Podcasts about persecuted christians

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.

Todd Nettleton is the vice president of message for Voice of the Martyrs, and is also host of their radio program. He and David talk about perspective for those in the U.S. about how extreme persecution can be in other countries.Voice of the Martyrs: https://www.persecution.com/www.worldviewmatters.tv © FreedomProject 2025See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a community-based culture like Afghanistan, it's difficult to hide one's faith. When an Afghan commits to following Christ, it's not long until those around him or her notice a difference. This creates an opportunity for gospel witness. Or for Christian persecution. Author John Weaver, long-time gospel worker in Afghanistan, joins VOM Radio this week to update listeners on that nation and how Christians are faring since the Taliban retook control of the government in 2021. John explains how a new Christian's family and tribal background often influence what type of persecution they face, and how their persecutors may come from multiple levels: their own family members, tribal leaders and/or the Taliban government. Despite these challenges for believers, ministry, evangelism and discipleship are still happening in Afghanistan—and among Afghans all around the world. Through careful, prayerful conversations Afghan Christians are planting gospel seeds, always aware that every person they share with could become their brother in Christ, or their persecutor. Pray Afghan Christians have wisdom and discernment about these conversations and whom they can trust to share their love for Jesus. You can learn about John Weaver's work in Afghanistan by reading his books, Inside Afghanistan and A Flame on the Front Line. Listen for ways you can pray specifically for Afghan Christians and their persecutors. Hear John Weaver's previous conversations with VOM Radio by visiting www.vomradio.net/weaver. John also wrote a book about meeting his wife in Afghanistan and their Afghan Christian wedding in Najiba: A Love Story From Afghanistan. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as giving free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

After three churches were burned and 5,000 Christian books destroyed in a nation where Christians are persecuted, the local pastor's response was unexpected. “They burned it. That means we are going to have new pastors!” he said. “Now, will you send us more books?” Dr. Gary Seevers, President of Global University, leads a worldwide ministry that offers training focused on evangelism, discipleship, graduate and doctoral study programs, serving more than 3,000,000 people worldwide in 140 languages. Included in those numbers are persecuted pastors and other Christians in restricted nations and hostile areas. Sometimes instruction must be kept secret in places where persecution comes from the government, radical groups or even a Christian's own family members. Seevers says the goal of GU is not only book knowledge, but the ability to use that knowledge in practical ministry. A vital part of the coursework involves students taking a principle from the course and applying it within their community to serve the church and spread the gospel. Global University students and graduates have been martyred for their ministry work, standing firm in their faith in Christ despite threats and violence. Persecution has accelerated the growth of the church globally and will continue to do so, Dr. Seevers says. Pray for the ministry of Global University to continue to train and serve pastors and Christian leaders worldwide and for Christians persecuted for their faith to be bold witnesses who reach their communities—and even their persecutors—for Jesus. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as giving free access to e-books, audio books, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

Richard Wurmbrand, author of Tortured for Christ and cofounder of The Voice of the Martyrs, said, “When I was beaten on the bottom of my feet, my tongue cried out.” His words echo those of the Apostle Paul: “If one member suffers, all suffer together” (1 Corinthians 12:26). Listen this week as Jonathan Ekman, VOM's Director of Global Partnerships, shares what it means to remember those who are persecuted and to tangibly assist brothers and sisters in more than 70 countries around the world. Jonathan will talk about developing and strengthening partnerships with church groups and mission organizations to enable VOM to come alongside the body of Christ in their times of suffering. Jonathan will also talk about his own crisis management experience and lessons he's learned—lessons he now uses to bless other ministries who may face the kidnapping of a missionary or the murder of a gospel worker. Last year, VOM provided tangible help to more than 4,000,000 Christians around the world. Much of that help was delivered through partnerships with local church leaders, international mission organizations and other groups. These partnerships are a key part of VOM serving persecuted Christians—and reflect what it means to be part of the Body of Christ. Jonathan will also share specific ways you can pray. You are invited to stand with persecuted Christians by supporting the work of The Voice of the Martyrs.

Top headlines for Monday, April 28, 2025In this episode, we unpack Attorney General Pam Bondi's latest memorandum detailing the Department of Justice's strengthened efforts to safeguard children's welfare. Then, we shift our focus to the healthcare sector, examining the financial burden on Texas hospitals as they provide care to tens of thousands of undocumented patients, costing millions. Finally, we explore a significant shift within the religious community as Missouri's largest Assemblies of God congregation decides to part ways with the denomination.00:11 Bondi memo lays out directives to protect kids from mutilation01:06 Court rules Scottish schools must provide single-sex bathrooms01:59 Appeals court orders ICC to re-examine Netanyahu, Gallant warrant02:59 Texas hospitals spent millions on care for illegal immigrants03:55 Threat to deport persecuted Christians hits home for NC church04:56 James River Church announces exit from Assemblies of God05:45 Nate Bargatze says he views his career as 'calling' from GodSubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on TwitterChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsBondi memo lays out directives to protect kids from mutilation | PoliticsCourt rules Scottish schools must provide single-sex bathrooms | WorldAppeals court orders ICC to re-examine Netanyahu, Gallant warrant | WorldTexas hospitals spent millions on care for illegal immigrants | PoliticsThreat to deport persecuted Christians hits home for NC church | PoliticsJames River Church announces exit from Assemblies of God | Church & MinistriesNate Bargatze says he views his career as 'calling' from God | Entertainment

Richard Wurmbrand, author of Tortured for Christ and cofounder of The Voice of the Martyrs, said, “When I was beaten on the bottom of my feet, my tongue cried out.” His words echo those of the Apostle Paul: “If one member suffers, all suffer together” (1 Corinthians 12:26). Listen this week as Jonathan Ekman, VOM's Director of Global Partnerships, shares what it means to remember those who are persecuted and to tangibly assist brothers and sisters in more than 70 countries around the world. Jonathan will talk about developing and strengthening partnerships with church groups and mission organizations to enable VOM to come alongside the body of Christ in their times of suffering. Jonathan will also talk about his own crisis management experience and lessons he's learned—lessons he now uses to bless other ministries who may face the kidnapping of a missionary or the murder of a gospel worker. Last year, VOM provided tangible help to more than 4,000,000 Christians around the world. Much of that help was delivered through partnerships with local church leaders, international mission organizations and other groups. These partnerships are a key part of VOM serving persecuted Christians—and reflect what it means to be part of the Body of Christ. Jonathan will also share specific ways you can pray. You are invited to stand with persecuted Christians by supporting the work of The Voice of the Martyrs. You can give online here. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as giving free access to e-books, audio books, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

