American Pastor’s Faith Tested While Detained in Turkey for ‘Espionage’

An American pastor who has been imprisoned in Turkey for the past year has penned a touching song to God.

As Faithwire previously reported, Andrew Brunson has been behind bars since last October and has claimed throughout his captivity that he is being unfairly and improperly detained inside of the Middle Eastern country.

Brunson and his wife Norine have lived in Turkey for the past 23 years. Last year — just three three months after the failed military coup — they were detained on immigration violation charges linked to the small church they run in Izmir, a city along Turkey’s western sea coast. Norine was soon released, the Daily Caller reported, while Andrew has remained imprisoned.

Despite being accused of espionage and trying to overthrow the Turkish government, Brunson has continually denied the charges waged against him.

“I started a church; I am a man of religion who did this with the state’s knowledge,” he said, according to Christian Today. “My aim is to tell about Jesus Christ. I didn’t do espionage.”

Brunson’s family has released a song he recently wrote while in captivity — lyrics that show that the pastor’s faith hasn’t been deterred, despite his challenges.

“You are worthy, worthy of my all, My tears and pain I lift up as an offering, Teach me to share in the fellowship of your suffering, Lamb of God you are worthy of my all,” it reads.

The text continues, “I want to be found worthy to stand before you on that day, With no regrets from cowardice, things left undone, To hear you say, ‘Well done, my faithful friend, now enter your reward’ Jesus, my Joy, you are the prize I’m running for.'”

See the full text below:

Pretty powerful.

The Trump administration’s efforts thus far have not secured Brunson’s release. Brunson has openly pleaded with President Donald Trump to help him as well, saying earlier this year, “Please do not leave me here in prison.”