Release International's Voice Podcast

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Episodes include interviews with our international partners, panel discussions with our staff, book reviews and other compelling material which will help you to hear the voice of our persecuted brothers and sisters.

Release International


    • May 6, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 25m AVG DURATION
    • 68 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Release International's Voice Podcast

    Standing Firm: Christians in India

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 33:47


    The brutal killing of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two young sons shocked the world. It also spotlighted the reality of a militant Hindu nationalism in India. Following the recent release from prison of one of Graham's killers, we speak to a senior church leader in India, Bishop Joseph D'Souza, about the events of that night in 1999; of the nature of Hindu nationalism; and of the morale of the Church in India today.

    Under pressure: Christian faith and witness in Malaysia

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 30:48


    In this episode, Release International staff member Stephen McIlroy shares insights from his recent visit to Malaysia.Discover how God is the true missionary, revealing Himself through dreams and visions.Learn about the realities of faith under pressure Join us in praying for the church in Malaysia.

    CEO Paul Robinson: Unpacking the Persecution Trends Report

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 26:59


    In this edition of Release International's Voice podcast we're speaking to Release International CEO, Paul Robinson. The annual Persecution Trends Report is the report of Release International's partners on the ground: their summary of what has been happening to Christians in their country. Listen as Paul highlights some of the countries mentioned in this year's report—and tells us how we can read and use it. 

    Lebanon: Cast out for Christ

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 34:09


    Lebanon is a country that has been besieged by problems in recent years. In this edition of the Voice Podcast we speak to our partner Naji who continues to minister to persecuted Christians in, and despite the current difficulties. 

    Egypt: Rejected for Christ

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2024 40:10


    Coming to faith in Christ brings us the joy of a new family: the Body of Christ. But sometimes it means it can bring painful separation from our old family. In this edition of Release International's Voice podcast host Kenneth Harrod speaks to RI colleague Jack Norman about Christian life in Egypt.If you would like to make a donation to support the work of Release International, you can do so online, at releaseinternational.org/give, or by calling us, on 01689 823491.

    Nigeria: Suffering with Christ

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024 35:56


    Serving on the front-line, where Christians are suffering severe persecution, can be tough. In this edition of Release International's Voice podcast we speak to our Nigerian partner Mark Lipdo, who for several years has run the Stefanos Foundation, a ministry addressing the trauma that many Nigerian Christians experience.

    Pakistan: living on high alert

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024 29:26


    Many of Pakistan's Christian communities live on constant ‘high alert', aware that violence can erupt at any moment. In this edition of Release International's Voice podcast we speak to one of our partners in Pakistan, as we look back on a much-publicised incident last year, and reflect on what life can be like today for Christians in that country.

    Burkina Faso: Facing the rising tide

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2024 22:01


    Across sub-Saharan Africa, Christian communities are coming under increased pressure from various militant, Islamist groups. Violent attacks in northern Nigeria have been well documented in recent years, but in this edition of Release International's Voice podcast we speak to RI staff member John Lawson about another country in that region; one that we hear far less about: Burkina Faso 

    China's Christians: a harsh winter?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2024 33:46


    China is a country that is rarely out of the news. But what does it mean to be a Christian in China these days? And what are the challenges currently facing the Church in China?According to our partner Bob Fu, a harsh winter is descending on the Church with a government that seems intent on wiping out Christianity. Listen to our latest podcast as Bob tells us what encourages him and ways in which we might pray.

    Algeria: Times of growth, times of adversity.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2024 17:58


    Pressure on the small, Protestant church in Algeria has been growing in recent years. New laws have brought crackdowns, church closures and arrests. In this edition of Release International's Voice podcast we speak to our partner in Algeria about the current situation, what a difference Release International support has been making in Algeria and how you can pray for Christians in that country.

    Iraq: Courage to be a light

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2024 29:44


    For a number of years now Release International has supported persecuted Christians who have fled to the safer haven of the Kurdistan region in northern Iraq.In this edition of Release International's Voice podcast we speak to Ano Jawhar, a Christian politician in Kurdistan, who talks to us about past persecution, the present nature of the region – and the dangerous mindset of militant groups like Islamic State.

