Podcast appearances and mentions of Christian persecution

God's rest isn't about inactivity but about living under His reign. Biblical rest encompasses five stages: Eden, the Tabernacle, Solomon's Temple, the Church, and ultimately the New Creation. When we misunderstand rest as merely 'turning off,' we miss that God's rest and reign are inseparable. We step out of this rest when we follow fleshly desires, engage in religious activities from wrong motives, or prioritize appearances over authentic godliness. True rest comes from living under God's authority, experiencing His presence, and anticipating His promised future. The peace we desperately seek isn't found in our chaotic world but in submission to Christ.Biblical rest is not inactivity but living under God's reign and authority.God's rest and His reign cannot be separated - wherever God rests, He also reigns.Humanity was created to live from God's rest, not for rest.When we live outside God's rest and reign, both individuals and society decay.What was lost in Eden will be restored in the new creation, giving us hope for the future.Support the show

“We are Christians. [Persecution] can happen any time.” As the pastor of an illegal house church in China, “Brother Enfu” knows the truth of that statement. Listen as he shares why and how he prepares his wife and children for the day he may eventually be arrested and sent to prison. He will give an update on Christian persecution in China and how believers there are responding faithfully despite increasing government pressure. Enfu will explain how a new law prohibits foreigners in China from talking about their faith—even in private settings. He'll also share how the CCP's persecution strategy has changed, charging pastors and other church leaders with “fraud” or other financial crimes rather than using overtly religious criminal charges. “Christianity is the narrow way, and the government is warning people about it,” Enfu says. Instead of large church events, the gospel is spreading through one-on-one conversations with co-workers or neighbors as Christians share what Jesus has done in their lives. Brother Enfu encourages pastors and church leaders he trains to stay in China and serve Christians there, rather than leaving China for a more comfortable position in the West. He says that when he hears of a brother or sister imprisoned for their faith, it's an encouragement to him, even as he acknowledges the suffering they are enduring. Pastor Wang Yi is one of those Chinese pastors who stayed in China and stood firm in his faith. He is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence. Pray Chinese believers will be faithful in their daily life and ministry and pray for government leaders, including President Xi Jinping, to find and follow Christ. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as provide free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

Send us a textThis is not your typical episode—it's a call to action for every believer.In the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Chelsey shares her raw reaction, deep spiritual reflection, and unapologetic challenge to the Church: are we paying any cost for our faith?This episode isn't about politics—it's about purpose. It's about heaven. And it's about living in a way that makes hell nervous.Inside, you'll hear:A call to examine the cost of your comfortWhy real faith will always be offensive to darknessThe difference between performance Christianity and kingdom obedienceHow Charlie Kirk's bold stand at the 10X stage reminded Chelsey who she is in ChristWhy your marriage, motherhood, and voice matter more than ever right nowThis is your spiritual wake-up call. You were not made for comfort. You were made for boldness. Support the showChelsey Holm | the Wife Coach "I help Christian wives surrender fully, live Spirit-led, and be set apart according to God's design in marriage, motherhood, and life."Grab my free training here: https://chelsey.coach/highlevelwife-blueprint 2x certified Coach (John Maxwell Leadership, Kristen Boss SSLS)10+ years coaching experienceNASM-certified in Personal Training and NutritionMom of 5, Army wife 16 yearsSupport the show!The Chelsey Holm Podcast (The Chelsey Holm Podcast) It's hard to give your best when you don't feel your best- replenish your health with Ready Set Wellness: https://us.shaklee.com/site/chelseynoel/Nutrition/Ready-Set-Wellness/Ready-Set-Wellness-Bundle/p/89599

PLUS - a little preview of next two voting opportunities.Pastor Greg joins me as usual on a Tuesday

Co-hosts Cathy Endebrock, Kerri Brinkoeter, and Marlene McMichael host Brad Brandon for today’s program in order to highlight the alarming rise of Christian persecution across the globe. Statistics from Open Doors reveal that 380 million Christians faced high levels of persecution last year, up 15 million from the year before, with church attacks rising 800 percent since 2018. Pastor Brad -- a long-time pastor and teacher -- shares his experiences in Northern Nigeria, where persecution is escalating at a critical rate. He challenges American Christians not to ignore the crisis but to become informed, prayerful, and willing to take a stand for their brothers and sisters in faith worldwide.

In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe sits down with Colby Barrett, to discuss his new documentary, "A Faith Under Siege," exposing Russia's brutal crackdown on faith in occupied Ukraine   Colby Barrett is an entrepreneur, filmmaker, and former U.S. Marine Corps Captain who led infantry and scout/sniper platoons in the Pacific Rim and Middle East.   Watch the documentary, "A Faith Under Siege": https://www.faithundersiege.com/   ––––––   Follow Center for Baptist Leadership across Social Media: X / Twitter – https://twitter.com/BaptistLeaders Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-For-Baptist-Leadership/61556762144277/ Rumble – https://rumble.com/c/c-6157089 YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@CenterforBaptistLeadership Website – https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/   To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerfor­baptistleadership.org.   Follow Us on Twitter: William Wolfe - https://twitter.com/William_E_Wolfe Richard Henry - https://twitter.com/RThenry83   Renew the SBC from within and defend the SBC from those who seek its destruction, donate today: https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/donate/   The Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast is powered by American Reformer, recorded remotely in the United States by William Wolfe, and edited by Jared Cummings.   Subscribe to the Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast: Distribute our RSS Feed – https://centerforbaptistleadership.podbean.com/ Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/id1743074575 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0npXohTYKWYmWLsHkalF9t Amazon Music // Audible – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9ababbdd-6c6b-4ab9-b21a-eed951e1e67b BoomPlay – https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/96624 TuneIn – Coming Soon iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203 Listen Notes – https://lnns.co/2Br0hw7p5R4 Pandora – Coming Soon PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081 Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654 YouTube Podcasts – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFMvfuzJKMICA7wi3CXvQxdNtA_lqDFV

Brother Bayram came to the United States from Türkiye (Turkey) to further his education. He started a business, where one day a Christian customer gave Bayram a New Testament. He began to read it, the beginning of a path that would lead him to faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and the Son of God. It was a costly decision: his devout Muslim wife divorced him and wouldn't allow him to see their daughter. His brother had Bayram committed to a mental hospital, thinking anyone who would leave Islam was mentally unstable. It has been a difficult road, but Bayram's faith has only grown stronger as he has seen God work in his life and his country. Listen as he shares the story of his journey to Christ, and how his family pressured him to return to Islam and persecuted him for his Christian faith. He'll also share stories of others still meeting Jesus in Türkiye. Bayram will encourage and instruct listeners about how we—like the woman who gave him a New Testament—might help lead Muslims where we are toward Christ. You can connect online with Brother Bayram and his ministry at www.albtci.org. We'll finish this conversation with Bayram next week on VOM Radio. Between now and then, you can hear David Byle tell his story of persecution in Türkiye. You may also be interested in hearing American Pastor Andrew Brunson and his wife, Norine, tell their story of imprisonment and persecution in Türkiye. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as provide free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

