Brother Youcef is scheduled to stand trial beginning today, September 8. He has been in an Iranian prison, away from his wife and two young boys for three years, and we are all praying that this new trial will be the first step towards freedom.

Before his arrest in 2009, he was the pastor of a 400-member church in Iran. Concerned about how his two sons were being taught, he went to their school and objected to them teaching the students Islam. He protested on the grounds that the Iranian constitution ensures freedom of religion. The secret police arrested him and brought him before a political tribunal in Rasht on October 12, 2009. At that time, he was charged for protesting, and has been in prison ever since.

He was later charged with “apostasy,” which is converting from Islam to Christianity. And then, the charge of “Evangelism to Muslims” was added and he was sentenced to death. His wife was also imprisoned and sentenced to life (she was later released). Even his attorneys have been threatened and imprisoned. Over the past couple years, Brother Youcef’s charges have been changed multiple times in an effort by the Iranian government to hide their persecution of Christians, and especially those who believe Brother Branham.

The situation in Iran has gathered international media attention, putting pressure on the government to release Brother Youcef. A few weeks ago, he was given another trial date, with little or no explanation. We ask that you remember our brother in prayer as he faces these new challenges.