With a passion for serving and growing the local church, particularly in areas where it's difficult to train and raise up leaders, Dr. Michael Reeves, President of Union School of Theology (Wales), explains how UST trains pastors and leaders in the church worldwide—including pastors for churches in hostile areas and restricted nations. Listen as Dr. Reeves explains the importance of the education to equip church leaders to know God, love and adore Him and His ways, and know the gospel so they may effectively preach it. This training, and the deep knowledge of God is fosters, helps pastors withstand persecution when it comes. Dr. Reeves will also share about his own missions experience living on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan, and the lessons he learned living in a Muslim culture and seeing how Christians were treated—and how they responded. “You become like the God you worship,” Reeves says. “When believers only have Christ—and not other substitutes for Him—it seems that they're able to taste of that joy more deeply. He'll also share thoughts on how each of us can nurture our own prayer life. Pray for believers to have a deeper knowledge of God and be inspired by the testimonies of persecuted Christians, which display beautiful evidence of the power of the gospel. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as giving free access to e-books, audio books, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

resilience of persecuted Christians worldwide in this powerful interview with Todd Nettleton from *Voice of the Martyrs*. Discover stories of forgiveness, courage, and unwavering devotion to Christ, even in the face of imprisonment, violence, and loss. Learn how you can pray for and support these brave believers through practical steps shared in this conversation.  

Doug Clay and Sam Brownback work in very different arenas. But both have a heart to serve Christians around the world. Doug Clay, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God - USA, shares about the genesis of the AG church and their current goal to put a church within walking distance of all humanity—including people living in hostile areas and restricted nations. “The finishing of the Great Commission is doable in our lifetime,” Clay says. Clay will share three ways to pray for your pastor and how he works to help the church equip the saints to have a biblical worldview and to endure. Seeing the church as the expansion of God's Kingdom, Doug knows it's crucial to encourage and pray for your pastor and for church leaders around the world. Sam Brownback served as United States Ambassador for International Religious Freedom during the first Trump administration. He has worked for decades to defend religious liberty in nations hostile to Christian teaching. Brownback will share from his experiences meeting with leaders of foreign nations, including one conversation that led directly to the release of a Christian pastor from prison. He'll also share how a formerly imprisoned Christian in Saudi Arabia encouraged him to continue in the work God called him to, and how raising religious freedom issues with your elected officials can be a practical way to serve persecuted brothers and sisters. Currently, Brownback is working on a book about persecution in China. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as giving free access to e-books, audio books, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

April 9th, 2025 - We welcome back Edward Clancy of Aid to the Church in Need with updates on Christian persecution around the globe. Then we're joined by Sheryl Collmer to review the new "King of Kings" movie adaptation from Angel Studios. TheStationOfTheCross.com/ACT  

“If a person is entrusted to care for a building and decides to tear it down, there's a moral imperative to disclose whether there are people inside. There are 20.6 million people and 566,000 children living inside PEPFAR.” PEPFAR is the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. And as of March 25, 2025, its congressional reauthorization has expired. For more than two decades, its website states, “the U.S. government has invested over $110 billion in the global HIV/AIDS response, the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease in history—saving 26 million lives, preventing millions of HIV infections, and accelerating progress toward controlling the global HIV/AIDS pandemic in more than 50 countries.” Now, some estimate that over 20 million people will lose access to antiretroviral drugs, which may result in up to 1,650,000 deaths over the coming year. In this episode, Mark Labberton speaks with Mindy Belz, an award-winning journalist and longtime war correspondent, to explore the urgent moral and humanitarian implications of PEPFAR's uncertain future. Drawing on Belz's deep reporting experience in conflict zones and her time covering global health efforts, their conversation traces the remarkable legacy of the U.S. government's investment in HIV/AIDS relief, the stakes of congressional inaction, and the broader questions this crisis raises about American moral leadership, Christian charity, and global responsibility. Together they discuss: Mindy Belz's background as a journalist and war correspondent The significance of PEPFAR in the global battle against HIV/AIDS The pivotal leadership role the U.S. government has played in supporting AIDS relief efforts for the past two decades The devastating impact that losing PEPFAR would have on human life around the world, particularly in Africa And, perspectives on charity, moral conscience, and faith in American Christianity Helpful Links mindybelz.com Mindy's Article about PEPFAR: “1,650,000: How killing a global program to fight HIV/AIDS kills”: “PEPFAR contracts ended under Trump mean 20 million people on treatment now face HIV disease again. Without more reinstatements that could lead to a death toll of 1.6 million in a year's time.” About PEPFAR, the “President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief”: Through PEPFAR, the U.S. government has invested over $110 billion in the global HIV/AIDS response, the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease in history – saving 26 million lives, preventing millions of HIV infections, and accelerating progress toward controlling the global HIV/AIDS pandemic in more than 50 countries. From ThinkGlobalHealth: “PEPFAR Misses Reauthorization Deadline: What's Next for Global HIV Fight?” Mindy's book They Say We Are Infidels: On the Run from ISIS with Persecuted Christians in the Middle East Follow Mindy on X @mindybelz Follow Mindy on Substack: Globe Trot About Mindy Belz Mindy Belz is an award-winning American journalist. For over two decades, she has covered wars and victims of conflict in Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Sudan and the Balkans. She recounts some of her experiences in a 2016 award-winning book, They Say We Are Infidels. Her work appears in The Wall Street Journal, Plough Quarterly, and other publications. The New York Times calls her “one of the bravest and best foreign correspondents in the country.” Mindy currently is editor of the 2024 Christianity Today Globe project. Her news roundup, Globe Trot, is read by thousands each week and available on Substack. She speaks internationally and has taught journalism courses in Uganda, India, Hungary, and the United States. She is the former senior editor at World Magazine. A mother of four and grandmother of three, Mindy was married for 40 years to Nat Belz, who died in 2023. She lives in North Carolina. Show Notes Mindy Belz: A Journalist in the Trenches Mindy Belz and her career at World Magazine Mindy's coverage of the AIDS pandemic in East Africa and the war in Sudan The rise of Islamic extremism, Al-Quaeda, and crossing the Tigris into Iraq Her early experiences in journalism and what drew her to war reporting How she came to report from the Middle East and other conflict zones The challenges Mindy faced as a woman journalist “We've all experienced some of the conflict in the world. We've all experienced some terrorism and violence … this is a part of life in a broken and fallen world, and so learning from women, from men, from children incredible resilience in the face of terrible breakdowns is that I just consider a real privilege of my work.” Working with a Sudanese NGO—finding starving people, barely surviving “For Americans, we always get to walk away. I'm really aware in whatever hard situation I'm in, there's little voice at the back of my brain that's saying, ‘Don't forget you get to go home.'” What is PEPFAR? “ President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief,” developed by George W. Bush in 2003 Trendsetting program to battle HIV/AIDS Anti-viral drug program to prevent the spread (but not cure) the disease “We still don't have a real cure for HIV.” “You have 20 million people who are currently taking antiretroviral drugs that are funded under PEPFAR and most of those people just suddenly could not have access to their medicine and, and that means that we are watching even now the disease grow.” “The Trump administration has basically shuttered the program and they have done so without the oversight of Congress.” Nicholas Kristof's NYT March 15 article estimates that 1.6 million people could die over the next year. Link: “Musk Said No One Has Died Since Aid Was Cut. That Isn't True.” “The scale of the devastation is mind-bending.” What can we do? “Congress is not exercising its oversight responsibilities right now.” “If a person is entrusted to care for a building and decides to tear it down, there's a moral imperative to disclose whether there are people inside. There are 20.6 million people and 566,000 children living inside PEPFAR.” What is the role of our government? “I've also seen PEPFAR working and working incredibly. I routinely and in lifesaving ways.” Understanding moral conscience “We are needing to call our nation not to a Christian identity, which I think is the, the false attempt of Christian nationalism, but to a moral identity. That people of faith, little faith, no faith, other faiths, can enter into and share. And I think some element of that has been operational in the United States for a very long time. And now all of that is being dismantled and being labeled, as you say, by a really cheap word like charity, as though there's no wider frame than simply compassionate sentimentality, as opposed to something that's really taking the moral realities of the world and all of their urgency seriously. And not pretending that we need to be (as we've sometimes tried to be as a nation) the healer of the nations, but to say that we should actually be a force for taking these issues with great national seriousness, and not just repudiating it because it's not inside the boundaries of our own country.” “Use the influence and the economic force of the United States to fund local programs.” “ We have the resources to go and make a difference in this situation. And by doing that we set an example for others to do it.” “We  have adopted an attitude of scarcity.” The impact and efficacy of antiretroviral drugs to improve the lives of people with HIV/AIDS—”To suddenly cut them off is an act of cruelty.” “This is a system, not just medication.” “If we're suddenly saving $5 billion a year, what is that going to be used for?” ”If these things are all happening by executive decision, and Congress does not have a meaningful role, then essentially the people are cut out of the conversation.” “People who become sicker with HIV will become more likely to have tuberculosis, more likely to be suffering from other diseases than side effects of the virus itself.” Where Is God in All of This? “It's a dangerous world. Go anyway.” “We have to trust that the hand of God is there and that it will meet us in the midst of those hard situations.” Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment Magazine and Fuller Seminary.