Segment 1: After 26 churches are burned in Pakistan, shockingly, not a single arsonist has been severely punished. We expose the ongoing injustice against Christians in the region. Segment 2: Christian prisoners in Pakistan face mistreatment and abuse at the hands of the government, raising serious concerns about religious freedom and human rights. Segment 3: A Muslim sheikh is beaten after boldly testifying that he saw a vision of Jesus. His story reveals both the risks and the power of encountering Christ. Get free alerts at http://PrayInJesusName.org © 2025, Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt, PhD. Airs on NRB TV, Direct TV Ch.378, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, GoogleTV, Smart TV, iTunes and www.PrayInJesusName.org

The Spirit-filled life is a term we often hear and read about, but what exactly does it mean? In this timely message, Pastor Ian Huxham provides a biblical overview of the Holy Spirit's role in our Christian life. He explains why being Spirit-filled, led, and empowered should be the norm, not the exception, in the daily lives of every follower of Jesus. This episode is from one of the messages at the 2025 Southwest Bible Week Conference in Bicton, UK. Pastor Ian Huxham is a dear friend of mine, and I trust that you will be as blessed and encouraged by his preaching as I am. Links to further teaching are available below in the show notes.Dear friends, will you please take a moment to rate and subscribe to the podcast? It will be a tremendous help to us in reaching others with the gospel and equipping believers. Thank you!Show Notes:All other audio messages from 2025 Southwest Bible Week speakers.Article by Pastor Ian Huxham: Authority in the Name of Jesus.Link to Evangel Church, Sidmouth, UK, to listen to other sermons.Interested in CMFI (Christian Ministerial Fellowship International)?  We are a like-minded group of ministers and non-ministers from around the world, united in fellowship, encouragement, and accountability, all in the name of Jesus.Text us for prayer, comments, or ministry questions.Connect with us at: concerningthetimes.com

What does it mean to stand in true solidarity with the persecuted church? Dr. John Eibner, President of Christian Solidarity International (CSI), joins Billy Hallowell and Jen Lilley for a powerful conversation on global Christian persecution, modern-day slavery, and the spiritual battle shaping our world.For decades, CSI has been on the frontlines—rescuing slaves in Sudan, defending Christians in the Middle East, and amplifying the voices of the persecuted who are too often ignored. Dr. Eibner explains the biblical foundation for this work, how persecution has shifted over the decades, and why the church must wake up to these urgent realities.Topics in this episode:- Why Christian persecution is worsening worldwide- The shocking reality of modern-day slavery - How spiritual warfare underpins global oppression (Ephesians 6)- The forgotten history of the Armenian genocide & today's crisis in Syria- How you can support CSI's mission through prayer, action, and advocacyLearn more and get involved: https://csi-int.org

Hana Menghisteab is back on VOM Radio this week in a follow-up conversation after sharing with us on the 20th anniversary of her father's arrest in Eritrea. This week, Hana shares how that interview—really the first time she'd spoken publicly about her father and her family's suffering—was painful, but also how God used it to open a door for healing in her life. Before his arrest in 2004, Dr. Tecleab Menghisteab was a medical doctor and a leader in the Eritrean Orthodox Church. He is one of more than 300 Christians currently in prison in Eritrea. Hana was six years old when her father was arrested. Hana will tell how growing up without her father left her wounded in many areas of her life. However, Hana says, “God does not waste pain; He doesn't waste the years of tears.” Instead, the Lord uses suffering to display His glory. Hana says her interview last year opened wounds she'd wanted to keep covered up. “God forced me to reopen them and partake in my father's suffering,” she says. She'll tell how the Lord has allowed her to surrender her wounds to Him and encouraged her to be bold in sharing her story with others. She'll also share how an internship at VOM impacted her understanding of suffering and how God works through it. Hearing and reading stories of sisters and brothers also afflicted with suffering for their faith has shown Hana the beauty of those scars, even amidst the pain. Listen to Hana's previous visit with VOM Radio. There are a few seats remaining at VOM's From the Field 2025 National Conference. The conference will take place in Bartlesville, Oklahoma September 25-27. Attendees will hear from persecuted Christians—including several former VOM Radio guests—during the conference. Learn more and register online today.

Rich starts the show with Jenny Korn, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Faith Office, to shine a light on the rise of Christian murders in Nigeria and the importance of faith and culture as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Next, Patrick Hedger, Director of Policy at NetChoice, explains what it will take for America to win the global race for artificial intelligence — and how AI is quickly becoming part of everyday life. Finally, Maud Maron, former Democrat now Republican candidate for Manhattan District Attorney, joins Rich to discuss why she left the Left, the dangers of radical candidates like Mamdani, and why she's the right choice to turn Manhattan around. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A @Christadelphians Video: For a more in-depth analysis, check out this link...https://youtu.be/UZQGiCBV-AE**[The Watchman Report 'Extra' | Why is the UK Government Focusing on Islamophobia and Not All Faiths?]** In this thought-provoking spotlight, we examine the UK Government's selective focus on Islamophobia while seemingly neglecting protections for other faiths. What does Scripture reveal about justice, discrimination, and the role of governing authorities? Join us for an expositional discussion on biblical principles, religious freedom, and the prophetic implications of today's policies.

When Yang Rongli, a pastor of Linfen Golden Lampstand Church in Shanxi Province, China, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, she responded with words of celebration. “I got the top reward!” she said, considering it an honor to suffer for Christ and referring to the fact that her prison sentence was longer than other church members. She and her husband, Pastor Wang Xiaoguang, remain in prison. Listen this week as Bob Fu, former prisoner for Christ in China and the founder and president of China Aid Association, shares updates from persecuted Christians in China, including Pastor John Cao, Pastor Wang Yi, and other Chinese Christians. The Chinese Communist Party continues to pursue absolute government control of churches and other religious institutions in China. Pastors and church leaders face long prison sentences for “fraud” when their church collects tithes and offerings, or “illegal border crossing” if they travel to meet with fellow believers outside China. Despite being prevented from leaving China following the completion of his seven-year prison sentence, Pastor John Cao continues serving the Lord through daily prayer meetings. He's even baptized new believers—despite Communist guards required to escort him everywhere he goes! Bob Fu, author of God's Double Agent, reports on recent church raids in China, including arrests of children attending Vacation Bible School. The Communist Party forbids any religious outreach or training for children under age 18. With two years remaining in his nine-year sentence, Pastor Wang Yi has composed books in his head during his time in prison, as well as praying daily through a list of more than 1,000 prayer requests. You can write letters of encouragement to Wang Yi and other Christian prisoners in China, Eritrea, Iran and other nations at www.PrisonerAlert.com. There are a few seats remaining at VOM's From the Field 2025 National Conference. The conference will take place in Bartlesville, Oklahoma September 25-27. Attendees will hear from Bob Fu and other persecuted Christians—including several former VOM Radio guests—during the conference. Learn more and register online today.

