Naghmeh Abedini: Hope Is Not in Government Officials

Naghmeh Abedini, wife of imprisoned Pastor Saeed Abedini, asked for continued strength for her husband and for her and her family as they continue to fight for his release.

The release of Abedini and four other Americans were not included in a nuclear deal reached this week between world leaders and the Iran.

"The ups and downs have really allowed the Lord to refine me and teach me to keep my eyes on him and my hope on Him instead of governments and officials," she said.

"I want to believe the best for my family, for Saeed and for my children but I continue to be in contact with the State Department and the White House and continue to pressure them that he is released immediately," Naghmeh said.

"He is in the hands of hardliners that are chanting 'death to America.' These are the people that are holding him," she said.

CBN News spoke with Nagmeh Abedini, Saeed wife, who has testified to Congress on his behalf for his freedom. After the deal was reached, she expressed her deep disappointment in it and urged Congress once again to not forget her husband. 

Click play to watch her interview.

Saeed Abedini revealed this week during a visit with his father that he believes he is now a target because he is an American citizen.

He and other Christians imprisoned in Iran fear what may happen next as many inmates are expressing anti-American sentiments since a nuclear deal was reached this week.

It's a threat Abedini knows all too well. On June 3, he was viscously attacked by fellow prisoners. He was punched in the face near his left eye and nose and both eyes were beaten black and blue.  However, no bones were broken.

Despite the tensions, Abedini encouraged his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who were disppointed in the nuclear deal that left him and other Americans in prison, saying the God was still in control. 

"I know that so many of you have felt that I have been left behind after a deal was reached with Iran and I am still not home," he wrote. 

He is in control and He is the One who beautifully writes the history over all governments, presidents, and any P5+1 negotiating team," he said.

Read Pastor Saeed's entire letter below:

I know that so many of you have felt that I have been left behind after a deal was reached with Iran and I am still not home.

I want you to know that as I wrote the thank you letter to President Obama after he had visited my family in January of this year (which he read at the national prayer breakfast), that God is in control of all countries and leadership in the world when the body of Christ comes together in united prayer. He is in control and He is the One who beautifully writes the history over all governments, presidents, and any P5+1 negotiating team.

We are all looking for a safer, more friendly world and because of this desire many of us are happy and others un-happy about the deal. Please join me in using these emotions that have been awakened to give fervor to united prayer for God's chosen people, America, and for the whole world.

Pastor Saeed,
In chains for Christ and chained together in unity