How is God at work amid ongoing fighting since Russia's invasion of Ukraine? Eric Mock, from the Slavic Gospel Association, wants to remind us that the gospel is going forth as Christians stay faithful to serve the Lord in spite of difficulties and hardship. He'll share stories of Ukrainian pastors who kept up their ministries, even with Russian tanks outside their homes. The Slavic Gospel Association (SGA) started in 1934, built on a foundation of prayer with a heart to reach those behind the Iron Curtain with the gospel. One of the ministry's early effort was a dictation-speed recitation of the Bible broadcast over shortwave radio—allowing believers in Russia and other Soviet nations to create their own hand-written Bibles. (The Voice of the Martyrs has a similar broadcast reaching into North Korea today.) Hear more about SGA's history and how the Lord brought Eric to serve there in 2002 to support local churches and other ministries in 13 countries. He will describe how the fall of the Iron Curtain led to revival but then how consumerism later lessened revival fires. Eric challenges all of us to see the examples of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine who are ministering and risking their lives for the sake of the gospel. Pray that the gospel would continue to go forth in Russia, Ukraine and other nations in the region, and that Christians would stay faithful through hardship. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as giving free access to e-books, audio books, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

Nik and Ruth Ripken went to Africa as missionaries. They experienced great works of God, but also great hardship and loss. Malaria almost killed them. Four Christian friends in Somalia were killed in one day. Their 16-year-old son died suddenly. Out of their wrestling with grief and loss God gave them a new mission: meet with persecuted Christians all over the world and learn from them. For Nik, it was a very personal quest. “I don't know if Jesus is trustworthy anymore. Somali believers are dead. Our son is dead. Our dreams are dead. And we want to know, Is Jesus for the tough places?” Out of their quest was born. Nik shared the lessons persecuted Christians had taught him in a book, . The book eventually became a , released shortly after this interview was recorded. Today, Nik and Ruth host their own podcast, , and have recently launched a video-based group study, . Listen as Nik and Ruth share their stories of God calling them to missions from very different backgrounds, and the hardship and loss they experienced on the field in Africa as missionaries.

Nik and Ruth Ripken went to Africa as missionaries. They experienced great works of God, but also great hardship and loss. Malaria almost killed them. Four Christian friends in Somalia were killed in one day. Their 16-year-old son died suddenly.  Out of their wrestling with grief and loss God gave them a new mission: meet with persecuted Christians all over the world and learn from them. For Nik, it was a very personal quest. “I don't know if Jesus is trustworthy anymore. Somali believers are dead. Our son is dead. Our dreams are dead. And we want to know, Is Jesus for the tough places?” Out of their quest Nik Ripken Ministries was born. Nik shared the lessons persecuted Christians had taught him in a book, The Insanity of God. The book eventually became a film, released shortly after this interview was recorded. Today, Nik and Ruth host their own podcast, Witness & Persecution, and have recently launched a video-based group study, Insanity Unleashed. Listen as Nik and Ruth share their stories of God calling them to missions from very different backgrounds, and the hardship and loss they experienced on the field in Africa as missionaries. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians in Syria, North Korea, Iran, China and other nations throughout the year, as well as giving free access to e-books, audio books, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