What happens when a young woman raised under communist atheism begins to question why authorities are so afraid of a God they claim doesn't exist? Join us for Svetlana Khomiak's remarkable journey from Soviet indoctrination to profound faith in this powerful testimony.Growing up in Ukraine during the height of communism, Svetlana experienced the full force of atheist teaching—"no God, beautiful life" was the constant refrain. But a summer stay with her grandmother, who secretly hosted worship services in her rural home, planted seeds of curiosity that would eventually lead to an extraordinary encounter. Following a mysterious, supernatural guidance—worship music that only she could hear—Svetlana was led directly to a secret house church hidden in an apartment building, defying all logical explanation.Refusing to wear the red communist scarf, see the consequences of Svetlana's newfound faith and strong conviction, from persecution to a communist household transforming with God's power.Whether you're facing opposition for your beliefs or simply curious about how faith survives under extreme pressure, Svetlana's story reminds us that God will always lead genuine seekers to ultimate truth. As she quotes from Matthew 5:10, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."Helpful links:Prayercast UkraineMatthew 7:7-8Matthew 5:10Postwar Soviet Ukraine a brief historyLet us know what you thought of the show!Follow One80 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.Never miss a One80. Join our email list. Follow us on Instagram.Share One80, here's how!OneWay Ministries

This is the full show for August 11, 2025. We ask the American Mamas about the Cringe Crown award of the week. We Dig Deep into Christian Persecution. Plus, Trump brokered peace with Azerbaijan and Armenia, and that's a Bright Spot. And we finish off with a canine hero who will make you say, "Whoa!"

This week on VOMAus Radio, we hear from Kevin, a gospel worker and church planter in Asia. Kevin shares how the Lord called him to serve unreached people groups in Asia, and explains what a new believer is likely to face when they come to Christ in a Buddhist and animistic culture, where persecution usually begins at the family or village level. Because of fear-based animistic practices and the communal culture, the entire community feels like they are at risk when a member of their community becomes a Christian. Kevin has walked with friends who've been put in prison or forced out of their villages. Some are living in tents because they refused to recant their commitment to Christ. Yet they meet these hardships with joy, responding in faith and perseverance to their persecution. Learn more about the church in Asia and how to pray for Christians there and around the world who face persecution for the name of Christ.

Do we really believe that to live is Christ, and to die is gain? After serving for more than a decade as a gospel worker and church planter in Asia, Brother Kevin asks all believers to consider whether we actually live as if we believe these words from Philippians 1:21. He says that of ten people who come to faith in Christ in the area where he works, nine recant when the pressure of persecution rises. Yet seeing the joyful endurance of the one who remains faithful is a great source of encouragement to him. Kevin will share how the Lord called him to serve unreached people groups in Asia, and explain what a new believer is likely to face when they come to Christ in a Buddhist and animistic culture, where persecution usually begins at the family or village level. Because of fear-based animistic practices and the communal culture, the entire community feels like they are at risk when a member of their community becomes a Christian. Kevin has walked with friends who've been put in prison or kicked out of their villages. Some are living in tents because they refused to recant their commitment to Christ. Yet they meet these hardships with joy, responding in faith and perseverance to their persecution. Kevin will discuss how individualistic worldviews in Western nations like the United States compare to the collective Asian culture, and how believers show the unity within Christ's body as they rely on each other when part of the body is hurting. Learn more about the church in Asia and how to pray for Christians there and around the world who face persecution for owning a Bible, gathering for a church service, or simply wearing the name of Christ. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as provide free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

Some Christians in Malaysia—ethnically Chinese or Indian believers—have freedom to practice their faith in Christ. But if an ethnic Malay person becomes a believer in Jesus, he or she will face intense Christian persecution. The Malaysian government sees ethnic Malay people as off limits for evangelism and holds them subject to Islamic Shariah law. “To be Malay is to be Muslim,” says Carter Gates, leader of VOM's international ministry work in Asia/Pacific. “Ethnic Malay's can't even [openly] say they are interested in learning more about Jesus.” As Carter meets with VOM's ministry partners, one shared key hindrances that keep Malays from following Christ and the questions he uses as he engages them in gospel conversation. One of those questions: are you ready to die for Jesus? Gates says he was challenged as he thought about evangelism in free nations versus in Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam, China and other restricted areas and hostile nations. “This pastor is in a context where he knows what [sacrifice] means,” Carter says. “We should consider these costs in America too.” We'll also share an update on the court case over the forced disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh in 2017. A verdict is expected in the case in November. Listen to what Susanna Koh shared during her first visit with VOM Radio about how she and her family struggled after her husband's abduction. She also shares how the Lord helped her to forgive those who persecuted her husband. Please pray for truth to be revealed through this legal process and pray for the Koh family as they await the verdict. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians—in Iran and other nations—throughout the year, as well as provide free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

In this sermon, Pastor Todd addresses the topic of suffering from 1 Peter 3:13-22. He emphasizes that while Christians throughout history have faced persecution, there is hope in knowing that 'there will be a day' when suffering ends. The message explores four types of suffering (mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual) while reminding believers that our hope is anchored in Christ's resurrection and the promise of eternal life where tears and pain will cease.The pastor identified four types of suffering: mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. Which of these have you experienced most prominently in your life, and how has it affected your faith?In 1 Peter 3:15, believers are instructed to 'always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.' How would you articulate your hope in Christ to someone who is suffering?The pastor used the analogy of seeing 'in a mirror dimly' from 1 Corinthians 13. How does this help us understand our limited perspective during times of suffering?How do you respond to the idea that some suffering is self-inflicted through sin, while other suffering comes despite doing good?The sermon mentioned that 'fear is not of the Lord' (2 Timothy 1:7). How do you combat fear when facing difficult circumstances or suffering?The pastor shared the story of missionaries who were killed in Ecuador, yet their deaths ultimately led to the tribe's conversion. How does this story challenge your perspective on suffering for Christ?What does it mean to you personally that 'there will be a day' when suffering ends? How does this future hope affect how you live now?The sermon emphasized that our inheritance in Christ 'can never perish, spoil or fade.' How might remembering this truth change how you view your current struggles?Support the show

This sermon from First Peter Chapter 2 explores what it means to be part of God's royal priesthood as Christians living in a post-Christian society. Pastor emphasizes that believers are called to live set apart in the world to reveal the One who set them apart. Just as the early Christians faced persecution under Emperor Nero, today's believers must maintain their distinct identity while conducting themselves honorably, even toward authorities they may disagree with. The sermon highlights Jesus as the cornerstone of our faith and explains how Christians are living stones being built into a spiritual house.The pastor mentioned that 'our mouth reveals our heart.' How have you seen this play out in your own life or in the lives of others?In verse 2, Peter compares our need for God's Word to a newborn's need for milk. How would you describe your current hunger for Scripture? What practical steps could you take to develop a deeper desire for God's Word?What does it mean that Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith? What happens when we build our lives on other foundations?The sermon emphasized that we are 'living stones' being built into a spiritual house. How does this metaphor change how you view your role in the church?Peter calls believers to 'honor everyone' and even to honor authorities we might disagree with. Why is this so challenging, and how can we practice this in today's polarized society?What does it mean to be part of a 'royal priesthood'? How should this identity affect our daily lives outside the church walls?The pastor stated that 'any gospel that does not require submission to Christ and the denial of our flesh is a false gospel.' How have you seen this truth challenged in today's culture?How would you answer the pastor's reflection question: 'What has changed about me since becoming a disciple of Christ?'Support the show

Persecution: Past, Present, Futurewith Pastor Cory Henderson from Christian Life ChurchSunday 7-27-25https://www.bible.com/events/49468237

This week, Carter Gates, leader of VOM's work in the Asia/Pacific Region, shares about a recent gathering of VOM front-line workers, where they spent time in fellowship, sharing stories and encouraging one another to continue serving persecuted Christians. These men and women minister in some of the most dangerous places to follow Christ, and are often the first responders when Christian persecution happens. You will hear updates from Myanmar, Laos, and North Korea, places where following Jesus can mean losing everything. Between political unrest, spiritual oppression, pressure from local leaders, economic retaliation and rejection from family, believers in this region are squeezed on every side. Yet, as Carter shares, Christians in these nations remain steadfast and faithful, unshaken despite immense pressure. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians—in Iran and other nations—throughout the year, as well as provide free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

