Pocatello prayer vigil for Saeed Abedini

Prayer vigils were held all over the nation to mark two years to the day since Boise pastor Saeed Abedini was arrested in Iran and sentenced to eight years in prison there.

The vigils were organized by his wife, Naghmeh, as a plea to release her husband, who is said to have been beaten and tortured because he is a Christian.

For many, the vigil was a spiritual experience. Many there said despite all their different beliefs, their belief is that if enough people pray for his safe return soon, those prayers will be answered.

Attendees said prayers can be powerful, especially with a whole nation praying together. It’s a sentiment shared by many at the vigil, inspiring others to focus on the pain in the world.

“I would just hope that, as the body of Christ, we would have compassion and that we would have a burden for the world around us for all the hurts that are represented,” said Grace Carbol, a vigil attendee.

Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad was also there to share his thoughts on Saeed’s situation. Paster Jeff Fadness of the Calvary Chapel presided over the vigil.

“They say he was a threat to national security but the bottom line is it’s because he’s a Christian,” said Fadness. “And you can’t put it any other way.”

Fadness said every part of this prayer vigil is important, from the large group prayers to the small group prayers, but he said there are other things that can help as well.

“People can write their congressmen,” he said. “They can make a noise through what’s called the Be Heard Project online, write letters, just do whatever it takes to see his release.”

One attendee said Naghmeh has attended services at the Calvary Chapel before, and she was left with a powerful message.

“She never gives up, and that’s one of the most important things with prayer,” said Dana Hendricks. “You never give up. The Lord will come through. I truly believe that.”

Fadness said Saeed could be released if he denounces Christianity and returns to Islam, but he said anyone who knows Saeed knows he could never deny his beliefs, even for his own personal safety.

For more information about the Be Heard Project, find Saeed’s page here: beheardproject.com/saeed