    Pavel: Window of Opportunity?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2024 25:32


    "We still have windows of opportunity [and] it is our obligation before the Lord to pray for them and support them"In many parts of our world today Christians continue to pay a high price for following Jesus Christ. In this edition of Release International's Voice podcast we speak to Pavel, our partner for countries in Central Asia. Listen in as we talk about the current situation in Ukraine and how Christians are faring under Russian occupation. And, we talk about Pavel's ongoing work today supporting persecuted Christians in Central Asia. If you would like to support our ministry to persecuted Christians, go to: https://releaseinternational.org/give/

    When your faith becomes illegal

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2024 29:58


    Eritrea is a country where it is extremely difficult to be an Evangelical Christian; a country where evangelising – and even praying in meetings – can be dangerous activities.In this edition of Release International's Voice podcast we speak to our Eritrean partner, Dr Berhane Asmelash, who explains the background to the situation in that country and what it is like being a Christian there.Dr Berhane reminds us of the story of Luul and his family, who now live in the UK. If you would like to support Christians around the world who are forced to flee for their faith, please go to our website where you can read more about our current appeal: https://releaseinternational.org/campaign/luul/ 

    Persecution Trends 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2024 21:43


    Persecution has always been one of the ways the powers of darkness seek to stop the spread of the gospel. That's why it's important that we pray. But to pray with understanding we need to know who to pray for and what to pray for. We need to be informed.In this edition of Release International's Voice podcast I speak to my colleague Tom Hardie. Tom edits our quarterly Voice magazine and recently compiled our annual Persecution Trends report.Read the report on our website: releaseinternational.org/flip-books/Persecution-Trends-Report-2024/#p=1 

    Hope and help when hearts are overwhelmed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2024 24:34


    India is the world's largest democracy. A country whose constitution grants its citizens the freedom not only to profess and practice, but even to propagate, religion. And yet it is a country where the persecution of Christians continues.In this edition of Release International's Voice podcast we hear about recent violent attacks on Christian communities, particularly in the north east of India.Support the showClick the above link to listen to more episodes.

    Ukraine: Enduring for Christ and the gospel

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Dec 7, 2023 22:24


    In this month's edition of Release International's Voice podcast we continue our conversation with Maciek, from our sister ministry in Poland, about the situation for Evangelical Christians in Ukraine. Listen in to hear about the work that is being done there – and also of the growing zeal among Christians in Ukraine to share the gospel.Support the showClick the above link to listen to more episodes.

    No place for evangelical faith

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Nov 2, 2023 24:38


    The war in Ukraine has been prominent in our news headlines over the last year, but how has this conflict impacted Christians there? In the first of a two part conversation, we speak to Maciek from our sister ministry Voice of the Martyrs Poland. VoM Poland has been working to support Evangelical Christians living in the occupied areas of Ukraine where life has become extremely challenging in recent times. Support the showClick the above link to listen to more episodes.

    Where faith is vulnerable

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2023 28:40


    Back in August mob attacks on Christian homes and churches in Pakistan hit the news headlines around the world. In this edition of Release International's Voice podcast we speak to former staff member Imtiaz, who recently visited the area and met those who lived through that ordeal.  Listen as he reflects on this and on the broader needs of the church in Pakistan, and hear how you can stand with our brothers and sisters there in prayer. Support the showClick the above link to listen to more episodes.

    Faithful where we are

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Aug 31, 2023 26:44


    North Korea is a country that fascinates many of us – not least because it seems so secretive. What is life like there? What's it like being a Christian in North Korea?In this edition of Release International's Voice podcast we continue our conversation with Eric Foley, head of our sister ministry, Voice of the Martyrs Korea. Last month Eric spoke about his ministry – and how it was transformed by listening to, and understanding, North Korean Christians. Listen now as Eric suggests how we are to view and pray for our North Korean brothers and sisters in Christ.Support the showClick the above link to listen to more episodes.

    Christ is sufficient

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Aug 3, 2023 23:37


    The first of two podcast conversations with Eric Foley, Voice of the Martyrs Korea.In his letter to the Colossians the Apostle Paul emphasises that our sufficiency is in Christ alone, “for in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and [we] have been filled in him.” And yet Paul speaks of his sufferings.In this edition of Release International's Voice podcast we speak to Eric Foley, head of our sister ministry, Voice of the Martyrs Korea. What does ministry to North Korean Christians look like – and how did Voice of the Martyrs Korea begin?Support the showClick the above link to listen to more episodes.