Hour 1 for 7/24/25 Drew is back! First, he welcomed Andrea Picciotti-Bayer to discuss persecution at home and abroad (15:15) and gender ideology (21:57). Then, James Hirsen covered the cancellation of Colbert (32:49), the decline of SNL, free speech (44:58), and self-deprecation (47:37). Link: https://conscience-project.org/ https://jameshirsen.com/

The American Church is in a difficult place. Special insight on the news of today. In this episode, we unravel the shocking revelations surrounding former President Barack Obama and his administration's alleged conspiracies to undermine President Trump's election victory. Join Kathryn and Christopher as they discuss the recent disclosures by Tulsi Gabbard that have ignited a firestorm of debate. This episode dives into the broader implications of these exposures, examining the intersection of politics, faith, and the ongoing battle against darkness in our society. Don't miss this enlightening conversation!

What's really happening in Iran beyond the headlines? In this episode, I sit down with Lana Silk, CEO of Transform Iran, to explore the remarkable growth of the underground church in one of the most spiritually hungry regions in the world. Lana shares her powerful personal story from a childhood shaped by faith under Iran's Islamic regime to leading a global discipleship movement impacting millions of Iranians today. We talk about how faith flourishes under pressure, what Western Christians can learn from the Iranian church, and why discipleship, sacrifice, and hearing God's voice are more vital than ever. You'll also hear miraculous stories of transformation, healing, and courage that will stir your own faith. This is a conversation about radical obedience, contagious hope, and the quiet revolution of love that's transforming Iran from the inside out.Lana Silk, Chief Executive Officer, Transform Iran - USALana Silk, daughter of Lazarus and Maggie Yeghnazar, serves as Transform Iran's Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Lana actively seeks to bring freedom to the people of Iran, transforming the nation into one which bears the image of Christ. Through ministry and humanitarian aid, Lana hopes that Transform Iran will create divine change in the lives of the Iranian people.Lana currently lives with her husband and three teenage children in Ohio.Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting CultureConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowSubscribe today at shiftingculture.substack.com for early, ad-free episodes and more! Support the show

Have you ever wondered if Christians are truly facing persecution, or how to respond to oppression against your faith? Let's uncover the truth about modern-day Christian persecution, its historical roots, and how believers can stand strong, support one another, and trust God through every trial.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:31 Series Introduction: Get Used To It00:56 The Price of Following Jesus05:19 Persecution Through History07:13 Modern Day Persecution11:16 Persecution in America15:13 Responding to Persecution15:43 Supporting the Persecuted Church20:52 Trusting God Through Everyday Trials29:08 Unity Among Christians32:20 Conclusion and Call to ActionTAKE A NEXT STEP:INTRODUCE YOURSELF

Established 28 years ago by Congress, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is charged with monitoring religious persecution around the world, reporting to Congress, the President, and the Secretary of State and making recommendations on advancing religious freedom through US foreign policy. Vicky Hartzler is the current chair of USCIRF. Prior to that appointment, she served in Congress from the state of Missouri. Even before her service in Congress, Hartzler came with a group from her church to volunteer at The Voice of the Martyrs. Listen as she shares more about her role in reporting on and seeking religious freedom for our brothers and sisters in restricted areas and hostile nations. She'll also share her own experiences of advocating on behalf of persecuted Christians directly to leaders of other nations. After getting VOM's monthly magazine and reading Richard Wurmbrand's story in Tortured for Christ, her eyes were opened to Christian persecution and she was moved to pray for our persecuted Christian family, taking Hebrews 13:3 to heart. Hartzler was impacted by her time serving at VOM. Her heart was also moved when she met a Chinese Christian woman at her church. The woman shared how she'd felt alone in solitary confinement in China—until she had a vision from the Lord of people praying for her. “God may be enabling somebody in prison to see and to hear our prayers—and to be encouraged,” Hartzler says. In Congress, Hartzler adopted three Christian prisoners in China to advocate on behalf of. Pastor Wang Yi—one of the three—is still in prison, serving out his nine-year sentence. You can write a letter to him, and petition government officials on his behalf, at PrisonerAlert.com. Listen for ways you can pray for USCIRF's work and for followers of Christ working in government to advance religious freedom around the world. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as provide free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

In this sermon, Pastor Devin explores First Peter 1:13-25, focusing on the theme of holy living as a response to salvation by a holy God. He emphasizes that Christians are called to live with clear minds against sin, not dealing with sin passively but aggressively. The pastor explains that holiness is not merely behavior modification but a transformation of the heart, where believers begin to love what God loves and hate what God hates. He stresses that Christians must fully submit to Christ, not just in church on Sundays but in every aspect of life.The pastor said, 'Holy living is a response to our salvation by a holy God.' How would you explain this concept to someone who is new to Christianity?In what ways have you experienced the difference between dealing with sin passively versus aggressively in your own life?The sermon mentioned that 'we are so good at giving Christ almost everything.' What areas do you think Christians today commonly hold back from surrendering to Christ?How does understanding God's holiness as His essence (what He is) rather than just a description change how we approach our own pursuit of holiness?The pastor emphasized that holy living is about more than behavior modification. How have you seen transformation of the heart lead to changes in behavior in your own life?In verse 17, Peter tells believers to 'conduct yourselves in reverence during your time living as strangers.' What does it look like to live as reverent strangers in today's culture?How does the image of Christ as 'an unblemished and spotless lamb' (v.19) help us understand the significance of His sacrifice?The sermon concluded with the challenge to love one another from a pure heart. What practical steps can we take to love fellow believers even when we disagree with them?Support the show

