Trial of Andrew Brunson

Trial of American Missionary pastor Andrew Brunson is presently taking place in Turkey. Please keep him on your prayers.

Blaine

Artcle link to ACLJ article on Andrew Brunson.

https://aclj.org/persecuted-church/innocent-american-pastor-andrew-brunsons-trial-begins-today-in-turkey-the-world-must-act-now

Blaine

ABC Article. Andrew Brunson terrorist charges in trial.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/trial-u-s-pastor-facing-35-years-prison-set-start-n866076

Blaine

https://ahvalnews.com/us-turkey/us-pastor-brunson-cries-turkish-trial

Blaine

This in from one of my minustry partners.

/// Just watched Jay Seculow live on Facebook. He says it will take a miracle for Andrew to be released. That if it happens, it will only be because God has done it. He asked for everyone to pray right now. ///

Please pray.

Blaine

Andrew Brunson...We Wait and Pray

Isaiah 50:10-11

Who among you fears the LORD and listens to his servant? Who among you walks in darkness, and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD; let him lean on his God.

Look, all you who kindle a fire, who encircle yourselves with torches; walk in the light of your fire and of the torches you have lit! This is what you'll get from my hand: you will lie down in a place of torment.

------------

As I write this it is about 9:45 p.m. in Turkey. The trial of Andrew Brunson at least for today has already concluded. As of right now no decision regarding his innocence or guilt has been forthcoming.

This is simply one of those times in which many of us as intercessors are not getting a clear answer from the Spirit. It is as if God has us in a state of waiting on him. And so we wait. We wait with expectation that God will answer. We certainly do not want to walk in the light of our own understanding.

In this case no news may be good news. But yet dealing with the government of Turkey who can say. As I spoke with a sister earlier she said one thing Muslims will do is play on our emotions. But we as believers in Christ will put ourselves before the Lord who holds all of history in his hands. We will wait upon him and see his will one way or the other in the outcome of what will happen to our brother.

Our hearts go out and cry out for his release. But we realize that God's will is to bring about his glory and His glory alone.. So whatever the outcome of this case will be. We wait upon the will of God that will bring glory to his name.

I urge all who read this please continue to lift our brother and his family up in prayer. For sure we want our brother to be released and reunited with his family. Let us all pray that the will of God be done. That which will glorify him.

Blaine Scogin

Update: The Turkish court has decided to keep Pastor Andrew in jail pending trial over alleged links to a group accused of orchestrating the failed 2016 military coup in Turkey. NTV reported the next hearing will be on May 7.)

Father, we give you praise with the knowledge that Your ways and plans are always perfect. You’re with us and will never forsake us. You care deeply for our dear brother Andrew, yet allowed him to go into captivity in this season. Though we may not fully understand, You are never wrong, so we give thanks and worship You. We pray for the leadership of Turkey and those in charge of this trial taking place in Izmir, a place once known as Smyrna. May their hearts be softened towards our brother and false accusations against him be brought into the light. We pray for the Gospel to go forth in Turkey. That understanding will come and the Truth of salvation in Christ be revealed to the Turkish people. Heavenly Father, whatever the outcome of this trial, we accept Your will. But if it pleases You to show our brother mercy, we ask You for his release. In Jesus Holy name, we pray.

Blaine

CBM reports that Andrew Brunson has been sent to a prison that is much worse than the one he was in. The article does confirm that his trial will continue on May 7th.

It had been hoped that that our brother, Andrew, would have been released on bail and he would have been with his dear wife, Norine. But the Turkish government saw otherwise.

Though disappointing. Actually I see that this may be the prayers of the saints staying the hand of the evil one from doing a slam dunk here. Previously it had been thought that the Turkish government would find Andrew Brunson guilty and send him away to prison. But the fact that the government is delaying a verdict in the trial of Andrew Brunson would indicate that God's hand is in control of the situation.

