A U.S. congressman who was part of the effort to bring Pastor Andrew Brunson home recalls the “powerful moment” he witnessed as the pastor prayed over the President of the United States. Brunson knelt on one knee, put his hand on Trump’s shoulder, and prayed for the president.
“Father God I ask that you’d pour out your Holy Spirit on President Trump, that you give him supernatural wisdom to accomplish all the plans you have for this country,” Brunson said. “I ask that you give him wisdom to lead this country into righteousness. I ask that you’d give him perseverance and endurance and courage to stand for truth. I ask that you protect him from slander from enemies, from those who would undermine.
“What a day of celebration to know that not only Pastor Brunson is back home, but our God still reigns over the affairs of nations,” said Congressman Mark Meadows (R-North Carolina). “It was a great day of rejoicing.”
“At times, it looked very, very bleak [for Brunson],” said Meadows. “The president deserves just unbelievable gratitude not just from Republicans or Democrats or unaffiliated, but from those who believe in religious liberty.”
Meadows added that the entire Trump administration made him feel that there was no higher priority than getting Brunson home. “I had the opportunity to not only talk to the pastor and his wife, but to his children,” he continued. “They were so unbelievably grateful … and it lets us know that Americans will not be left behind.”
Meadows was also moved by the “Christ-like love” Brunson obviously has for the Turkish people. “He said that in the Oval Office,” the congressman emphasized, “and that’s saying something after being imprisoned against your will.”
Brunson was accused of espionage and terrorism. He was found guilty in a Turkish court of terrorism, but released on time served because of the pressure put on Turkey by the Trump administration. He had been held in prison and under house arrest by the Turkish government for two years.
The successful return of the American pastor to the U.S. after being imprisoned in Turkey for his faith is inspiring hopes that more persecuted Christians will be freed from captivity.