01:00:45 – 01:07:03UN-Backed One-World Climate Religion and Indoctrination in SchoolsCoverage details a global initiative to unite religions under environmentalism, replacing Judeo-Christian morality with “common values” aligned to Agenda 2030. Education systems, the Vatican, and the UN are identified as key actors in promoting this shift, with critiques of figures like Pope Francis and references to occultist influences on global spirituality. 01:21:14 – 01:29:28Homeschooling Crackdown and Christian Persecution in ChinaA deep dive into illegal homeschooling under China's communist regime, highlighting a pastor's defiance in educating his children biblically and the risks parents face, including imprisonment and loss of educational access. The narrative contrasts this with U.S. leniency and warns about potential future parallels. 02:07:33 – 02:14:5622 States Support Lawsuit Against School Over Gender Transition Without Parental ConsentA New Jersey father sues after his daughter is socially transitioned by school staff without his knowledge. The case raises questions about state overreach, parental rights, and the ideology embedded in public education, prompting a national coalition of states to intervene. 02:54:24 – 02:55:27Metadata Comparison to Obama's Birth Certificate Sparks Broader DistrustAnalysis of the Epstein footage metadata triggers comparisons to the Obama birth certificate controversy, where layered files were also detected. Critics suggest this pattern of digital tampering exposes a long-standing culture of government deceit and misuse of Adobe tools to fabricate documents. 03:01:38 – 03:04:21Trump Reverses on Epstein Files, Blames Political EnemiesTrump dismisses the Epstein files as fabricated by Democrats, despite having campaigned on releasing them. The narrative is described as a “mutual destruction” scenario implicating both parties, and his sudden shift is portrayed as preemptive damage control amid growing MAGA backlash. 03:06:51 – 03:08:09Epstein-Mossad Theory Reemerges Amid Trump Loyalty CriticismA claim resurfaces that Epstein worked for Israeli intelligence and acquired blackmail material on Trump. The connection is tied to Israeli elites like Ehud Barak and Les Wexner, with allegations that these ties explain Trump's consistent alignment with Israeli interests. 03:39:42 – 03:42:14Charges Dropped Against COVID Vaccine Skeptic Dr. Kirk MooreAttorney General Pam Bondi orders charges dismissed against Dr. Kirk Moore, who was accused of issuing fake COVID vaccine cards and destroying doses. The move is portrayed as a political concession to the MAGA base, with criticism of the government's original crackdown and praise for Moore's resistance to mandates. 03:56:19 – 03:57:09Push to Remove Vaccine Liability Protections and Enable LawsuitsAdvocates urge lawmakers to revoke immunity protections for vaccine makers and reclassify mRNA injections as gene-altering. The segment calls for retroactive lawsuits, arguing that only direct legal consequences will halt corporate harm. 03:57:47 – 03:58:32COVID Measures Blamed for More Harm Than Virus ItselfClaims are made that the "cure"—vaccines, ventilators, and Remdesivir—caused more deaths than COVID. The PCR test is mocked as unreliable, and the segment portrays pandemic policy as a coordinated scam by the healthcare system. Follow the show on Kick and watch live every weekday 9:00am EST – 12:00pm EST https://kick.com/davidknightshow Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code KNIGHTFind out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-david-knight-show--2653468/support.

01:00:45 – 01:07:03UN-Backed One-World Climate Religion and Indoctrination in SchoolsCoverage details a global initiative to unite religions under environmentalism, replacing Judeo-Christian morality with “common values” aligned to Agenda 2030. Education systems, the Vatican, and the UN are identified as key actors in promoting this shift, with critiques of figures like Pope Francis and references to occultist influences on global spirituality. 01:21:14 – 01:29:28Homeschooling Crackdown and Christian Persecution in ChinaA deep dive into illegal homeschooling under China's communist regime, highlighting a pastor's defiance in educating his children biblically and the risks parents face, including imprisonment and loss of educational access. The narrative contrasts this with U.S. leniency and warns about potential future parallels. 02:07:33 – 02:14:5622 States Support Lawsuit Against School Over Gender Transition Without Parental ConsentA New Jersey father sues after his daughter is socially transitioned by school staff without his knowledge. The case raises questions about state overreach, parental rights, and the ideology embedded in public education, prompting a national coalition of states to intervene. 02:54:24 – 02:55:27Metadata Comparison to Obama's Birth Certificate Sparks Broader DistrustAnalysis of the Epstein footage metadata triggers comparisons to the Obama birth certificate controversy, where layered files were also detected. Critics suggest this pattern of digital tampering exposes a long-standing culture of government deceit and misuse of Adobe tools to fabricate documents. 03:01:38 – 03:04:21Trump Reverses on Epstein Files, Blames Political EnemiesTrump dismisses the Epstein files as fabricated by Democrats, despite having campaigned on releasing them. The narrative is described as a “mutual destruction” scenario implicating both parties, and his sudden shift is portrayed as preemptive damage control amid growing MAGA backlash. 03:06:51 – 03:08:09Epstein-Mossad Theory Reemerges Amid Trump Loyalty CriticismA claim resurfaces that Epstein worked for Israeli intelligence and acquired blackmail material on Trump. The connection is tied to Israeli elites like Ehud Barak and Les Wexner, with allegations that these ties explain Trump's consistent alignment with Israeli interests. 03:39:42 – 03:42:14Charges Dropped Against COVID Vaccine Skeptic Dr. Kirk MooreAttorney General Pam Bondi orders charges dismissed against Dr. Kirk Moore, who was accused of issuing fake COVID vaccine cards and destroying doses. The move is portrayed as a political concession to the MAGA base, with criticism of the government's original crackdown and praise for Moore's resistance to mandates. 03:56:19 – 03:57:09Push to Remove Vaccine Liability Protections and Enable LawsuitsAdvocates urge lawmakers to revoke immunity protections for vaccine makers and reclassify mRNA injections as gene-altering. The segment calls for retroactive lawsuits, arguing that only direct legal consequences will halt corporate harm. 03:57:47 – 03:58:32COVID Measures Blamed for More Harm Than Virus ItselfClaims are made that the "cure"—vaccines, ventilators, and Remdesivir—caused more deaths than COVID. The PCR test is mocked as unreliable, and the segment portrays pandemic policy as a coordinated scam by the healthcare system. Follow the show on Kick and watch live every weekday 9:00am EST – 12:00pm EST https://kick.com/davidknightshow Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code KNIGHTFind out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-david-knight-show--5282736/support.

July 14th, 2025 - We welcome back Mike Koeniger to talk the fallout from the Trump admin's Epstein files decisions. Then we're joined by Elisa Gestri to discuss the plight of Christians in the Middle East. TheStationOfTheCross.com/ACT  

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/JulianDorey (***TIMESTAMPS in Description Below) ~ Alessi Allaman ( @alessiallaman  ) is a documentary filmmaker and host who tells raw, investigative stories that spotlight hidden truths and unheard voices. ALESSI's LINKS: YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyLKzv5fKxGmVQg3cMJJzyQQ EPSTEIN DOC: https://youtu.be/38iIFM4ME88?si=6R-bY3MRppSpibA5 IG: https://www.instagram.com/alessi.allaman/ FOLLOW JULIAN DOREY INSTAGRAM (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/juliandoreypodcast/ INSTAGRAM (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/julianddorey/ X: https://twitter.com/julianddorey JULIAN YT CHANNELS - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Clips YT: https://www.youtube.com/@juliandoreyclips - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Daily YT: https://www.youtube.com/@JulianDoreyDaily - SUBSCRIBE to Best of JDP: https://www.youtube.com/@bestofJDP ****TIMESTAMPS**** 00:00 – Alessi Investigates Epstein, Mark Epstein's Claims, Hoffenberg Ponzi Scheme, Unalive Doubts, Bongino + Kash Patel Flip 13:45 – FBI's Double Standard on Epstein, Spy Work vs Hollywood, Ghislaine's Role, What Mark Epstein Really Knows 22:35 – Chris Watts Family Murder, Justice vs Forgiveness, Epstein's Case 32:07 – Epstein's Love for Stardom, Hiding in Plain Sight 43:13 – Intel Agencies Control Chaos, Kiriakou Analogy, Paris Climate Irony 50:12 – Human Trafficking Gets Politicized, Right-Wing Damage 01:03:50 – Diana Documentary Breakdown, Mossad & MI6 Links 01:18:55 – Why Diana Had Enemies, Queen Elizabeth Speculation 01:26:47 – Jordan Peterson Takedown, Christian Gatekeeping 01:39:42 - Christian Persecution in Nigeria, Global Silence in 202501:49:42 – Alessi Becomes JDP COO, Florida Move, Lex Fridman Story 02:10:50 – New Producer Deef Introduced, Gratitude to Alessi & Emily CREDITS: - Host, Editor & Producer: Julian Dorey - COO, Producer & Editor: Alessi Allaman - https://www.youtube.com/@UCyLKzv5fKxGmVQg3cMJJzyQ - In-Studio Producer: Joey Deef - https://www.instagram.com/joeydeef/ Julian Dorey Podcast Episode 319 - Alessi Allaman Music by Artlist.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Neda was born in Iran to a Muslim family. She grew up as a Muslim and married a well-known Iranian athlete. But their marriage was on the rocks. At 22, feeling broken and empty, Neda called out to Allah for help. But she found no solace, and grew angry and disillusioned with a god that refused to answer her prayers. As Neda's heart continued searching, God supernaturally told a family member living in the Netherlands to go back to Iran and share the gospel of Jesus. Neda came to faith in Christ through her relative's witness and her life was radically transformed. Her husband, surprised and amazed by the change he saw in her, placed his trust in Jesus too. God faithfully restored their marriage and called them to ministry. Neda drew strength from the stories of other persecuted Christians. She read a story in a book from The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) about a girl who was assaulted and became pregnant. Yet she responded with remarkable faith by entrusting everything, even her body, to God. God used this story to teach Neda about the importance of obedience and sacrifice despite fear of persecution and threats of imprisonment and violence. Over the next thirteen years, Neda and her husband faced increasing persecution from the Islamic government. In one incident, officials raided their home and threatened her husband at gunpoint. She and her husband ultimately decided to leave Iran, yet they continue to serve from abroad through Iran Alive Ministries. Neda encourages every Christian to lay down their own desires and fully surrender to God's will—even when it means taking up their cross and enduring suffering and persecution. She also shares specific ways to pray for Christians in Iran during the current turmoil there. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians—in Iran and other nations—throughout the year, as well as provide free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