    China: Fearing the Lord, not man

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Jul 6, 2023 26:32


    “Released from a small prison to a bigger prison.” That's how life is described for many Chinese Christian pastors who have been imprisoned for their gospel ministry and who continue to live under heavy surveillance after their release.In this edition of the Voice podcast we speak to Release International partner Bob Fu, president of the Christian organisation ChinaAid. Hear Bob describe the current political situation in China, and what that means for Christians and for the Christian church.  Bob also shares some of the challenges faced by high-profile pastors – even after they are released from prison.Support the showClick the above link to listen to more episodes.

    Out of these ashes

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Jun 1, 2023 35:03


    “I am asking God that out of these ashes will rise a wave of an uncommon, unseen revival.” So said Nigerian Archbishop Ben Kwashi, commenting on two decades of violence against Christian communities in that country.In this edition of Release International's Voice Podcast we speak to journalist Andrew Boyd, who serves as Press Officer for Release International. Andrew has visited Nigeria on several occasions to report on the suffering of Christians.He shares his analysis of the atrocities in Nigeria and discusses why it is important to hear the stories of persecution – and how he has been inspired by some of the Christians he has met.Support the showClick the above link to listen to more episodes.

    A door for the word

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later May 4, 2023 19:30


    While in prison the Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossian Christians, “pray for us, that God may open a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ.” In this edition of Release International's Voice podcast we continue our current focus on Nigeria. We speak to Mark Mukan, who oversees one of the projects Release International is supporting in that country – a project which seeks to take the gospel back to those areas ravaged by violent persecution. You can hear from Mark Mukan in June when he is in the UK for a series of speaking events. Find out more here: releaseinternational.org/eventsSupport the showClick the above link to listen to more episodes.

    Nigeria: Comfort for the suffering

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Apr 6, 2023 26:26


    For the past two decades Christians in northern and central Nigeria have endured horrendous violent persecution. Thousands have been killed and many more forced to flee, in the face of Islamist extremist attacks. This month Release International has launched a three-month campaign called Out of these ashes to focus attention on the situation in Nigeria and to call Christians to committed prayer. In this edition of Release International's Voice Podcast we speak to Mark Lipdo, a Release International partner in Nigeria, about one particular response to the suffering of Christians in that country. Hear about the Trauma Healing Workshops his organisation runs and some powerful testimonies of the positive impact those workshops have had on Christians who have suffered persecution. Support the showClick the above link to listen to more episodes.

    Iran: Hope in the midst of hopelessness

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 2, 2023 24:00


    Iran is a country with a long history going back into the Old Testament. Oppression, frustration and a lack of hope have characterised life for many of its citizens since the establishment of an Islamic Republic in 1979. Christians there have faced persecution for their faith but the church has continued to grow.In this edition of Release International's Voice podcast hear from Simon from Transform Iran. He speaks about life in Iran and about how God has been at work, even as his people have suffered. Support the showClick the above link to listen to more episodes.

    Twen: Imprisoned for faith, sustained by grace

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 2, 2023 23:43


    Twen had been a Christian for only 2 years when she was arrested and imprisoned in Eritrea at the age of 21. She had no idea she would spend the next 16 years locked away in the Eritrean prison system for choosing to follow Jesus. Over the years she suffered intense persecution, but by the grace of God, she survived violent beatings, isolation in scorching-hot shipping containers, deprivation of water and food, and even being thrown into a pit of poisonous snakes. There's more of her story in the latest edition of Release International's Voice magazine. But hear from her now on this episode of the Voice podcast as we had the privilege of speaking to Twen after she was released from prison.Support the showClick the above link to listen to more episodes.