I ask you saints to please keep this brother in your prayers. Will continue to post updates in this thread as the news comes available to me.

I sense that spiritual war is brewing over our brother and God is saying to the world have you considered my servant Andrew Brunson. The fact that we are have three weeks before the next hearing means that we can press in in our prayers for this dear brother.

Link to CBN article is below.

http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/cwn/2018/april/pastor-andrew-brunson-sent-back-to-prison-in-disturbing-trial-twist

Blaine

Seems like our brother is caught up in a bigger game with Turkey wanting "their guy," back because they believe he was behind the recent attempted coup. Either way it is shocking treatment of one Nato member to another and another sign of Turkey sliding back in the morass from whence they came. Let us not forget that it was Turkey who wiped out the Arminian population at the beginning of the last century for the mere fact of them being Christian..............bro Frank

/// Let us not forget that it was Turkey who wiped out the Arminian population at the beginning of the last century for the mere fact of them being Christian..............bro Frank ///

Agreed my brother. So agree. Do not know what this upcoming trial will be for our brothers and sisters in Turkey. But we keep praying.

Blaine

From one of my ministry partners...

/// Brunson was returned to the prison he was first detain. Reports say he to the judge he had a nervous breakdown and was on anti-depressants.

Leaving the trial, Norene (Andrew's wife) was described as upset and refused to speak to the media. Doesn't surprise me. ///

Blaine

As of right now I have no new updates on Andrew Brunson. What we do know is that his trial will continue on Monday, May 7th.  And he has been returned to the prison in which he was detained. It had been hoped that he could be released on bail. But the Turkish authorities thought otherwise.

This does give us time to keep praying and pressing into God. This does give us time to pray for the victory of Jesus to be realized in this situation. I sense in my spirit that we are in a time of spiritual warfare over our brother.

I am in contact with other ministry partners about the possibilities of launching a 24-hour orayer call.  The focus of the call will be to intercede for our brother Andrew Brunson. Also to intercede for the persecuted church in Turkey and Syria as well as other parts of the world.  The call would start Saturday night, May 5th and continue thru Sunday May 6th. This will be the weekend before Andrew's trial which will be on Monday, May 7th.

Please keep this in your prayers. Information about the call will be forthcoming.

I remember what happened when there were 24 hour calls for Rifka Berry and Saeed Abedini.  As a result of prolonged intense prayer God showed up in a remarkable way in these situations. I can't help but think that another 24-hour call could be the tipping point regarding our brother and justice and victory on his behalf.

Blaine

https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/stories/u-s-pastor-andrew-brunson-to-wait-for-next-hearing-in-grim-turkish-prison/

Blaine

Pastor Andrew's Trial Takes Bleak Turn

Pastor Andrew's Trial Takes Bleak Turn

- Judge Refuses Release, Delay's Trial, Returns Pastor to Grim Turkish Prison

After one day of trial, the situation just took a bleak turn for Pastor Andrew.

At the conclusion of the first day of his trial - a day filled with video testimony of secret prosecution witnesses whose voices and appearances were disguised - the Turkish judge ordered that Pastor Andrew be returned to the notoriously overcrowded and grim prison, where Pastor Brunson was originally imprisoned. The judge refused to release Pastor Andrew.

The judge ordered that the trial not resume until May 7th.

The delay and return to a much worse prison is an escalation of his case.

Pastor Andrew is on trial because of his Christian faith. The 62-page indictment accuses him of the supposed "crime" of "Christianization," calling it an act of terror. If convicted, he faces a 35-year prison sentence - which for the 50-year-old pastor is essentially a life sentence.

Today's ruling sends him back to a prison he had been in months ago - a prison that is severely overcrowded with almost two dozen inmates packed into a small cell.

This places Pastor Andrew in further danger.

ACLJ Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow stated:

Instead of being returned to the prison where he had been held most recently, the judge ordered Pastor Andrew to be taken back to an overcrowded and extremely grim prison where he was held initially. As you can imagine, the news is devastating to Pastor Andrew and his family.

