Naghmeh Abedini Begins 21 Day Fast in Remembrance of Pastor Saeed and Persecuted Christians

Saeed Abedini and family

Naghmeh Abedini, the wife of Iranian American pastor Saeed Abedini who has been imprisoned in Iran for his Christian faith for almost three years, announced on Facebook that she will be fasting for 21 days to "remember Saeed and the persecuted church," and encouraged Christians to join her.

Her fast began on September 6 and will end on September 26, the date that marks the third year since Abedini was thrown into prison, and the day on which prayer vigils on his behalf will be taking place worldwide.

"I will be fasting from pleasant food (Daniel 10:3 'I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled')," she wrote. "I plan to abstain from coffee and chocolate. You are free to abstain from food, social media, TV, or skip a meal or two ... the point is to spend that time in prayer."

"The scripture that the Lord has given me for this time of prayer and fasting has been Hebrews 12:1-2," she continued. "That as we remember Saeed and the persecuted church (the 'witnesses'), we would look at our own walk with God and get rid of all of the sins that are so easily ensnaring us. The Lord is showing me that as we pray for Saeed and the persecuted church and remember the 'witnesses' revival can be brought into our own life and in our country."

Naghmeh also previously fasted for a 21-day period in January, leading up to January 27, the date that her husband was first charged of crimes in Iran.

Saeed Abedini has been imprisoned since 2012, and was arrested during his visit to Tehran while finalizing plans to build an orphanage in the city. He was sentenced to eight years in prison, accused of "endangering" national security.

Since then, he has faced abusive treatment while in prison, and has also been placed in solitary confinement for some periods of time, according to reports. Nahgmeh Abedini states that he currently has internal injuries from the beatings in prison that have not yet been properly treated.

Hundreds of prayer vigils will be taking place on September 26 in almost 30 different countries. Prayer vigil locations can be found at http://beheardproject.com/prayer-vigil/saeed.