American Andrew Brunson, who has worked as a pastor in Turkey for 23 years and has now been wrongfully imprisoned for a year and a half, will appear in court on April 16, 2018. Andrew and his lawyer have only recently been presented with the case file and the evidence that has been kept secret until now, giving Andrew's lawyer very little time to prepare for the trial. Andrew faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted on the false and very serious espionage and terrorism-related charges against him.
An honor to suffer for Christ
Andrew Brunson has publicly declared his innocence several times over the past year and a half, and recently he made this confession in prison:
“Let me make it clear: I am not in prison because of anything I have done wrong, but because of who I am - a Christian pastor. I desperately miss my wife and children. But I am convinced that this is true: it is an honor to suffer for Jesus Christ, just as so many others have done before me. My deepest thanks to all of you around the world who stand with me and pray for me ”
Andrew's daughter Jaquline fights for her father
Jaqueline has spoken up for her father on several occasions, most recently presenting her case to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
"I grew up in Turkey and it has been difficult for me to understand the situation. My family loves and respects the Turkish people and my father has been dedicated to serving them for over two decades. I know that the accusations against my father are absurd. He is not an armed terrorist trying to overthrow any government. My father is a peaceful pastor. My family has suffered a lot in the last year and a half. It has been a time filled with tears and countless unanswered questions", says a touched Jaqueline.
Dad struggled to hug us
Jaqueline, who is married and lives in the US, took a big risk when she flew to Turkey in August 2017.
“I will never forget the day we visited him. I remember hearing my father's voice for the first time in a year as they led him into the room. I remember how broken, tired and desperate he sounded as he struggled to meet us in a room where he could hug and hold us... It was hard to find words because the emotions were too strong and they led to even more tears. It was hard to see my father so broken, so thin and so desperate. My father hated that we children had to see him like this."says Jaqueline.
You can help Andrew and his family by
- Pray for Andrew and his family. Norine, Andrew's wife, calls for prayer during this crucial time: "Please pray as Andrew's trial begins on April 16th. May the truth be known. May the Lord's harbor be glorified. May Andrew be set free.", says Norine.
- Write to the Turkish authorities and ask them to release Andrew.
Click here to download the appeal letter.
Sign and date the appeal letter and send it scanned to the Danish European Mission at: info@forfulgtekristne.dk or by post to Danish European Mission, Drejervej 15, 2400 Copenhagen NV. The Danish European Mission will then forward the appeal to the Turkish Ministry of the Interior.
Click here to see the appeal letter in Danish.
Image: ACLJ
