We are pleased to announce that Pastor Andrew Brunson has been released from house arrest, which he has been under since July 25, 2018. According to the New York Times, he was sentenced to 3 years, 1 month and 15 days in prison, but the judge has removed all restrictions on Brunson, allowing him to return to the United States - due to good behavior and the time he has already served in prison and house arrest respectively.
Prior to that, from October 7, 2016 to July 25, 2018, Andrew was imprisoned in Turkey, including on false charges of collaborating with Fetullah Gülen, who Turkey considers the mastermind behind the failed military coup in 2016.
Furthermore, Andrew has been accused of 'Christianization', as Turkey called Brunson's evangelizing work among the Kurds, which the prosecutor claimed was aimed at getting the Kurds to rebel against the Turkish state and divide the country into two parts, a Kurdish part and a Fethullah Gülen part. It was thought-provoking that Turkey considered evangelization, or 'Christianization' to be an act of terrorism.
Prior to his imprisonment, Brunson had worked 23 years in Turkey as a missionary and led Diriliş (Resurrection), a small church in Izmir, with his wife, Norine.
An honor to suffer for Christ
Andrew Brunson has publicly proclaimed his innocence several times, but stated that it was an honor to suffer for Jesus:
"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 "
In the midst of persecution for Jesus' sake, Andrew wrote a beautiful hymn, You are worthy of my all, which can be read below.
Thank you to everyone who prayed and appealed
Through the Danish European Mission, many Danes have written letters to the Turkish Ministry of Interior appealing for Andrew to be released. Many others have also supported Brunson, including the US President, Donald Trump, who has personally engaged in the case and imposed punitive tariffs on Turkish steel and other products to pressure Turkey to release Brunson.
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You are worthy, worthy of my all
You are worthy, worthy of my all
My tears and pain I lift up as an offering
Teach me to share in the fellowship of your suffering
Lamb of God you are worthy of my all.
You are worthy, worthy of my all
Adopted as a son, a brother to my King
Indeed I will share in your glory if I share your suffering
Jesus, you are worthy of my all.
You are worthy, worthy of my all
But my heart faints, drowned in sorrow, overwhelmed
Make me like you, Cross-bearer, persevering, faithful to the end
To stand the trial and receive the crown of life.
You are worthy, worthy of my all
This is my declaration in the darkest hour
Jesus, the Faithful One who loves me, always good and true
You made me yours, you are worthy of my all.
I want to be found worthy to stand before you on that day
With no regrets from cowardice, things left undone
To hear you say, "Well done, my faithful friend, now enter your reward"
Jesus, my Joy, you are the prize I'm running for.
You are worthy, worthy of my all
You are worthy, worthy of my all
What can I give to the Son of God, who gave himself for me
Here I am, you are worthy of my all.
(Andrew Brunson, September 2017)
Danish European Mission has received this song from our partner, Middle East Concern