highlighted the plight of individuals persecuted calling for prayers and freedom for two americans held captive, christian missionary kenneth bey in north korea and pastor said aberdeeny being held in iran. >> we call on the iranian government to release the pastor. >> reporter: the american center for law and justice, spareheading efforts for aberdeeny's release noted it's the first time president obama has uttered his name. a statement on its website says we're hopeful that the new level of engagement by our government will bring even more attention to the unjust treatment of a u.s. citizen. >> let us work together to end extreme poverty in our lifetime. >> reporter: this year's keynote speaker, dr. rajiv shaw, heads the obama agency for international development, a much less contentious choice who sparked controversy by offering an alternative to obamacare. the national prayer breakfast is