A Dutch-Iranian pastor sentenced prison for sharing his faith has been freed by Iranian authorities after serving 359 days in jail.

Pastor Vahik Abrahamian, 45, was arrested in September 2009, along with his wife and seven members of his house church, for using Christian propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

When the group was put on trial several months later, an Iranian judge acquitted everyone except the pastor. Iranian authorities finally relented, releasing the pastor Aug. 29.

Abrahamian is now back with family, who are "rejoicing."

They "expressed their gratitude first to God for His gracious protection and intervention and secondly to the Christian family worldwide who have not ceased praying and advocating on their behalf," one family member said.

--Originally aired September 2, 2011.