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Joseph "I'm Innocent!"
In May 2007 we reported how Joseph was arrested and charged with the possession of drugs. These drugs had been planted by the authorities to put a stop to his strong evangelical outreach to the community. As a Christian, he felt ashamed to have been arrested on these trumped up charges. Fear and astonishment flooded his mind as he cried out to the guards "I am innocent!" During five days in lockup the guards severely and systematically beat him to coerce a confession from him which, under great duress, he reluctantly did. In court, though he pleaded not guilty, Joseph was sentenced to 15 years of hard labour. The sentence was a devastating blow for both Joseph and his family. Legal aid was hired and VOM Australia funded the cost to present evidence that would testify to his innocence before the court. But in all of this darkness Joseph found strength in the 23rd Psalm and it reminded him of God's unfailing love for him. He placed his trust completely in God.
We asked Joseph to describe for us what it was like for a Christian during the time he was in prison. He replied "It was a clear case of discrimination against us. We were constantly watched and many Christians suffered from the cruelty that was inflicted on them by the guards. It was normal for us to receive beatings for no reason at all. It was simply because we were Christians and targeted for special attention by the guards who were instructed by the authorities."
After spending one year in prison, the guards' attention relaxed slightly as small groups of Christians began meeting for worship. Of course this came at a cost. Either money or food was given to a friendly guard, but these times were so precious to the believers that they were willing to sacrifice what they had just so they could meet and worship together.
Often when Joseph thought that things were easing on the Christians, they would be set apart for "special duties" projects for a senior officer. These duties were some of the hardest times that Joseph had to face. They would operate in a chain gang on a project. A normal gang would take two days to complete a project. However, the Christian chain gang were told they had to finish the project within one day or be forced to pay the penalty. He thought one time that he would die from the hard labour but he refused to be discouraged and trusted the Lord for his strength to endure. Many were not as fortunate as Joseph in escaping the pain and suffering.
Looking into the eyes of Joseph one could see a determination and strength to survive this trial. Throughout the interview we sensed that this young man had seen and experienced many terrible things. He had certainly witnessed much, but deep in his spirit there is a will to stand firm in the Word of God and, through Christ, to rise from this trial victorious. After serving only three years and two months a miracle happened. Through a government amnesty programme Joseph was released. It was on 15th November 2007, that Joseph made his way home to surprise his family. His mother was surprised; not expecting anyone. She went and opened the door. There in the doorway stood Joseph. He simply said three words, "Mum, Mum Mum!" She was shocked to see her son standing there and with tears flowing she embraced him tightly and called for the family saying "Joseph is home . . . come quickly!" Today, Joseph takes a leading role in the youth activities in the church. Recently he led a Gospel team to evangelise villages and shared his testimony of God's grace in his life. He comments that "In this world there is nothing as constant as God. Only God is our faithful deliverer! It is Him and Him only that we can truly trust and rely on".
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Latest News |
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IRAN: Convert Couple Arrested, Tortured, Threatened
3 July 2008
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Security police officials in Tehran this month tortured a newly converted couple and threatened to put their 4-year-old daughter in an institution after arresting them.
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