At the American Center for Law and Justice - we are stepping up our aggressive campaign to secure the freedom of Pastor Andrew. Between now and the next court date of May 7th - we have an important opportunity - to turn up the pressure on the Turkish government.

The next three weeks are critical for Pastor Andrew and his family. Stand with the ACLJ as we work on the international front as well as at the highest levels of our government to keep Pastor Andrew's case in the headlines. We are grateful for everyone who has stood with us during the legal battle. But these next three weeks are VERY CRITICAL. We have to turn up the pressure - work even harder to secure the release of Pastor Andrew.

We are aggressively fighting for his freedom. We must increase the diplomatic pressure on Turkey to release this innocent U.S. citizen. The fact that Senator Tillis - Pastor Andrew's home state Senator - and Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback were present at today's trial is an important step.

Turkey must understand that as a NATO ally it cannot be allowed to continue wrongfully imprisoning an innocent U.S. citizen.

We are aggressively working in Congress, with the State Department and the White House, and at the U.N. to fight for Pastor Andrew's freedom. He needs your voice now more than ever. (Read more)

Jay Sekulow

American Center for Law and Justice

https://aclj.org/persecuted-church/pastor-andrews-trial-takes-bleak-turn-judge-refuses-release-delays-trial-returns-pastor-to-grim-turkish-prison

I see President Trump spoke publicly in defense of the pastor this morning...............bro Frank

/// I see President Trump spoke publicly in defense of the pastor this morning...............bro Frank ///

Thank you for sharing this brother. I will check this out. I think there is a greater depth to this Andrew's trial. Still trying to get revelation from the Lord on this. But it seems that all of the eyes of the world are on what is happening to this brother in Turkey.

For the longest time does Andrew Brunson's sufferings were reported by Jay Sekulow and other persecution ministries. Now most of the main line media are picking up on the story of Andrew Brunson.

For the longest time the fear of this dear brother is that he would be forgotten. That is what Satan wanted. God had a different plan.

This is why I endeavor to keep this thread up on the board. We cannot forget about this brother. For this brother is the testimony of the persecuted church. We cannot forget about our persecuted brethren.

God has called us to remember those in prison as if we were their fellow prisoners. He has called us remember those who are suffering is if we ourselves are suffering. For we all are one body of Christ.

In the 1960s John F Kennedy gave one of his greatest speeches at Berlin. I cannot repeat the German phrase but basically he said in German I am a Berliner. We need to have the same attitude that we are the persecuted church. This is what I believe our brother Andrew Brunson represents. He is the persecuted church. We are the persecuted church.

Let us remember Andrew Brunson and our persecuted brothers and sisters in our prayers.

Blaine Scogin

https://www.aol.com/article/news/2018/04/18/trump-tweets-support-for-american-pastor-andrew-brunson-jailed-in-turkey/23414326/

http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/cwn/2018/april/pastor-andrew-brunson-sent-back-to-prison-in-disturbing-trial-twist

Hope he lives until the court hearing. Today his daughter said he was broken when he learned he had to go back to the original prison he started at””where he lost 50 lbs.

Time is of the essence.

Anyway, take care!

Janet

As of right now I have no deal updates regarding our brother Andrew Brunson. I am given to understand that he was moved back to his previous prison where he was initially interned. It was in this prison that he lost over 50 lb of his body weight. Also suffered mental and emotional turmoil.

The next schedule trial hearing for Andrew Brunson is May 7.

Despite the presence of US officials at the trial the judge refused to grant bail so that Andrew would be free from prison. Sources indicate that the judge is taking his orders from Ankara Turkey. Perhaps from the president of Turkey himself Recrp Tyup Erdogan. Those who have been observing the trial feel that the brother is caught up in the middle of Turkish politics. That Andrew is being used as a pawn to extort more political concessions from the United States. Among them the extradition of Fetulah Gullion. He is alleged to have been the Islamic cleric who orchestrated the Turkish coup in 2016. Turkey would like to get him back and try him and possibly execute him. The Sandra Bronson is being used as some type of a bargaining chip.

