I’m not one to consider the minor discomforts and disrespects
of my life as a believer in the United States as persecution. But around the world, there are some very
different stories for my fellow Christ-followers.
One story that has been close to home for me – and for the
people of Celebration – has been that of Andrew Brunson. Andrew is affiliated with the same
denomination as I am – the Evangelical Presbyterian Church – and connected to
Christ Community Church in Montreat, NC where my wife and I worshiped for
several years and continue to have close friends.
Andrew and his wife Norine were arrested in 2016 when they
applied for permanent visas in Turkey, where they had lived and ministered for
23 days. Turkish authorities released
Norine after 13 days, but Andrew remained in prison for a harrowing two years.
Let me use this post to update people on their status:
How Norine Brunson Prayed When Her Husband Was Imprisoned – CLICK HERE
A recently published interview with Norine where she describes
the spiritual habits that helped her navigate the imprisonment as a wife,
mother and believer.
Andrew Brunson Speaks to the EPC General Assembly – CLICK HERE
This is a stirring presentation by Andrew at our General
Assembly in June of 2019. It’s an hour
long, so you need to plan for that time, but truly inspiring.
Q & A With The Brunsons – CLICK HERE
Andrew and Norine Brunson are interviewed at the same June,
2019 General Assembly. This is a more
relaxed setting with Q & A that runs for 1:27:00. Again, plan for the time, but it is a good
investment of time to connect with this very ordinary couple who found
themselves in an extraordinary situation.
