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!"

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories