While rejoicing over the release from prison in Afghanistan of a Muslim convert to Christianity, a Christian human rights organization is continuing to work for the release of other converts who remain behind bars for their faith.

Afghan convert to Christianity Said Musa has been released from prison, where he was under threat of execution for apostasy, after months of vigorous campaigning.

Barnabas Aid (www.barnabasfund.org ) has been engaged with others in high-level international diplomacy on Said’s behalf, and earlier this month launched a public campaign to intensify pressure for his release. More than 8,000 people signed the group’s online petition.

Yesterday, the organization received reports that Said was released from prison last week and is now safely out of Afghanistan.

Before his freedom was finally secured, Said had reportedly refused an offer of release if he would write a statement regretting his conversion to Christianity.

He said: “I laughed and replied, “I can’t deny my Savior’s name”. Because my life is just service to Jesus Christ and my death is going to heaven [where] Jesus Christ is. I am a hundred percent ready to die. They pushed me much and much. I refused their demands.”

Said was arrested last May as part of a crackdown on Afghan converts to Christianity. He was tortured and abused in prison but remained steadfast in his faith.

While celebrating Said’s release, Barnabas Aid remains deeply concerned about another Afghan convert to Christianity, Shoaib Assadullah, who remains behind bars facing execution for apostasy and other converts in prison in Afghanistan who have not received international publicity.

In a letter dated February 17, he expressed fears that he will “most definitely” be sentenced to death by the court.

Shoaib has been incarcerated since his arrest last October for giving a New Testament in the national Dari language to another Afghan, who later reported him to the authorities.

Dr. Patrick Sookhdeo, International Director of Barnabas Aid, said: “I am overjoyed and greatly relieved that Said is no longer in danger, and would like to thank all those who have contributed to the campaign for his release. He is an inspiring example of what it means to remain faithful to Christ even under the most extreme pressure.

“But this battle is far from over. We will now redouble our efforts for Shoaib as well as the wider cause of religious freedom in Afghanistan.”

Please Pray:

**Thank God for Said’s release and pray that he will soon be reunited with his wife and six children in a safe place where they can start to rebuild their lives.

**Pray that Said’s release will precipitate the same outcome for Shoaib and that the Lord will uphold him while he remains in prison.

**Pray that the international pressure on Afghanistan over Said and Shoaib will lead to full religious freedom in the country.