Against the backdrop of the politics though God has his will to be worked out. Those of us who are praying for him are seeking the mind of the Holy Spirit as to how the pray God's will regarding this brother.

Let all of us keep this brother in our prayers. Ket all of us keep the Turkish church in our prayers. Let all of us keep our persecuted brothers and sisters in the Middle East in our prayers.

I know our concern is for doctrine. I know our concern is for revival in the US. But we have brothers and sisters who are in the shadow of the cross who are suffering in the Middle East and around the world. Andrew Brunson is one such brother. Andrew Brunson is a fellow American. But more than that he is our brother in Christ. So let us please keep him and his family in our prayers.

I will continue to post updates as they become available to me.

Blaine

This is a copy from Mrs. Norine Brunson’s post on Facebook just 45 minutes ago posted:

Many of you have seen the news...

Andrew gave an excellent 6 hour long defense and answered questions clearly on Monday. The attorney did a great job and yet.... they did not lift the custody... In addition, Andrew has been moved back to the previous prison he was in, which was a crushing blow to him. He is currently in solitary confinement. Although the judge, the embassy (through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and even VP Pence's office followed up on requesting that he be moved back to the previous prison, it has not happened. PLEASE PRAY THAT HE BE MOVED BACK UNTIL THE NEXT HEARING, AND PRAY FOR MUCH NEEDED GRACE.  I SAW HIM TODAY AND HE IS NOT DOING WELL AT ALL.  THIS IS A PRESSING NEED!

I cannot begin to summarize his defense, but he started out saying he was a servant of Jesus Christ and that his sole purpose for being here was to make Jesus known and make disciples. The truth was spoken by Andrew and the Lord's name was glorified. Now we would like Andrew to be set free, for the cord to be untied/loosened.

In addition to Charge D'Affaires Kosnett, we had some guests from the US on Monday at the hearing:

We were so grateful to Senator Tillis (our NC senator) for flying in Sunday, attending the 12 hour hearing (plus 3 hour roundtrip commute) and flying out the next day. He had also visited Andrew in prison on March 26, which was a great encouragement.

It was also wonderful to have Ambassador Brownback (Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom) at the hearing.  

Vice President Pence called on Tuesday to give assurance of the Administration's support and efforts, and President Trump tweeted about Andrew Wednesday!

What amazing favor.

A US pastor whom we had never met was there to pray and advocate and offer to take Andrew's place in prison, no joke! He was hoping to communicate this to the judge.

All the prayer going up all over the world is also a powerful testimony to the love that exists in the family of God. Andrew feels cut off from all fellowship, yet he has never been so surrounded by the body of Christ. We are so grateful to you for pressing in on his behalf.

ӢӢӢӢӢӢӢ

My understanding is Andrew's trial lasted fir 13 Hrs. He spoke in fluent Turkish in his own defense for half of that. About 6 hours.

Just learned that Andrew Brunson was moved to another prison where he may be in solitary confinement. Where is this might seem adverse actually he will be by himself. Not in a cell with 20 other people.

Please keep praying for my brother and his family.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/senators-warn-measures-against-turkey-andrew-brunson-case-n867721

Thank you dear sister for keeping our brother in prayer. I will certainly incorporate your prayer points on our call.

Blaine

https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/04/us-sanctions-loom-defiant-turkey-erdogan-pastor.html

Blaine

Many thanks to all who joined the three days of fasting and praying! Even some kids have fasted meals!

I saw Andrew today and he was doing better at the Buca prison. His prayer request to you is that he have a good witness at his next hearing on May 7.

In the meantime, we are scrambling to get some things done on the legal side. Pray for willing hearts that will move quickly.