Islam Exposed: The History They Don't Want You to Know Historian and author Raymond Ibrahim joins The Winston Marshall Show for a powerful, eye-opening conversation on the hidden history of Islam's conquest of the Christian world—and why so few dare to speak about it today. Raymond traces the rapid Islamic expansion following Muhammad's death, showing how, within just one century, Muslim armies had violently overrun three-quarters of the original Christian world—from Syria and Egypt to Spain and deep into Europe. He dismantles the myth of Andalusian "tolerance," reveals the brutal realities behind the so-called Islamic Golden Age, and explains how the Islamic conquests shattered the Mediterranean world, plunging Europe into the Dark Ages. Raymond explores the modern censorship around Christian persecution, the resurgence of historical jihadist rhetoric in groups like ISIS, and the urgent lessons today's leaders refuse to learn. All this—the real story of the Crusades, the lost Christian heartlands, the enduring legacy of conquest, and the history the mainstream media won't touch… Watch this interview and lots of great content on the War with Islam at- https://youtu.be/DHCtp0uU4AQ?si=sF4iMRlXYo2yr_38 Raymond Ibrahim 52.3K subscribers 170,600 views May 11, 2025 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 00:00 – Introduction 01:37 – Who is Raymond Ibrahim? 02:21 – Personal Background: Egyptian Heritage and Academic Journey 05:00 – From Academia to Writing: A New Path 06:08 – Key Works: Sword and Scimitar and Christian Persecution 07:12 – The Impact of His Work and Public Controversy 10:00 – The Battle of Yarmouk: Turning Point in Islamic Expansion 12:10 – The Expansion of Islam: From Arabia to the Christian World 17:07 – The Battle of Tours: Stopping the Islamic Advance 20:00 – The Dark Ages: How Islam Shaped Europe's Future 25:00 – Why Was the Muslim Conquest So Successful? 28:50 – The Reconquista: A Slow and Steady Christian Resistance 33:13 – Andalusia: Myths of Peaceful Coexistence 40:00 – The Seljuk Turks and Pre-Crusade Persecutions 44:10 – Pope Urban II and the Call for the First Crusade 50:00 – The Crusades: Misunderstood or Justified? 55:30 – The Battle of Manzikert and the Beginning of the Crusades 1:00:00 – Charlemagne and the Rise of Christian Defensiveness 1:05:00 – Early Relations Between Islam and the West 1:10:30 – The Persecution of Christians in the Middle East 1:15:00 – Crusades: Religious Wars or Defensive Actions? 1:20:00 – The Myths of Islamic Golden Age Contributions 1:25:00 – Crusades and Their Aftermath: The Long-Lasting Impact 1:30:00 – The Religious and Ideological Roots of the Conflict 1:35:00 – Western Misunderstanding of Islamic History 1:40:00 – The Rise of Jihadism and Modern Conflicts 1:45:00 – The Importance of Historical Context in Modern Conflicts 1:50:00 – The Ongoing Persecution of Christians 1:55:00 – Reflections on Western Values and Islamic Influence 2:00:00 – Conclusion: Understanding the Past to Navigate the Future --------------------------------------------------------------------  Help Support ACU. Check out our ACU Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/ACUPodcast   HELP ACU SPREAD THE WORD!  Please go to Apple Podcasts and give ACU a 5 star rating. Apple canceled us and now we are clawing our way back to the top. Don't let the Leftist win. Do it now! Thanks. Also Rate us on any platform you follow us on. It helps a lot. Forward this show to friends. Ways to subscribe to the American Conservative University Podcast Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe via RSS You can also subscribe via Stitcher FM Player Podcast Addict Tune-in Podcasts Pandora Look us up on Amazon Prime …And Many Other Podcast Aggregators and sites ACU on Twitter- https://twitter.com/AmerConU . Warning- Explicit and Violent video content.   Please help ACU by submitting your Show ideas. Email us at americanconservativeuniversity@americanconservativeuniversity.com   Endorsed Charities -------------------------------------------------------- Pre-Born! Saving babies and Souls. https://preborn.org/ OUR MISSION To glorify Jesus Christ by leading and equipping pregnancy clinics to save more babies and souls. WHAT WE DO Pre-Born! partners with life-affirming pregnancy clinics all across the nation. We are designed to strategically impact the abortion industry through the following initiatives:… -------------------------------------------------------- Help CSI Stamp Out Slavery In Sudan Join us in our effort to free over 350 slaves. Listeners to the Eric Metaxas Show will remember our annual effort to free Christians who have been enslaved for simply acknowledging Jesus Christ as their Savior. As we celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas, join us in giving new life to brothers and sisters in Sudan who have enslaved as a result of their faith. https://csi-usa.org/metaxas   https://csi-usa.org/slavery/   Typical Aid for the Enslaved A ration of sorghum, a local nutrient-rich staple food A dairy goat A “Sack of Hope,” a survival kit containing essential items such as tarp for shelter, a cooking pan, a water canister, a mosquito net, a blanket, a handheld sickle, and fishing hooks. Release celebrations include prayer and gathering for a meal, and medical care for those in need. The CSI team provides comfort, encouragement, and a shoulder to lean on while they tell their stories and begin their new lives. Thank you for your compassion  Giving the Gift of Freedom and Hope to the Enslaved South Sudanese -------------------------------------------------------- Food For the Poor https://foodforthepoor.org/ Help us serve the poorest of the poor Food For The Poor began in 1982 in Jamaica. Today, our interdenominational Christian ministry serves the poor in primarily 17 countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. Thanks to our faithful donors, we are able to provide food, housing, healthcare, education, fresh water, emergency relief, micro-enterprise solutions and much more. We are proud to have fed millions of people and provided more than 15.7 billion dollars in aid. Our faith inspires us to be an organization built on compassion, and motivated by love. Our mission is to bring relief to the poorest of the poor in the countries where we serve. We strive to reflect God's unconditional love. It's a sacrificial love that embraces all people regardless of race or religion. We believe that we can show His love by serving the “least of these” on this earth as Christ challenged us to do in Matthew 25. We pray that by God's grace, and with your support, we can continue to bring relief to the suffering and hope to the hopeless.   Report on Food For the Poor by Charity Navigator https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/592174510   -------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer from ACU. We try to bring to our students and alumni the World's best Conservative thinkers. All views expressed belong solely to the author and not necessarily to ACU. In all issues and relations, we hope to follow the admonitions of Jesus Christ. While striving to expose, warn and contend with evil, we extend the love of God to all of his children. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

