Latest on Christian Pastor's Execution

The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) just released their latest update regarding the impending execution of Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani in Iran.  As you can see in the video, the ACLJ notes that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton did release a one sentence statement but failed to call for the release of Nadarkhani.  The United Nations continues to remain silent.

Christian Pastor Reaches Hour of Execution

The White House finally released a statement condemning the conviction and possible execution of an Iranian pastor.  In the statement, the White House called upon Iranian authorities to release Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, saying, "A decision to impose the death penalty would further demonstrate the Iranian authorities' utter disregard for religious freedom."

Although this sentence runs contrary to both Iranian and international laws, the 27th Branch of the Supreme Court in Qom has upheld the death penalty ruling.  According to Amnesty International USA, an execution for apostasy has not occurred in Iran since 1990.

The American Center for Law and Justice has been actively involved in the case, urging members of the government to intervene.  House Speaker John Boehner released a statement on Wednesday calling the case "distressing for people of every country and creed."  The American Family Association has also called on its members to contact Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. 

Please pray for Youcef and his family and an immediate acquittal in this case.

Loving Neighbors and Our New Neighborhood

If only "loving your neighbor as yourself" were always this easy.  Yesterday, some wonderful neighbors organized our first block "Meet and Eat", a progressive dinner of sorts where we visited 13 houses and had a wonderful time with new friends.  A genius idea, the traveling party allowed for great interactions, the opportunity to visit almost every house on the street, and lots of good eatin'.  When we leave this lovely neighborhood we'll be taking this idea with us.

One sweet neighbor even gave Jessi a quilt for our little girl, who's due any day now.

Ten Years Later: Unforgettable Footage From Inside the World Trade Center

A lot of this footage I had never seen before.  From inside the World Trade Center buildings, these filmmakers captured the unthinkable on September 11, 2001.  The documentary first aired on CBS last night entitled, 9/11: Ten Years Later, revealed the chaos and the heroism displayed on that fateful day in mid-September.

Originally a documentary intended to chronicle a young man's journey through his probationary period of firefighting, these two filmmakers give us our best look into the gut-wrenching tragedy surrounding America's most deadly act of terrorism.

May God bless those who still mourn, and may He bring the wicked to justice.

Tim Keller and Redeemer Target Mexico City

After two years of preparation, the largest metropolitan area in the Americas is home to a new church plant by Redeemer Presbyterian out of New York.  You can read about Redeemer's new Mexico City church plant on their City to City Blog.  The new church targets one of the city's trendiest neighborhoods, La Condesa.