Contact: Carol Eskaros, Chapel Old Bridge, 908-421-5134

OLD BRIDGE, N.J., Sept. 21, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- Over 100 million Christians are persecuted for their faith all over the world, making them one of the most persecuted religious groups on the planet. Iran is one of the top persecutors of Christians, and on Monday, September 28th, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will address the United Nations, even as his government unlawfully holds and tortures Americans. In particular, for the past three years, Christian pastor Saeed Abedini has been imprisoned in Iran for his faith in Christ. On Monday, September 28th at 7:00pm, Christians will gather at Calvary Chapel, 123 White Oak Lane in Old Bridge, NJ to join Saeed's wife Naghmeh in prayer for his release.

Naghmeh Abedini has traveled throughout the world, addressing countless media outlets, the United Nations, the Geneva Convention, and even the President of the United States himself, pleading for the release of Pastor Saeed.

Her plight has raised global awareness about the persecution of Christians. Even as recently as September 18th, Naghmeh has had the opportunity to share her faith, as well as her pleas for Saeed, with Iranian ambassadors gathered in New York City. To date, Pastor Saeed remains imprisoned.

President Rouhani has been particularly inflammatory in his remarks against America, saying, "The beautiful cry of 'Death to America' unites our nation." To each threat, Naghmeh and Christians throughout the country have committed to obey Jesus' command, recorded in Matthew 5, to "love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you."

In particular, Naghmeh has relied fully on the power of prayer for the release of Saeed. "When the people of God cry out, there is ALWAYS a turnaround," she said. "I am believing in the power of prayer as we gather to pray for Saeed and the persecuted church. I am expecting great things from a great God as we gather to pray in unity."

Hundreds of Christians are expected to join the prayer gathering in Old Bridge, NJ on September 28th. "I had the opportunity to meet with Naghmeh this week," said Lloyd Pulley, senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Old Bridge. "I know one thing to be true above all – here is a woman who has done everything in her human power to fight for the release of Saeed. Now we, the church of Jesus Christ, will join her in what we know is our greatest supernatural power - prayer."

Naghmeh and Saeed have two children, Rebekka, 9, and Jacob, 7. They have not seen their father since they were 5 and 3 respectively.

Naghmeh will be interviewed live on The Bridge Christian Radio (www.bridgefm.org) in the NY/NJ area, immediately prior to the prayer gathering on September 28th. Tune in live to 91.9FM in Middlesex County, NJ; 89.7FM in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, NJ; 103.1FM in Northern NJ; and anywhere online at bridgefm.org.

For more information on the Prayer Gathering with Naghmeh Abedini at Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, 123 White Oak Lane, Old Bridge, NJ on September 28th at 7:00pm, visit www.ccob.org or call (732) 679-9222.