There is a crisis in Nigeria's Middle Belt region. Christians there have endured wave after wave of persecution at the hands of Fulani militants and Islamists. Perhaps you've heard of this crisis, but know little about how this situation came about. When did violent persecution arise in Nigeria? Who usheredin this dark period? Why did things spiral so badly? What can believers around the world do in the face of this evil?Joining the Christian Emergency Podcast to answer thesequestions and more is Steven Kefas. Steven is a Nigerian Christian who became a citizen journalist “accidentally.” Years ago, he realized that troubles were brewing, but the truth was not being shared by media outlets. Steven wanted toknow what was actually happening, and he wanted to share those insights with others. On this episode, you will glean valuable insights into a dire situation that others refuse to report on, or worse, misrepresent. If you find this episode helpful, please give us a positive rating and review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Also share this episode with a friend so they too can be blessed by these insights. To learn more about resources mentioned in this episode, see the following:Steven Kefas (X / Twitter): @SKefason Middle Belt Times (News Website): https://middlebelttimes.com/ Christian Emergency Alliance (Website): https://www.christianemergency.com/ Christian Emergency Alliance (Twitter / X): https://x.com/ChristianEmerg1 Christian Emergency Alliance (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/christianemergency Christian Emergency Alliance (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/christianemergencyalliance/ The Christian Emergency Podcast is a production of the Christian Emergency Alliance.Soli Deo Gloria

Last week Brian and Louise Hogan, trainers to church planters and former missionaries to Mongolia, shared about their efforts to plant a church in Mongolia—and the high cost they paid for serving there when their infant son died. This week, listen as they unwrap some of the principles they learned in that process, lessons they are now teaching to pastors and church leaders around the world, including hostile areas and restricted nations where VOM works. Brian, the author of There's a Sheep in My Bathtub and An A-Z of Near-Death Adventures, says that many in Western churches want to “buy a box” and follow a checklist for church planting, skipping the difficult process of seeking the Holy Spirit's wisdom and guidance. He challenges church planters to empty themselves of their own culture and learn the people and culture of where they are church planting, while always keeping in step with the New Testament. “If we don't see it in the New Testament,” Brian says, “then we're not going to institute it on the nations.” Brian and Louise also share how generous and missions-minded the church in Mongolia is. They ask, “What can we do to obey Jesus?” As Brian & Louise train Mongolian missionaries to go out to the nations, these radical church planters know that the core of missions is the church. They are not willing that anyone should be unreached. A nation that once sent out violent conquerors is now sending missionaries committed to conquering hearts with the Prince of Peace. Please pray for Mongolian Christians, and for church planters throughout the world as they work and sacrifice to bring every tribe, tongue, and nation into fellowship with Christ. Listen also for a special testimony from a former prisoner for Christ in Uzbekistan, Dmitry “David” Shestakov. Hear the difference it made when Christians around the world wrote letters to him in prison, then go and write letters to Christians in prison right now at PrisonerAlert.com. You can also hear Shestakov share his story in this episode of VOM Radio. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as providing free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

Hour 2 for 7/3/25 Guest-host Ed Morrissey prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy with Maribeth Head (1:00). Then, Nina Shea covered protecting Christians in Nigeria (23:13) and China (41:00). Link: https://www.hudson.org/

Brian and Louise Hogan, missionaries and church planters in Mongolia, responded to God's call with obedience. They arrived in the city of Erdenet in the early 1990s; there were no churches in the city. After the conversion of 14 teenage girls, they witnessed the birth and growth of a church community. However, as Scripture reminds us, forward motion in God's kingdom often awakens spiritual resistance. As Brian noted, "Throughout history, whenever the Kingdom has advanced, someone has had to pay a terrible price." For the Hogans, that terrible price was the sudden death of their newborn son, who passed away on Christmas Eve due to sudden infant death syndrome. In the depths of grief and isolation, Brian and Louise felt God's closeness. They were aware that Christians around the world were praying for them. Louise found strength through a question inspired by Elisabeth Elliot: “Was I called? Was I chosen? And did I obey?” She says it should not matter what God does with our obedience; we are simply called to obey. Despite their loss, the Hogans chose to remain in Mongolia, grieving alongside their Mongolian Christian family. Their suffering became a powerful testimony of hope and resurrection in a culture unfamiliar with such concepts. In their loss, they were able to share unshakable Christian hope: “We are going to see our son again.” Brian is the author of There's a Sheep in my Bathtub and An A to Z of Near-Death Adventures. Listen also as VOM Radio host Todd Nettleton shares information about how you can send VOM Action Packs to persecuted Christians around the world.

Mona and Michael are zealous disciples dedicated to sharing their faith and helping those in need, particularly within their community in Egypt. Mona grew up in a Christian family and found comfort in her faith after a difficult childhood marked by her mother's death. Michael, on the other hand, discovered his faith in Jesus later in life. Together, they felt called to ministry and have committed their lives to sharing the hope and love that can only be found in Jesus. Listen as they talk about Christian persecution faced by believers in Egypt, including discrimination in employment and education. These hardships have led church members to rely on one another. As Mona says, "The church becomes our family. We need each other." Muslims who choose to follow Jesus often face severe persecution from family and community, and at times from the government. They may also face severe pressure from a Muslim spouse. Mona reminds us, though, that Muslims around them are not their enemies. They know that the real enemy is the devil and emphasize that we are called to love others in the same way Christ loved us. Michael and Mona actively support refugees from war-torn countries, including Sudan, providing food and resources regardless of religious background. These acts of care and service often open doors for conversations about faith. Please pray for followers of Jesus in Egypt to remain strong and to be equipped to help those in need. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as give free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content, and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

This is part 2 of a 9 part series. For the full series you can go here.Long ago it is written that God said, “Remember” - yet today mankind has forgotten. Through the many clever schemes of the devil in history, most of the world has been deceived into believing tradition over truth. And what's more, a time is soon coming when the choice will have to be made between obeying the word of God or obeying the word of the devil.TIMESTAMPS:* 00:00 - The Early Church* 40:11 - Christian Persecution* 1:00:39 - Polycarp* 1:10:00 - Didache* 1:15:30 - Epiphanius* 1:19:16 - William Twisse* 1:21:26 - Johann Gieseler * 1:23:57 - Lyman Coleman* 1:28:21 - Jeremy Taylor* 1:30:01 - John Ley* 1:31:14 - Discussion This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.danceoflife.com/subscribe