Andrew Ginsberg has been the president of Operation Mobilization USA for the last six months, stepping into the role and following in the footsteps of George Verwer, founder of OM (and past VOM Radio guest). Coming from a Jewish upbringing, Andrew tells the story of the nine-year path that led him to following Jesus—and then his eventual route into full-time ministry. Andrew shares three things the Lord taught him in the 18 months before he took over the presidency of OM-USA, preparing him to lead OM through this season. He also talks about the weight of leadership when sending gospel workers to places where their lives are at risk due to Christian persecution. Andrew is reminded that it's his job to inform, not to stop people from being a witness for Christ. “It's very easy to give up control, hold my hands up, and let the Lord do the work,” Andrew says, “The gospel moves in our presence but not because of our presence.” Andrew will also share the story of one witness in Sudan, and how OM-USA is using social media to reach individuals willing to be disciple-makers. His greatest joy is to see others called to go and spread the gospel to the unreached parts of the world. Pray that the Lord would call more laborers into the harvest and that the gospel wildfire would continue to spread in closed nations. OM co-founder Dale Rhoton has also been a guest on VOM Radio. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians in Syria, North Korea, Iran, China and other nations throughout the year, as well as giving free access to e-books, audio books, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

In a heartfelt interview, Dr. John Eibner of Christian Solidarity International (CSI) sheds light on the harrowing plight of persecuted Christians in countries like Sudan, Syria, and Pakistan. From liberating modern-day slaves in Sudan to advocating for displaced Armenian Christians, CSI's mission is clear: to bring freedom, hope, and healing to the suffering body of Christ. Dr. Eibner emphasizes the power of collective prayer

Do you believe the Lord brought them to us so they can hear the gospel?” The question was asked by a pastor in Aleppo, the war-torn city in Syria. Members of the Islamist group that would soon control the country were standing in front of his home, machine guns in hand. “That's a Kingdom-minded church!” says John Samara, a Christian from Syria and the founder and leader of Ananias House, a ministry reaching people with the love of Christ in Syria, the Middle East and North Africa. Samara has seen God answer prayers for revival during the last 12 years of civil war in Syria. Yet he also sees more Christian persecution coming as more Muslims come to know Jesus—and as the new regime in Syria tightens it's control over the country. While the new government—which overthrew the longstanding Assad regime late last year—publicly says they want more religious freedom and will make a place for religious minority groups, what's happening on the ground isn't matching their lofty words. “We're looking at potential genocide against Christians in Syria,” says John. The new government grew out of a group that formerly claimed allegiance to Al Qaeda and ISIS. John will also discuss his new book, The Victor's Crown of Glory, living as a persecuted Christian in the Middle East, and seeing his father deal courageously with constant interrogation and interference from the secret police. Order a copy of John's book today to read amazing stories of God at work and learn how the Spirit of God speaks through us, even in times of great fear! John spoke during The Voice of the Martyrs' I AM N Virtual Event. You can still access this powerful event online to hear stories of faith and courage in the shadow of radical Islam. Pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in Syria to stand firm in their faith amidst rising Christian persecution. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians in Syria, North Korea, Iran, China and other nations throughout the year, as well as giving free access to e-books, audio books, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

It's Friday, February 28th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Christian woman arrested in Iran after police raid Christian gathering Iranian authorities raided a gathering of roughly 80 Christian converts on February 6 in northern Iran, and arrested Somayeh Rajabi, reports International Christian Concern. Agents from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stormed the gathering, which occurred in Gatab, and confiscated Bibles, phones, and musical instruments. Agents reportedly ripped crosses from individuals' necks and forced the Christians to divulge the passwords to their electronic devices. According to Article 18, agents also stopped emergency medical assistance from reaching the Christians.  The day after her arrest, Rajabi was allowed one phone call to inform her family that she had been imprisoned in the town of Sari. Authorities have not yet announced formal charges against her.  The persecution of Christians in Iran is ongoing and severe. The Middle Eastern nation has a long and violent history of mistreating Christians.  According to Open Doors, Iran is the 9th most dangerous country worldwide for Christians. Persecuted Christians take great comfort in Psalm 27:1 which says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Prayer at Trump's first cabinet meeting At President Donald Trump's first cabinet meeting yesterday, he asked Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner to open with prayer. TURNER: “Let's pray. Father, We thank You for this awesome privilege, Father, to be in Your presence. God, thank You that You've allowed us to see this day. The Bible says that Your mercies are new every morning. And Father God, we give You the glory and the honor. Thank You God for President Trump. Father, for appointing us. Father, God, thank You for anointing us to do this job. Father, we pray You will give the President, the Vice President, wisdom as they lead. “Father, I pray for all of my colleagues that are here around the table and in this room. Lord God, we pray that we would lead with a righteous clarity. Father God, that as we serve the people of this country in every respective agency, every job that we have, Father, we would humble ourselves before You, and we would lead in a manner You called us to lead and to serve. “Father, the Bible says ‘Blessed is a nation whose God is the Lord.'  Father, we today honor You and in Your rightful place. Father, thank You for giving us this opportunity to restore faith in this country and be a blessing to the people of America. Lord God, today in our meeting, we pray that You will be glorified in our conversation. In Jesus' name, Amen.” CABINET OFFICIALS: “Amen.” TRUMP: “Scott, that was a very good job that you did.” Indeed, Scott Turner quoted Psalm 33:12 accurately.  It says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He chose for His inheritance.” Delta CEO refuses to blame Trump for airplane mishap On February 25th, in an interview with Gayle King on CBS, Delta CEO Ed Bastian was given an opportunity to blame President Donald Trump for the crash in Toronto, Canada.  On February 17th, a Delta plane somehow flipped upside down upon landing which thankfully did not kill any of the 80 people aboard. In response to the setup, the Delta CEO immediately shot the question down. Listen. KING: “The Trump administration recently fired many employees of the FAA Administration. Do those cuts worry you and do you think that impacts the safety? I know you just said it's the safest way to travel, but after looking at all these mishaps, a lot of people are very nervous. Do these cuts affect you?” BASTIAN: “The cuts do not affect us Gail. I've been in close communication with the Secretary of Transportation. I understand that the cuts at this time are something that are raising questions. But the reality is there's over 50,000 people that work at the FAA and the cuts, I understand, were 300 people, and they were in non-critical safety functions. “The Trump administration has committed to investing deeply in terms of improving the overall technologies that are used in the air traffic control systems and modernizing the skies. They've committed to hiring additional controllers and investigators, safety investigators. So, no, I'm not concerned with that at all.” RFK Jr.  pauses $240 million contract for new "oral COVID vaccine" Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has issued a 90-day stop-work order to American biotech company Vaxart Inc., which had been contracted during the Biden administration to develop a new “oral COVID-19 vaccine,” reports LifeSiteNews.com. Kennedy's order came just as 10,000 individuals were scheduled to begin clinical trials on Monday.    HHS will utilize the 90-day hiatus to review Vaxart's initial findings to determine the future of the human trials and continued drug development.    Approximately $460 million had been allotted to Vaxart by HHS to develop its new COVID-19 “vaccine,” of which $240 million had been authorized for the preliminary study, according to Fox News Digital.  Kennedy said, “While it is crucial that the Department [of] Health and Human Services support pandemic preparedness, four years of the Biden administration's failed oversight have made it necessary to review agreements for vaccine production, including Vaxart's.” Actor Gene Hackman, wife, and dog all found dead And finally, Gene Hackman, the prolific Oscar-winning actor whose studied portraits ranged from reluctant heroes to conniving villains and made him one of the industry's most respected and honored performers, has been found dead along with his wife and a dog at their New Mexico home, reports NewsMax.com. He was 95. Hackman, wife Betsy Arakawa, age 63, and their German shepherd were all dead when deputies entered their home to check on their welfare around 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office spokesman Denise Avila. Hackman was found dead in the mudroom, his wife was found dead in the bathroom next to a space heater, and their German shepherd was found dead 10 feet away in the bathroom closet. There was an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on a countertop near his wife. The sheriff's office said there was no indication that any of them had been shot or had other types of wounds nor were there obvious signs of a gas leak. A worker reported that the home's front door was open when he arrived for routine maintenance and that he called police after finding the bodies. Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, February 28th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Nearly all Christians in northeastern Nigeria have lost family members due to the violence perpetrated by terrorist groups. Entire congregations have been displaced, and many pastors have been forced to leave the region. In the midst of the volatile situation, it takes great courage and faith to openly worship and serve Christ in this West African nation, where more followers of Jesus are killed each year for their faith than all the other countries of the world combined. In this episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, host Greg Musselman is joined by Mark Lipdo, the founder and CEO of Stefanos Foundation. For the past 23 years, this foundation has met the needs of hundreds of thousands of victims in Nigeria. Today, the ministry continues to faithfully stand alongside persecuted Christians who have suffered turmoil, forced displacement and the loss of family members. Amid ongoing concerns about the spread of Christian persecution throughout Nigeria, Mark explains why providing practical care, love and support to these suffering believers is more crucial than ever. Length: 39 minutes Episode Notes To watch the interview with Mark Lipdo https://www.vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ng-2025-02-28.htm Stefanos Foundation on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Stefanosfoundation Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com Pastor Gideon Dawel's story: https://vomcanada.com/ng-videos/video/ng-gideon-tragedy-forgiveness.htm Nankpak Kumzwam's story: https://vomcanada.com/ng-videos/video/ng-nanpak-2024.htm