    Persecution Trends 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2023 24:08


    It's the start of a new year – 2023 is well and truly here. What are you looking forward to this year? Unfortunately, for millions of Christians across the world today, this new year will mean another year of persecution. Following the recent publication of Release International's Persecution Trends report for 2023, which highlights the pressures Christians are likely to face in several key areas over the year, we are speaking to the CEO's of three of our sister ministries. On today's podcast, hear from Cole Richards of VOM USA, Tony Benjamin of VOM Australia and Floyd Brobbel of VOM Canada. Listen in as we discuss some of the key areas where persecution is expected to rise this year, as well as how all this information can help all of us and our churches to be better informed, and to pray.You can read the Persecution Trends report for 2023 in our January magazine or on our website: www.releaseinternational.org/persecution-trends-2023 Support the show

    Living the best life in Lebanon

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2022 26:33


    On this episode, hear Pastor Jihad, who is the leader of the True Vine Baptist church in Zahle, Lebanon, share his personal testimony and how God prepared him to help those fleeing the war in Syria. As a child he was himself displaced from his home by the Syrian army, but God is now using him to reach Syrian refugees – those who were once seen as his enemy.  We'll hear how the church is overcoming daily challenges – to live the best and ‘most satisfying' life for Christ. Support the show

    Remembering to pray?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2022 21:51


    “Pray for us,” writes the Apostle Paul, toward the end of his letter to the Colossians, “that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ – on account of which I am in prison.” (Col. 4:3) A few verses later Paul ends that letter with a simple, moving request: “Remember my chains.” (Col. 4:18) When Christians suffer persecution for their faith in Christ we should be concerned; we should remember them. In this edition of the Voice Podcast hear from Release International's CEO Paul Robinson. On the eve of another annual Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church we'll be talking about why it is important to remember and to pray. For IDOP resources visit: releaseinternational.org/idopTo register for the IDOP online event on Sunday 6th November visit: bit.ly/IDOPeventTickets Support the show

    Susanna Koh: Depending on God

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2022 20:51


    On this edition of Release International's Voice Podcast we will hear from Susanna Koh, wife of Malaysian pastor Raymond Koh, who was abducted more than four years ago in a highly professional operation. He has never been seen since. Listen as Susanna talks about her family's struggle to find out what has happened to Raymond and the pressure they have been under. But also hear how Raymond's suffering has motivated Christians in their service of Christ and the gospel.Support the show

    Imtiaz Ashraf: Living amid hostility for Jesus

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2022 22:05


    Persecution has many faces. Sometimes it appears as oppression; sometimes as violence. One way that Christians around the world experience persecution for their faith is imprisonment. In this edition of the Voice Podcast our guest is Release International's Imtiaz Ashraf, who has visited Christians imprisoned for their faith in Pakistan. Hear him talk about some of the difficulties Christians in Pakistan face – and the pain of imprisonment, as well as some of the encouragements that he has seen in and through the lives of those suffering for Christ and the gospel.Support the show

    Bob Fu: Walking with the persecuted

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2022 23:29


    Release International is privileged to work with some amazingly dedicated and courageous partners across the world. Their love for the Lord drives them to faithfully serve our persecuted brothers and sisters, often at great cost to themselves. And it is a special privilege for us when they are able to visit the UK. During those times we get to share face to face fellowship with them and hear their voice directly.Hear Release International worker James Fraser discuss our forthcoming speaker tour with international partner Bob Fu of China Aid. Listen in as we hear Bob's story of faith and imprisonment in China, his previous visit to the UK, and what we can look forward to during his visit in October this year. Plus, we have a special contribution from Bob himself who recounts the opposition and threats he and his family faced in Texas in 2020. For full details of dates and venues just visit www.releaseinternational.org/events.Support the show

    Petr Jasek: I focus my eyes on Jesus

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2022 28:23


    Over the last year Artless Theatre Company has been touring its production of If Prison Walls Could Speak. This is a powerful play that presents the true story of Release International's associate ministry worker Petr Jasek who was arrested and imprisoned for his faith in Sudan. This month Petr himself visited London to attend a showing of the play. On this podcast, hear Petr speak about how it felt to see his story re-enacted. He also shares about the Christians in Parliament National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast, along with some of his own experiences of meeting persecuted Christians in Africa.If your church is interested in hosting a performance of If Prison Walls Could Speak just visit our website at releaseinternational.org/artless-theatre-tour for more information.Support the show

    Pavel: Ukraine, Russia, Central Asia

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Jun 2, 2022 33:03 Transcription Available


