Beginning in October 2016, American pastor, Andrew Brunson, was held in Turkey as a political hostage. Pastor Brunson is accused of having links with an organization involved in a failed 2016 coup attempt, as well the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party. But most observers contend that Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is keeping him imprisoned for diplomatic leverage.

Although the trial has not gone well for Brunson, at this hearing he still had an opportunity to proclaim the gospel. In the courtroom he forgave those who had testified falsely against him. Brunson said, "My faith teaches me to forgive, so I forgive those who testified against me."

Another American pastor who was present at the trial said, "As usual, there was much spurious testimony against Andrew. His testimony was absolutely powerful. He presented the gospel with confidence and defended himself with boldness."

In a Facebook post, Andrew's wife, Norine, posted that "The Lord was absolutely glorified!!! He explained why he was here, he gave the gospel. He publicly forgave all those who have come against him, forgiving as he has been forgiven."

She continued: "He said, 'It is a privilege to suffer for the sake of Christ. Blessed am I, as I suffer for him. Blessed am I, as I am slandered. Blessed am I, as I am being lied about. Blessed am I, as I am imprisoned. Blessed am I, as I share his suffering.' I am incredibly proud of him as I am quite sure he doesn't feel that blessing at this point."

Editor’s Update: Andrew Brunson was released on October 12, 2018, returning immediately to the US.