“I have claimed this land for God.” The words were written by John G. Paton and adorn the grave of his wife and child. It was a declaration of faith that God would bring the people of the New Hebrides, now Vanuatu, to Himself. The islanders were thought of as savages; in fact Paton slept on the grave to prevent the bodies of his wife and child from being eaten by cannibals. Paton famously said, “If I can but live and die serving and honoring the Lord Jesus, it will make no difference whether I am eaten by cannibals or by worms.” Today the islands are full of churches—even some very close to the site of Mrs. Paton's grave. Stephen McKaskel is the producer and director of a six-part video series called Missionary, which includes an episode about Paton, as well as others which tell the stories of famous missionaries. Listen as he tells why the church today needs the example of men and women sent by God and obedient to the Great Commission. Watch this behind-the-scenes video of Stephen and the team tracking down Paton's legacy in Vanuatu. He'll also share about filming in England on the path of William Tyndale, as well as stories of David Livingston, Amy Carmichael, Hudson Taylor and William Carey. Stephen also shares what he wants viewers and churches to take away after viewing the Missionary film series. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as providing free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

After working in South Asia and living in Nepal for 18 years, Matthew Hanson has taken on leadership of The Voice of the Martyrs international ministry efforts on a new region: West and Central Africa (WACA). Listen as he tells how the persecution of Christians looks different in Africa from South Asia. The church in Africa is large; attacks on Christians there often affect a larger scale. Radical Islamist groups are the main persecutors in his region, and Matthew will share how it's affecting believers in his region, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burkina Faso, Benin, Nigeria and Togo. Just in the DRC, there are 100+ active rebel groups. Church attacks and the displacement of followers of Christ has become sadly common. How does The Voice of the Martyrs respond to the intense persecution Christians in his region are facing? Listen as Matthew explains how he and his team evaluate needs and work through partnerships and local believers to help meet those needs and encourage believers. Matthew will share about the ministry of presence and how it plays such a key part of helping with trauma recovery for persecuted Christians. As Islamist groups move into places like northern Togo, a new addition to VOM's Global Prayer Map, Matthew and his team are hearing new reports of persecution and needs that VOM can help to meet. “The church does an incredible job of serving one another,” Matthew says, “it's a community of believers coming together, and it's really exciting.” Hear stories from Matthew about a woman's joy when she received a Bible provided by VOM, the holy moment when eight new believers from Muslim backgrounds took the step of baptism, and the story of a kidnapped Christian miraculously saved from a jihadist group. Please pray for persecuted Christians in West and Central Africa. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as providing free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

Miguel Angel Angeles, executive director of Bethel Radio & TV, shares the history of a ministry that started with one Christian asking a radio station to play audio cassettes of his sermons on the air. As the radio ministry encouraged and built up the church, it expanded into Venezuela, Colombia, and other areas. Today, Bethel is a network of hundreds of radio and television stations, based in Peru and reaching Spanish speakers all over Latin America and the world. Miguel will share about his own start serving in IT with Bethel TV, and how he came to understand the importance of bringing awareness of the persecuted body of Christ through Bethel programming. “My first time listening about the persecuted church was when Petr Jasek came to a conference in Peru to share his testimony,” Miguel said, “and it created a hunger for me to learn more.” After hearing Petr Jasek speak at a conference about his own arrest in Sudan, Miguel's church began to meet every Monday to pray for the persecuted church and to learn more about fellow believers facing Christian persecution. Week after week, God prepared Miguel's heart as it was continuously stretched by the stories of bold faith in the face of hostility and persecution. After reading Tortured for Christ, by Richard Wurmbrand, the founder of The Voice of the Martyrs, Miguel knew he needed to share about persecuted Christians with the broader church in Latin America and with his radio audience. Listen as Miguel shares the heart of his church for missions. Churches dedicate one Sunday a month to focus on missions and missionaries. You and your church will be encouraged to make missions and praying for persecuted Christians a regular part of your worship gatherings as well. Pray this week for Miguel, his family, and Bethel Radio & TV as they continue serving the Lord and sharing the voice of persecuted Christians with Spanish-speaking people around the world. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as providing free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

Nik Ripken and his wife, Ruth, spent decades sitting down with hundreds of persecuted Christians in restricted nations and hostile areas around the world. They didn't go to instruct these bold believers. They went to learn from them. The lessons they learned were published in The Insanity of God, Nik's book, and now he and Ruth have created a video series called Insanity Unleashed. In this series, they share lessons from believers in persecution to help Christians everywhere know how to live as sheep among wolves (Matthew 10:16). The lessons come from more than 650 interviews with persecuted Christians in more than 70 countries. Listen this week to hear stories from Nik and Ruth about their travels and what they've learned from persecuted Christians. They'll share how meeting believers in other countries gave them a better understanding of the Biblical truth that we are all part of one global Body of Christ. Nik and Ruth have been humbled by the fervent prayers of brothers and sisters around the world as they pray for Christians in free nations. Nik will explain how this video series has the aim of raising up evangelists and church planters who will go to the unreached, rather than only pastors and teachers who are trained to minister to those who've already heard the gospel. “[Many American seminaries and Bible colleges] train you up to be sheep among sheep,” Nik says. “We are teaching [Christians] how to be sheep among wolves.” Ruth and Nik also share advice on succeeding in the marathon of ministry, including the importance of daily time in God's Word and memorizing scripture—just as our persecuted family does as they prepare for persecution. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as providing free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

Do Americans have any idea that Zelensky has declared war on Christianity in Ukraine? Vadym Novynskyi knows. He spent three terms in the Ukrainian parliament but now risks prison for defending his church. (00:00) Zelensky's Attempt to Ban Christianity in Ukraine (04:31) Why Is the Rest of the World Ignoring the Christian Persecution in Ukraine? (08:20) Is Novynskyi Worried He'll Be Killed for Speaking Out? (12:59) Why Is Speaker Mike Johnson and Congress Still Funding the Persecution of Christians? (20:26) Why Did Zelensky Push to Join NATO Knowing Putin Would Invade? Paid partnerships with: PureTalk: Go to https://PureTalk.com/Tucker to make the switch Jase Medical: Go to https://Jase.com and use code TUCKER at checkout for a discount Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In April, we asked VOM Radio listeners to sponsor Bible delivery to Christians living in restricted nations and hostile areas. This week, Ty Scott, VOM's Regional Leader for East and Southern Africa, tells us about the work and effort involved in actually placing Bibles into the hands of Christians living in cities and villages in Sudan, Tanzania, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Statistically, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Tanzania are majority-Christian nations. Yet each has communities where almost every person is a Muslim. How is the gospel spreading in such places? And how are new followers of Christ treated by their families and the wider Islamic community? Ty will share about family persecution in Comoros, a country we've never discussed on VOM Radio, where Christians comprise only tenths of a percent of the population. Listen as Ty and VOM Radio Host, Todd Nettleton, discuss places where ethnic identity and Islam are completely intertwined. As gospel workers share the hope of Christ in those places, they don't ask people to leave their ethnicity but to fulfill what God would have them be. Hear the amazing testimony of a young man who brought his father, an imam (Islamic prayer leader), to faith in Christ, and how the gospel brought many into Christ's kingdom through his father's witness. Ty will also share specific ways you can pray for Christians in eastern and southern Africa. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as providing free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.