    What is the ideal context for Christian ministry? We could approach that question in different ways but for many of us the backdrop of freedom would be high up on our list of priorities. On today's podcast hear from Release International partner Pavel from Ukraine. His story might challenge some of our intuitions. Listen in as we talk about the current situation in Ukraine and how the war has prompted churches to pray and serve with a new urgency. Pavel also shares his story of growing up in the Soviet Union where being arrested and imprisoned was a common occupational hazard for Christian pastors. And, we talk about Pavel's ongoing work today supporting persecuted Christians in Central Asia who are determined to reach out in a hostile context. Support the show

    Polycarp Zongo: A captive story

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2022 22:48


    When preparing for a long car journey, you might factor in the possibility of a breakdown, but few of us would anticipate the possibility of being kidnapped. However, for Christians living in north and central Nigeria that possibility is an increasing risk, not least for Christian pastors. In October 2020, while travelling to a conference, Nigerian pastor Rev Polycarp Zongo was kidnapped by the terrorist group Islamic State West Africa Province. He was held for 7 months before he was eventually released. Listen in as Rev Polycarp bravely recounts his ordeal and tells how God has used the experience to build his faith. Support the show

    Shaken to make room for the gospel

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 31, 2022 18:24 Transcription Available


    Visiting Release mission partners, sharing fellowship with them, and hearing their stories first hand is a really important part of Release International's ministry. It enables us to share the voice of persecuted Christians with the church in the UK with real depth and integrity. On today's podcast Release International's CEO, Paul Robinson who recently visited one of our ministry partners in East Africa, speaks about his experiences. Listen in as we talk about the challenges that believers from a Muslim background face in that part of the world, and about the creative provisions our partners have put in place to support them. You'll hear about an Iman who came to faith; about a lady who learned about love; and about how all of this can encourage you in your own faith. Support the show (http://www.releaseinternational.org/podcast)

    Bike Pilgrimage

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 3, 2022 16:33 Transcription Available


    At Release International we are always inspired by the creative thinking and passionate commitment of our supporters. So often people will come forward with great ideas about how to raise awareness, prayer and funds to support our persecuted brothers and sisters. And it is our privilege to be able to support those initiatives wherever we can.On today's podcast we speak to Release International supporter Rev Robert de Berry. This summer Robert is leading an exciting project called the Bike Pilgrimage. You can find out all about the project at releaseinternational.org/bikepilgrimsListen in as we talk about what inspired this idea, exactly what it entails, and importantly, how you too can get involved. Support the show (http://www.releaseinternational.org/podcast)

    Living Martyrs for Christ

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 3, 2022 21:08 Transcription Available


    After telling his disciples that he was sending them out as sheep among wolves, Jesus challenged them to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. In the face of persecution Christians are not meant to be simply passive. With the wisdom that God gives, we can think strategically about how best to respond to persecution both after and before it happens. On today's podcast we speak to Release International partner Asif from Mordecai Ministries International. Inspired by the biblical character Mordecai, Asif's ministry looks for opportunities to positively intervene before the worst effects of persecution take place. Listen in as we discuss Asif's own background growing up as a Christian in Pakistan, the inspiration behind his ministry approach, and how it is making a difference in the lives of individual Christians and Christian communities across the world.Support the show

    Persecution Trends 2022

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Jan 6, 2022 19:12


    2021 was another year for the history books. With the pandemic continuing to impact our daily lives, it is important to remember our brothers and sisters around the world who are also impacted – by the pandemic, but also by persecution. It is a sad reality that this coming year, Christians across the world will continue to face violent opposition because of their faith. Release workers Kenneth and Tom, who have both helped to write Release International's Persecution Trends report for 2022, share some extra insight into the pressures our partners are likely to face over the coming 12 months.The Persecution Trends report can be accessed on our website as part of our current magazine: www.releaseinternational.org/resources/magazines Support the show (http://www.releaseinternational.org/podcast)

    Christmas: Security is the big issue

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Dec 2, 2021 22:40


    How will you be celebrating Christmas this year? A conversation most of us are having now with our friends and colleagues. But what if the menu for Christmas dinner and the itinerary for seeing your family were not your only concerns? Hear from Release International partner Rev Waseem Khokar who lives and works in Pakistan, and who helps the marginalised Christian minority in that country. Discover what Christmas looks like for those rejected from society, and hear about their wholehearted determination to celebrate the birth of Jesus, despite the challenges they face.Support the show (http://www.releaseinternational.org/podcast)