Brothers and Sisters,

Jesus says,

Again, truly I tell you, if two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them."  Mat. 18:19-20

Agreement and partnership with God In prayer is  powerful. Agreement and partnership in prayer with one another is powerful.

Please join with us this weekend as we come together around the globe to intercede for our brother Andrew Brunson. Please join with us this weekend as we come together and intercede for our persecuted brothers and sisters.

Our prayers in agreement can make a difference before the throne of God.  Our brother James exhorts us that the prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.  Imagine what the prayers of saints praying in agreement can accomplish.

Please share the article below. Please promote it through your social media contacts. All are invited to come and pray and see our God come down. All are invited to come and wait upon him and see him act on our behalf.

https://voiceofthepersecuted.wordpress.com/2018/04/30/ministries-invite-believers-to-unite-on-24-hour-prayer-conference-call-for-andrew-brunson/

Blaine 

Andrew Brunson's 2nd trial hearingv will be this Monday,May 7th. If the brother is convicted he could face up to 35 years in Turkish prison. Much prayer is going up for him around the world. I encourage those of us in the forum to please keep this brother in your prayers.

Blaine

For those not familiar with the case of Andrew Brunson. Link to 16 crucial facts about this dear brother in Christ. Article is posted on ACLJ website.

https://aclj.org/persecuted-church/16-facts-about-pastor-andrew-brunson

Blaine

For those who are following the trial of Andrew Brunson the latest below.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As I write this it is about 7:40 p.m. and Izmir Turkey. The trial of Andrew Brunson is still going on. As of right now I have no updates as to what has been decided.

Please do keep our brother in your prayers.

Below is link to ACLJ radio live where you can click on and listen to the latest radio updates.

https://aclj.org/persecuted-church/happening-now-pastor-brunson-on-trial-in-turkey

Watching and Waiting,

Blaine

Turkish court ruled to Keep Andrew Brunson in prison until July 18th. Trail will continue on that day.

In which case we will continue to pray.

Blaine

http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/2018/may/were-all-watching-senators-send-strong-message-to-turkey-ahead-of-imprisoned-pastors-next-hearing

Blaine

Mike we did have a blessed 24-hour call on the day before his trial. If he's not released anytime before July 18th we may convene another 24-hour call.

I still have your contact info. I will send you the information on the next call should God have us convene another one.

Greg will not allow me to post any more persecuted prayer calls in the forum. At this point I don't know how much longer I will be posting on Andrew Brunson. I think much of what I post on the persecuted is largely ignored. Not controversial enough. Probably many do not know who Andrew Brunson is.

Anyway brother thanks for the encouragement for corporate prayer.

Blaine

https://voiceofthepersecuted.wordpress.com/2018/05/07/turkey-court-rules-to-send-andrew-brunson-back-to-prison-until-next-hearing/

Blaine

https://voiceofthepersecuted.wordpress.com/2018/05/10/brunsons-lawyer-secret-witness-practice-absolutely-outlandish/

Blaine

Thanks Dave. I appreciate your encouragement and your prayers for our brother. As I receive new updates I will continue to post them.

Blaine

Brother I share your heart sentiment. But I must abide by the rules and respect Greg's leadership. Nonetheless I do share your heart sentiment. I will be glad to send you information privately when we have future 24-hour calls. I feel pretty sure we will convene another call as our brother's trial comes up in July. That is unless God miraculously intervenes and set them free. In which case we will have a 24-hour call of glorious praise. ☺

I appreciate the testimony the sister gave of our last call. I believe it was annointed because we partnered with the Lord Jesus and 7 other global ministries to lift our brother up in prayer. Also to pray for persecuted brothers and sisters who are in the shadow of the cross.

On our last call there were no agendas or egos. The only agenda we were concerned with was that of the Lord Jesus Christ in his glory.

Appreciate your heart for Jesus brother.

Blaine