Today, on Karl and Crew, we were broadcasting LIVE from Texas at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) conference. We had some special guests on the show today as we discussed enduring adversity as followers of Christ. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on Karl and Crew Showcast. The following guests joined us this morning: Todd Nettleton is the Vice President of Message Integration for The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM), a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. He is also the host of the nonprofit’s radio program, The Voice of the Martyrs Radio. He has also been a part of the writing team for several VOM books including, “When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians.” Ricky Dickson is the recently retired CEO and President of Blue Bell Creameries, an ice cream company. Ricky also has a best-selling book called, “One Scoop at a Time: Lessons from Fear to Faith,” where he reflects on the highs and lows of his 43-year career in the ice cream business. Colin Smith is the Founder and Teaching Pastor for Open the Bible, a national radio program. Colin is also the Senior Pastor of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church and an author. He has authored several books including, “Heaven, How I Got Here.” Dannette Joy Crawford is a speaker, author, TV host and evangelist. Dannette is also the founder of Danette Crawford Ministries and its outreach, Joy Ministries. She has also authored several books including her upcoming book called, “The Power of Joy for Women,” which will be released in March 2025. Captain Guy Barak is an Israel Naval Attache to the U.S. and Military Attache to the UN. Capt. Barak is at NRB today on behalf of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), a nonprofit that serves the soldiers who protect Israel and Jews worldwide. Lana Silk is the Chief Executive Officer for Transform Iran, a Christian organization that shares the gospel in Iran. Lana passionately works to help bring freedom to the people of Iran through ministry and humanitarian aid. Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we were broadcasting LIVE from Texas at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) conference. We had some special guests on the show today as we discussed enduring adversity as followers of Christ. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on Karl and Crew Showcast. The following guests joined us this morning: Todd Nettleton is the Vice President of Message Integration for The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM), a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. He is also the host of the nonprofit’s radio program, The Voice of the Martyrs Radio. He has also been a part of the writing team for several VOM books including, “When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians.” Ricky Dickson is the recently retired CEO and President of Blue Bell Creameries, an ice cream company. Ricky also has a best-selling book called, “One Scoop at a Time: Lessons from Fear to Faith,” where he reflects on the highs and lows of his 43-year career in the ice cream business. Colin Smith is the Founder and Teaching Pastor for Open the Bible, a national radio program. Colin is also the Senior Pastor of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church and an author. He has authored several books including, “Heaven, How I Got Here.” Dannette Joy Crawford is a speaker, author, TV host and evangelist. Dannette is also the founder of Danette Crawford Ministries and its outreach, Joy Ministries. She has also authored several books including her upcoming book called, “The Power of Joy for Women,” which will be released in March 2025. Captain Guy Barak is an Israel Naval Attache to the U.S. and Military Attache to the UN. Capt. Barak is at NRB today on behalf of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), a nonprofit that serves the soldiers who protect Israel and Jews worldwide. Lana Silk is the Chief Executive Officer for Transform Iran, a Christian organization that shares the gospel in Iran. Lana passionately works to help bring freedom to the people of Iran through ministry and humanitarian aid. Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dozens of foreign Christians have been quietly forced out of Türkiye in recent years. After moving his family to Türkiye (formerly Turkey) in 2001, Jerry Mattix served in aid ministry and as a pastor. Last month he was told he is no longer allowed to enter the country—even for short visits. Jerry and his wife grew up in missionary families with hearts for missions. During his first semester in Bible school, God grabbed Jerry's heart for the Kurdish people in Türkiye, one of the largest unreached people groups in the world. Listen to hear how Jerry and his wife started ministry together in Türkiye, and the story of Jerry's first expulsion from the country in 2013, when he was labeled a “threat to national security.” Türkiye was founded as a secular republic, but in recent years government leaders have grown more open about favoring Islam. Jerry fought his first expulsion in court, and judges ruled in his favor, allowing him to reenter the country in 2016—but not to live there. Jerry and his family planted new roots in North Cyprus. They have seen the Lord's hand at work despite their family's upheaval. Following the massive earthquake on February 6th, 2023, Jerry made repeated trips to Türkiye to partner with local pastors and lead international Christians in to serve in relief work. Listen as Jerry explains the government's decision to remove foreign Christians from Türkiye and hear how the local church has “grown legs” to carry forward the ministry as foreign workers are being forced out of the country. “We're not praying for peace and prosperity, or for Christian persecution;” Jerry says, “We are praying for the kingdom of Christ to grow and thrive—whatever it takes.” Pray for Jerry and other foreign Christians who have been kicked out of Türkiye and for believers in Türkiye to continue in the ministry God has called them to. Listen to more stories from Türkiye on VOM Radio with Joy Subasiguller, Andrew Brunson, and David Byle. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as giving free access to e-books, audio books, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