    Elect exiles

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Nov 4, 2021 25:59 Transcription Available


    What if fleeing was your only option? Millions of Christians across the world today face that stark reality, many specifically because of persecution. November marks the International Day of Prayer for the persecuted church and this year Release International's IDOP resources focus on the issue of displacement. On today's podcast, Release International workers Kenneth and James talk about some of the places where Christians have been forced to flee, how the issue of displacement is covered in the New Testament, and how churches and individuals can participate in the International Day of Prayer this November.For more information on IDOP and to view our resources, head to: www.releaseinternational.org/idop Support the show (http://www.releaseinternational.org/podcast)

    Jamal: From building palaces to strengthening faith

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Sep 30, 2021 28:23


    How did you come to faith in Jesus, and how are you serving him today? At Release International we are privileged to work with partners from many different countries and it is always encouraging to hear their stories.One of those partners, Jamal Liddawi, has a miraculous story to share. 30 years ago God started to work dramatically in Jamal's life, and since he committed to following Jesus, Jamal has been involved in various types of Christian work. Today he leads Release International's partner ministry, Hand of Help, which serves displaced Christians in Iraq. Listen in as Jamal shares his own journey of faith, the background to the flight of Christians in Iraq, and how he came to be involved in supporting them.Jamal will be speaking more about this work at our online events at the start of November. For more details about those, and to register for a ticket visit our website: www.releaseinternational.org/jamal  Support the show (http://www.releaseinternational.org/podcast)

    Dr Andy Bannister: Faith recalibration

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Sep 2, 2021 26:17


    Have you ever been challenged by a difficult question about your faith? Have you ever wondered how persecuted Christians who suffer specifically because of their faith can sustain the same kinds of objections?On today's podcast, Dr Andy Bannister - apologist, evangelist and director of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity, discusses how his own interest in apologetics and evangelism developed. He explains how to deal with the difficult questions of suffering and evil, how persecuted Christians can help us grow in faith, and why we must be honest about the differences between Christianity and Islam.Andy is an experienced and well-travelled speaker and writer who is used to dealing with the difficult questions raised by Christians, atheists and people of other faiths.For resources and more details about Andy Bannister and Solas you can visit the Solas website at www.solas-cpc.orgSupport the show (http://www.releaseinternational.org/podcast)

    Faith in the face of extremism

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Aug 5, 2021 35:54


    Jesus warned his disciples, ‘If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.' Throughout history persecution has taken many different forms and come from a variety of sources. At this particular moment in time, in many parts of the world the growth of radicalised Islam is one pressing threat against God's people.On today's podcast we talk to Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali former Bishop of Rochester and President of the Oxford Centre for Training, Research, Advocacy and Dialogue. Bishop Michael has written several books on the theme of Christianity's interface with Islam, and he speaks regularly at conferences on the subject.Listen in as we discuss his own background in Islamic culture, his thoughts on the recent growth of radical Islam, the current situation for Christians in Pakistan, and the concerning new wave of violence against Christians in parts of Africa.Support the show (http://www.releaseinternational.org/podcast)

    Jim Shannon MP: Servant with a purpose

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Jul 1, 2021 26:30


    Whilst no system of government is perfect, we can be thankful for the political and religious freedoms we currently enjoy in the United Kingdom. And we can be thankful for elected representatives who are willing to use their voice to speak up for justice and ensure that issues like religious persecution are heard about and debated.On today's podcast, guest host Kenneth speaks to Jim Shannon, MP for Strangford and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief at Westminster. Listen in as they talk about what motivated Jim to get involved in politics, his concern for religious freedom in the world today, and the progress of implementing the recommendations outlined in the Bishop of Truro's important 2019 report on the global persecution of Christians. Support the show (http://www.releaseinternational.org/podcast)

    North Korea: ‘Safe' is a relative term

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Jun 3, 2021 35:18


    Mentioning the country of North Korea can provoke both intrigue and horror in our minds. So much of what goes on there is hidden from us. But we know enough to understand that it is a place of extreme repression and suffering, especially for Christians. And yet in this unlikely place there is an unquenchable thirst for the word of God and the church is growing.On today's podcast hear from Release International partner Pastor Eric Foley from Voice of the Martyrs Korea. Listen in as we talk about some of the myths surrounding Christian practice in North Korea, the current controversy over Bible distribution into the country, the creative ways in which this is being countered, and the remarkable enduring faith of our Christian family. Prepare to have some of your current conceptions stretched and challenged.Support the show (http://www.releaseinternational.org/podcast)

    What does God want me to do now?

