Pastor Andrew Brunson is back in the United States after two years of imprisonment and detention in Turkey according to the Associated Press.

President Trump welcomed Pastor Brunson to the White House after helping secure his release from nearly two years of confinement.

Pastor Brunson fell to one knee in the Oval Office and placed his hand on President Trump’s shoulder to pray with him.

He called on God to provide the president “supernatural wisdom to accomplish all the plans You have for the country and for him.”

He asked God to give President Trump strength and protection.

“I ask that you give him strength. I ask that you protect him…make him a great blessing to this country and fill him with Your wisdom and strength,” Pastor Brunson said.

Pastor Brunson also shared that he and his wife pray for the well-being of President Trump and his family frequently.

“We pray for you often as a family, my wife and I pray for you,” the pastor told the president.

Last Friday, a Turkish court upheld its terrorism conviction of the Christian pastor but sentenced him to time served, which allowed him to leave. The pastor had been detained in Turkey since 2016.

Pastor Brunson was accused by Turkey of participating in a coup to overthrow the government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

He was facing up to 35 years in prison if convicted of espionage but those charges were dropped.

President Trump said the U.S. made no deal with Turkey for the release and return of the evangelical pastor on Twitter.

“I don’t make deals with hostages,” the president said on Twitter. “There was, however, great appreciation on behalf of the United States, which will lead to good, perhaps great, relations between the United States & Turkey!”

The White House imposed economic sanctions in Turkey in an effort to get him released. President Trump in the Oval Office, said the resolution was a “tremendous step” in U.S.-Turkish relations.

Pastor Brunson was thankful for the prayers and support during his imprisonment.

“We are so grateful to so many people in Congress who stood with us, prayed with us and fought with us,” Pastor Brunson said.

More from Beliefnet and our partners
Close Ad