Four in 10 people on earth have never heard the name of Jesus. Brother Harold, a gospel worker for 15 years among Muslims in Central Asia, joins VOM Radio this week to share what he's seen and learned during seven years mobilizing missionaries to go into all the world. Harold will share how his own daughter was called to full-time missions and offer advice and encouragement to parents sending out their sons and daughters to be gospel workers, knowing that some will never come back. “There are about 450,000 Christian missionaries worldwide,” Harold says, “but only 15,000 go to the unreached, to the 3.4 billion unreached people.” Today Latin American and African churches are on fire for Christ, sending out the greatest number of missionaries to the world. How can the church in North America come alongside these willing workers? Listen as Brother Harold encourages local pastors to be involved and supportive of missions in their congregations, including practical advice to pastors. He will also encourage those of every age to be involved in missions and share the benefits of attending the Perspectives course that helps all believers understand their roles in the Great Commission. Harold also shares a recent experience where he was convicted by God in a taxicab. Pray for unreached people groups to hear the gospel and for missionaries to be sent into the harvest fields. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as giving free access to e-books, audio books, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

The party's over, Democrats! Shaun talks to criminal defense attorney Christine Menedis about her new book Why the World Doesn't Make Snese: Reclaiming the Liberty You Didn't Know You Lost (available April 14), and how President Trump and Elon Musk are tearing down the uniparty! Plus, Frank Gaffney, President of the Institute for the American Future and President/CEO of Save the Persecuted Christians, discusses Sharia Law and President Trump's deadline for Hamas to release all its remaining hostages! Our National Anthem: sung by Luther Vandross!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PJ Moore, Executive Director and Wayne Denny, Director of Church & Community Engagement from World Relief Memphis discuss how recent immigration changes are affecting their work here in our city and how local churches can become a valued resource among their efforts. Persecuted Christians population are another concern and it's increasing numbers compared to just a few years ago. The criteria refugees must meet to receive assistance, the preparation that World Relief Memphis staff makes before receiving refugees, and the services and support that they provide locally is also a part of our conversation. World Relief's eighty-year history in the United States, specifically, focuses on helping refugees and other immigrants in vulnerable situations rebuild their lives in a new country.

“And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'” – Luke 10:2 Nathan and Kari have served as gospel workers in South Asia through different seasons of life. Today they serve as leaders there with the International Mission Board (IMB). Listen as they share how they arrived on the mission field from two very different upbringings. Nathan grew up in a family with generations in missionary service. Kari didn't find Jesus until her 20s—after exploring Hindu and Buddhist teachings and spirituality. Nathan and Kari understand the great need in South Asia for gospel seed planting, harvest and discipleship. The IMB reports that every year there are an average of 106 people groups engaged with the gospel for the first time. “The gospel fire is burning,” Nathan says, “and it's not waiting for foreign workers but in the hands of locals.” Nathan and Kari will share how they equip both Western gospel workers and local believers to focus on the missionary task. In South Asia, Christian persecution continues, at times propelled by government decrees (like anti-conversion laws in India) and at other times coming from close family members of the believer. Listen as Nathan and Kari share advice to those who are pursuing missions as the Lord calls and how personal spiritual disciplines help sustain us in the tasks the Lord has for us. Pray God will provide more laborers into the unstoppable gospel wildfires around the world. Learn more about the Four Fields mission philosophy at Four Fields of Kingdom Growth. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as giving free access to e-books, audio books, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

With the call to invest his life in ways that will outlive him for eternity, Pastor Bennie, a ministry leader working in ten different nations in Asia and Africa, desires to finish well—just as he saw his parents do. His passion is discipleship for young people to raise up Daniels and Timothys who will use their voices for Christ. Pastor Bennie has his own story of watching his father praising God while being beaten by militants. At the age of six, Bennie asked, “Why can't my dad protect me?” Working with young people today, he hears similar questions like, “Why is my father serving God in prison? What was his crime?” Listen as Bennie shares about gospel work in Sierra Leone, bringing medical teams to serve people who have never seen a doctor, and discipling the hearts of former Muslims growing into evangelists, pastors and church leaders. “Our job is to saturate them with the gospel,” Bennie said. He even distributes Bibles to Muslim students, knowing that God's Word will produce fruit. You'll learn more about discipleship program for young people and what happened when Bennie asked, “How many of you have gone through persecution?” He will talk about serving and praying for persecuted Christians in Myanmar, India, Bangladesh and other nations. As Bennie meets with young, persecuted Christians, he is challenged as he hears their stories of persecution and suffering, yet encouraged by the faithfulness they exemplify despite imprisonment, rejection, and other abuse. Never miss an episode! or download the or tablet.

With the call to invest his life in ways that will outlive him for eternity, Pastor Bennie, a ministry leader working in ten different nations in Asia and Africa, desires to finish well—just as he saw his parents do. His passion is discipleship for young people to raise up Daniels and Timothys who will use their voices for Christ. Pastor Bennie has his own story of watching his father praising God while being beaten by militants. At the age of six, Bennie asked, “Why can't my dad protect me?” Working with young people today, he hears similar questions like, “Why is my father serving God in prison? What was his crime?” Listen as Bennie shares about gospel work in Sierra Leone, bringing medical teams to serve people who have never seen a doctor, and discipling the hearts of former Muslims growing into evangelists, pastors and church leaders. “Our job is to saturate them with the gospel,” Bennie said. He even distributes Bibles to Muslim students, knowing that God's Word will produce fruit. You'll learn more about Alpha Ministries' discipleship program for young people and what happened when Bennie asked, “How many of you have gone through persecution?” He will talk about serving and praying for persecuted Christians in Myanmar, India, Bangladesh and other nations. As Bennie meets with young, persecuted Christians, he is challenged as he hears their stories of persecution and suffering, yet encouraged by the faithfulness they exemplify despite imprisonment, rejection, and other abuse. Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the VOM Radio podcast or download the VOM App for your smartphone or tablet.