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later May 6, 2021 24:19


    Over 20 million people in the UK regularly give their time as volunteers in various sectors and organisations. Release International benefits hugely from the contributions of our team of dedicated volunteers. Whether it’s speaking in churches, organising a prayer group, fundraising or sharing information, volunteering is one key way to stand with our persecuted brothers and sisters.Hear from Release International’s volunteer co-ordinator Andrew Wilmshurst, and Release volunteers Annette, Simon and Suzanne, share about their passion and life-shaping experiences as volunteers with Release.Support the show (http://www.releaseinternational.org/podcast)

    Burkina Faso: One million displaced

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Apr 1, 2021 27:24


    Last year on the podcast we spoke to Release International partner Hassan John about the problems of violence and unrest in West Africa. On today’s podcast we are going to take a closer look at one specific country in that region: Burkina Faso. You may not know much about Burkina Faso, but recently the actions of violent militant groups have made it a very difficult place for Christians to live. Our brothers and sisters there are being targeted, displaced and killed because of their Christian faith.We will hear from Susanna who works for Release International’s sister ministry, Voice of the Martyrs, Poland. We’ll talk about the general situation in Burkina Faso, some specific ways in which Christians have been impacted, and the projects that Release International is helping to fund that bring practical help to families and communities.Support the show (http://www.releaseinternational.org/podcast)

    All for Jesus

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 4, 2021 19:49


    In his well-known words at the end of Matthew 28 Jesus tells his disciples to go and make disciples. Clearly discipleship is going to be central in the Kingdom of God. But what is it - and how are we to understand discipleship in a culture which so highly values the idea of charting your own individual course in the world?Today’s podcast features Release workers Kenneth and Stephen. Hear them discuss Release International’s new Bible study resource All for Jesus. This course has been designed to help Christians in the UK to come to a better biblical understanding of discipleship - by looking at it through the lens of persecution.You can order copies of All for Jesus online at releaseinternational.org/shop.Support the show (http://www.releaseinternational.org/podcast)

    Iran: Ready to pay a price

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 4, 2021 30:03


    What do you know about Iran? It is an Islamic Republic with strict religious laws. It is a country which is often in the news because of confrontation with the West. But it is also a place where God is working, and where His church is growing. Today’s podcast features Release International partner Lazarus Yeghnazar from 222 Ministries. Hear him talk about the surprising growth of the church in Iran and among the Farsi speaking world, how the authorities have responded and how persecution has increased. He enthusiastically expresses the great passion that Iranian Christians have for the Lord and how this challenges our own understanding of what it means to follow Jesus.Lazarus will be joining us again for a series of live online events from Monday 8th March. This will be an opportunity to hear more about Iran and the specific projects Release International is helping to support. It will also be an opportunity to put your own questions to Lazarus. For more details and to register for those events go to releaseinternational.org/eventsSupport the show (http://www.releaseinternational.org/podcast)

    Persecution Trends 2021

    Play Episode Play 33 sec Highlight Listen Later Jan 6, 2021 27:57


    2020 was a year like no other and one that many of us would probably rather forget. The pandemic continues to be at the forefront of our nation’s news coverage but it is not the only story in 2021. This year Christians across the world will continue to face persecution. From Africa to South East Asia our brothers and sisters in Christ will be violently opposed because of their faith and their stories must also hold our attention. On this month’s podcast guest host Kenneth Harrod speaks to Release workers Tom and Jack about Release International’s 2021 Persecution Trends report. They talk about the pressures Christians are likely to face in several key areas this year, and also discuss how the report can help individuals and churches to be better informed and to pray. You can read the full Persecution Trends report online at: https://bit.ly/38i951ISupport the show (http://www.releaseinternational.org/podcast)

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