In hopes of securing the release of Pastor Saeed Abedini, who is currently languishing in an Iranian prison, his wife Naghmeh and two kids Rebekka and Jacob have written letters to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, asking him to set Abedini free, according to the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ).

They have requested to see Rouhani in person when he comes to New York to attend the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly later this month.

In her letter, Naghmeh wrote that Saeed has nothing but great love and respect for Iran, and that is why prior to his imprisonment, he was committed to opening an orphanage there for young street children.

"When Saeed returned to Iran in 2012, as he had done so many times, it was to put in place the final board member, a devoted Shia Muslim from Qom. Though we have lived in the United States with our children since 2005, we have been committed to serving some of Iran's most needy," she said.

Naghmeh described how their family have been suffering greatly for the past three years because of Saeed's absence, and it pains them to hear about the treatment he has been receiving in Rajaei Shahr prison in Gohardasht.

"Saeed is not a criminal. Saeed is not a threat to Iran or the stability of its government. Saeed is a husband and a father. Saeed is suffering from internal injuries incurred during his time in prison that Iranian doctors have indicated need surgery and hospitalisation, but which he has not yet received," she said.

Her son Jacob writes in his letter: "Dear President of Iran, please help my daddy get out of prison. He has been away for a long time. We are family and family stick together."

He also drew stick figures of himself, his parents and sister in the letter.

Rebekka, on the other hand, simply drew a huge red heart with the words "Save my daddy" written on the inside.