In this episode, we discuss the nature of God, “who” God is, beginning with God the Father. Our reading explains how the Creed begins with God the Father because he is the first Divine Person of the most Holy Trinity. God is one Divine Being made up of three persons, and his identity is a deep mystery. Fr. Mike explains that God is a single ‘what' made up of three ‘who's.' Despite this mystery, God is not an anonymous force. He has revealed himself to us by making his name known to us, and he has thus made himself accessible. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 198-204. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The Catechism we are reading follows the structure of the Apostles' Creed with frequent references to the Nicene Creed for further details and explanations. Together, these Creeds aid us in articulating the beliefs we share with all members of the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike discusses why St. Ambrose refers to the Creed as “an ever-present guardian” and “treasure of our soul.” He encourages us not to take this gift for granted. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 193-197. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

When Hope first mentioned to her husband the idea of moving their family to the Arabian Peninsula to continue their gospel work, Nagy's reply was direct: “Never! Don't mention that country to me again!” It was a dangerous place for persecuted Christians. There were many questions and worries about moving there. But then God began to answer their questions, sooth their fears and confirm His call on Nagy and Hope, and their sons. Last week, Nagy and Hope told the story of their life and ministry in Libya, including after ISIS took over parts of the country. They also shared that the day when God told them to leave Libya—immediately. The family returned to their home country, asking the Lord, “Where would You have us serve next?” Nagy and Hope expected a quick answer; they still had their bags packed, ready to serve when the Lord revealed where He wanted them to go. But God didn't call them to another place for six years. At that time they wondered why; today it's clear God was preparing their family for what was to come. Listen to hear how God revealed to Hope the country in the Arabian Peninsula where He was sending them, a country that was “not on our radar.” She'll also share how she wrote down all the fears and worries she had about moving to that country—and how God answered her fears one-by-one, in the same order she'd written them down! Then God confirmed their call by revealing their destination to their sons, giving them also a clear sense of His calling. Listen as Nagy and Hope share the openness they've found among Muslims on the Arabian Peninsula, and the persecution faced by new Christian believers there. They'll also share specific ways you can pray for gospel workers in Libya and across the Middle East. The Voice of the Martyrs recently launched a new, daily podcast; Extreme Devotion is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as giving free access to e-books, audio books, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

Nagy and Hope grew up in the Middle East in families that followed Christ and encouraged them to serve God and be people of His Word. They were serving the Lord doing good work in their home country when they felt God's call to go to another county in the region: Libya. The transition was difficult and discouraging. They were forced to navigate a different community and expectations, and to learn a different Arabic dialect. With no fruit to be seen, Nagy and Hope were at times discouraged and disappointed. Yet God was working. After months of gospel work, one lady came to Hope asking questions about the gospel. Nagy and Hope were excited! They felt it was worth it to be in Libya if only one person came to Christ! Then their new friend was detained and interrogated. She cut off all contact with Hope. “It was hard,” Hope says, “but at the same time there was hope. Maybe the Lord would give us more opportunities.” The Lord did bring about more opportunities, but they didn't come without disappoints and hardship. Nagy and Hope will share more opportunities they had to disciple new believers and the obstacles they faced. When war broke out across Libya, the Lord still called them to stay, promising protection for their family and even their neighbors. God opened the hearts of many as they saw the Lord provide in their time of need. Listen as Nagy and Hope share when the Lord clearly told them their time in Libya was over and they had to leave. Please pray for Libya and for the continued ministry of gospel workers in that country. The first day of the new year marked the launch of a new, daily podcast from VOM. Extreme Devotion is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as giving free access to e-books, audio books, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

Aaron Miller, Vice President of International Ministry at The Voice of the Martyrs, joins VOM Radio this week to look back at some of God's blessings he and his team experienced during 2024 and to look ahead at nations where VOM's work may change or expand in 2025. Listen as Aaron recounts a visit to meet Christian widows in Nigeria. These women endured losing their husbands in violent attacks, yet they gathered to worship together and even prayed boldly for their persecutors to come to know Christ. He'll also share the story of a God-ordained encounter with a persecuted pastor's son in southeast Asia—and the sadness of an unmet need when that pastor was imprisoned. Aaron also tells us of meeting with a martyr's widow who still boldly goes out to minister each week in the same area where her husband was murdered. Looking ahead to 2025, Aaron will advise listeners how to pray for Christians facing persecution in Benin, Burkina Faso, Bangladesh and Syria. He'll also tell how Christian persecution has changed in India, which led VOM to reclassify India as a restricted nation in the . Yet Indian Christians still boldly witness for Christ—even inside prison! Finally, Aaron challenges listeners to continue to pay attention to the members of Christ's body facing persecution in this new year—even though it can be painful to witness their suffering and loss. Aaron will suggest some specific ways to pray in these opening weeks of 2025. The first day of the new year marked the launch of a new, daily podcast from VOM: Extreme Devotion is available on , or wherever you listen to podcasts. for your smartphone or tablet helps users pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as giving free access to e-books, audio books, video content and feature films.

Aaron Miller, Vice President of International Ministry at The Voice of the Martyrs, joins VOM Radio this week to look back at some of God's blessings he and his team experienced during 2024 and to look ahead at nations where VOM's work may change or expand in 2025. Listen as Aaron recounts a visit to meet Christian widows in Nigeria. These women endured losing their husbands in violent attacks, yet they gathered to worship together and even prayed boldly for their persecutors to come to know Christ. He'll also share the story of a God-ordained encounter with a persecuted pastor's son in southeast Asia—and the sadness of an unmet need when that pastor was imprisoned. Aaron also tells us of meeting with a martyr's widow who still boldly goes out to minister each week in the same area where her husband was murdered. Looking ahead to 2025, Aaron will advise listeners how to pray for Christians facing persecution in Benin, Burkina Faso, Bangladesh and Syria. He'll also tell how Christian persecution has changed in India, which led VOM to reclassify India as a restricted nation in the VOM Global Prayer Guide. Yet Indian Christians still boldly witness for Christ—even inside prison! Finally, Aaron challenges listeners to continue to pay attention to the members of Christ's body facing persecution in this new year—even though it can be painful to witness their suffering and loss. Aaron will suggest some specific ways to pray in these opening weeks of 2025. The first day of the new year marked the launch of a new, daily podcast from VOM: Extreme Devotion is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet helps users pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as giving free access to e-books, audio books, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

