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Saeed Abedini Shares Letter from President Obama, Thanking Him for 'Unyielding Faith'

  • Carrie Dedrick Religious persecution, missions, Christianity around the world
  • Updated Mar 11, 2016

Saeed Abedini was released from an Iranian prison in January after three and a half years. Since returning home the United States, the pastor has visited Washington, D.C. to thank the congressmen and political leaders that campaigned and prayed for his release. 

Abedini has now shared that President Obama himself sent a letter, thanking him for his “unyielding faith.” 

Abedini said, "I received my first letter in my first new address from President Obama. The letter was in answer to my thank you which I had sent him while at the Billy Graham Training Center just after I arrived in the U.S.”

In the letter, Obama wrote, "As President, I made a vow that our country would do everything in its power to win your release. I want to personally convey to you how gratified I am that we were finally able to do so.

"As you know, I was joined by many of our fellow Americans in praying for your freedom. We all now give thanks that you are home. Many will continue to be inspired by your unyielding faith and courage in the face of great adversity.” 

Many political and religious leaders criticized Obama’s efforts to release Abedini from captivity, claiming the President did not take enough action in the matter. However, Abedini spoke only words of gratitude to the President throughout his time in prison, according to The Christian Post

Photo courtesy: Religion News Service

Publication date: March 11, 2016