Turkey (MNN) — Andrew Brunson will appear in court tomorrow for his third hearing in four months. Despite rumors circulating about Brunson’s release, Miles Windsor of Middle East Concern says, “Pastor Brunson isn’t free until he’s free.
“In advance of his next hearing, we would certainly value prayer for him, for his release, for him to stand firm and for him to know God’s comfort.”
American-born pastor Andrew Brunson was arrested in 2016 in suspected connection to Turkey’s failed coup. He’s been in prison ever since and, if convicted, faces a sentence of up to 35 years.
(Photo courtesy of Middle East Concern)
Please pray for Brunson’s family, and for the persecuted pastor.
“It’s been an ongoing trauma for Andrew and his family for such a long time now, and it’s been so extraordinarily painful,” Windsor says.
Norine Brunson is Andrew’s wife, and wrote the following in a July 7 post on the couple’s Facebook page:
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for persevering in prayer with us. I pass on your comments to Andrew from time to time. YOU, the body of Christ, are truly amazing! Where else do people love and pray for others they’ve never met? What a testimony YOU have been.
The summer heat means Andrew can’t sleep well as he is constantly drenched in sweat. He makes a point of offering that up as a sacrifice. He is not wanting to exaggerate the discomfort of heat – he knows that many have been in much worse conditions.
He has been calmer recently as is trying to see things through the lenses of demonstrating the value, the worth of Jesus – that those whom He loves and who love Him are willing to suffer for him. He often prays “Father, cause to burst into flame in me the love you have for Jesus, that I may be a fervent, ardent lover of Him, willing to undergo whatever is asked.”
Please remember the next hearing date – July 18.
U.S. senators Lindsey Graham and Jeanne Shaheen met with Turkey’s president at the end of June to discuss the case. Few details were released regarding their visit and whether it will affect the court’s decision tomorrow or not. But, as believers, we know the authorities are guided by God’s hand.
Pray for His will to be done in this situation. Pray that the outcome of Brunson’s case will not stop believers from sharing the Gospel in Turkey.
“This has come to the point where it’s no longer in Turkey’s interest to hold Pastor Brunson,” Windsor comments.
“[Pray] that the Turkish authorities would allow his release.”
Read our previous coverage of Pastor Andrew Brunson’s case here.
Header photo courtesy of World Witness.
