said Abedini has never been involved in political activities. His heart has been for the people of Iran, and he has always cooperated with Iranian authorities. He kept his promise to stop working with house churches, and worked with Iranian authorities on a non-religious orphanage.
The ACLJ commented, "Iran continues its violation of human rights - imprisoning, torturing, and refusing medical care for Pastor Saeed merely because of his faith. His faith is clearly keeping him alive, giving him the strength to endure this persecution."
"As Pastor Saeed prays for us, pray for him, and let him know he is not forgotten. Join tens of thousands of others in writing Pastor Saeed a letter at www.SaveSaeed.org for his May 7 birthday."
The ACLJ said they will deliver all the letters written. "Let this persecuted pastor know you care, and are praying for his freedom. It can make a tremendous difference. Help strengthen Pastor Saeed's spirits and let his captors know the world is watching Iran."