Today The Voice of the Martyrs launched a brand-new podcast: Extreme Devotion. Six days a week, Extreme Devotion will share a Scripture, a short story from a persecuted Christian, and an application thought. It's a great way to spend a little time each day being inspired by the testimonies of our persecuted brothers and sisters. Every seventh day, the Extreme Devotion podcast will share one inspiring quote. Enjoy this very first episode of Extreme Devotion, and subscribe today via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts

Frank Gaffney is president of the Institute for the American Future, President & CEO of Save the Persecuted Christians, Vice Chairman for Committee on the Present Danger: China. He is speaker on the Secure Freedom Minute. He also acted as an Assistant Secretary of Defense in the Reagan Pentagon. He is author of The Indictment: Prosecuting the Chinese Communist Party & Friends for Crimes Against America, China, and the World; Sharia: The Threat to America Abridged; Guilty Knowledge: What the US Government Knows about the Vulnerability of the Electric Grid, But Refuses to Fix and additional other titles.Israel is fighting a multi-front war against its Islamic neighbors who seek to wipe her off the face of the earth. Iran seeks to obtain nuclear capability. There's the invasion of Ukraine by Russia along with the threat of North Korea and China.All of these threats raise the question: How secure is the United States? Find out as Jim has Frank comment on the following:Are members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army spread throughout the U.S.?Why are drones making overflights across portions of the nation?Joe Biden: a controlled asset of the Chinese Communist Party?China and control of the Panama Canal.The China/Taiwan conundrum.How bad are the economic challenges facing China? As already noted, China isn't the only threat facing our nation. Hear Frank's expert analysis on those as well, and also hear what listeners had to say, when you review this edition of Crosstalk.

Frank Gaffney is president of the Institute for the American Future, President & CEO of Save the Persecuted Christians, Vice Chairman for Committee on the Present Danger: China. He is speaker on the Secure Freedom Minute. He also acted as an Assistant Secretary of Defense in the Reagan Pentagon. He is author of The Indictment: Prosecuting the Chinese Communist Party & Friends for Crimes Against America, China, and the World; Sharia: The Threat to America Abridged; Guilty Knowledge: What the US Government Knows about the Vulnerability of the Electric Grid, But Refuses to Fix and additional other titles.Israel is fighting a multi-front war against its Islamic neighbors who seek to wipe her off the face of the earth. Iran seeks to obtain nuclear capability. There's the invasion of Ukraine by Russia along with the threat of North Korea and China.All of these threats raise the question: How secure is the United States? Find out as Jim has Frank comment on the following:Are members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army spread throughout the U.S.?Why are drones making overflights across portions of the nation?Joe Biden: a controlled asset of the Chinese Communist Party?China and control of the Panama Canal.The China/Taiwan conundrum.How bad are the economic challenges facing China? As already noted, China isn't the only threat facing our nation. Hear Frank's expert analysis on those as well, and also hear what listeners had to say, when you review this edition of Crosstalk.

Last week we began a look back on some of the most moving moments on The Voice of the Martyrs Radio in 2024. This week, we continue to remember: A Central Asian pastor, Brother Silas, tells how quickly new believers in Jesus there expect persecution. Dr. David Kasali, founder and president of Congo Initiative, on making disciples in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as churches are targeted by Islamists and terrorist groups. As conflict in the Middle East unfolded this year, Ben Barrett, who served as a leader in VOM's ministry in Israel, including Gaza and the West Bank, was reminded that our brothers and sisters there are people God has called us to serve. Brother Joshua, a pastor in Cuba, shares the price he and his family pay to share the gospel and serve the church even in the face of risks. Brother David, whose father is a pastor in Cuba, knew from a young age there was a price to pay for following Christ. Pastor “AZ,” from Kazakhstan, says the church there grew fastest during a wave of intense persecution. Sister Sara grew up in a Muslim family in Central Asia. She shares how God drew her to stories about Jesus then called her to make a decision to follow him. Hana shares thoughts about being reunited with her father, a pastor imprisoned in Eritrea for the past 20 years. Shino and Shania, ethnic Somalis and devout Muslims, came to faith in Christ after Shania had a dream. They became bold witnesses for Christ. After hearing these brief excerpts, you'll want to listen to the entire conversations with these guests. Click the links below or listen in the VOM APP. Brother Silas, a pastor in Central Asia Dr. David Kasali, founder and president of Congo Initiative Ben Barrett Brother Joshua, a pastor in Cuba, and David, a Cuban pastor's son Pastor AZ from Kazakhstan Sister Sara, a Central Asian Christian Hana Mengisteab, daughter of pastor imprisoned in Eritrea for 20 years Shino & Shania, Somali Muslim Background Believers leading Somali Christian TV We thank the Lord for allowing VOM Radio to encourage and challenge listeners all over the world this year. Thank you for listening and praying for our persecuted family in restricted nations and hostile areas around the world! We'd love to hear from you! Let us know what conversation in 2024 most inspired your faith or equipped you to pray. You can also give online to support persecuted Christians through the work of The Voice of the Martyrs. NEW PODCAST BEGINS JANUARY 1! Subscribe now to Extreme Devotion, a short, daily devotional podcast from The Voice of the Martyrs coming in 2025. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

On January First, The Voice of the Martyrs will launch a brand-new podcast: Extreme Devotion. Six days a week, Extreme Devotion will share a Scripture, a short story from a persecuted Christian, and an application thought. It's a great way to spend a little time each day being inspired by the testimonies of our persecuted brothers and sisters. Every seventh day, the Extreme Devotion podcast will share one inspiring quote. Enjoy this trailer episode for Extreme Devotion, and subscribe today via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts so that you'll be ready to begin on Day 1 as VOM launches the Extreme Devotion podcast on January 1. Here's the trailer episode for…Extreme Devotion.

This week, we look back on some of the most moving moments shared on The Voice of the Martyrs Radio in 2024: Aaron Miller, VOM's Vice President of International Ministry, gives a glimpse of his time with an African ministry partner and an African word that describes how VOM serves persecuted Christians. Paul Dangtoumba, leader for YWAM's work in Nigeria, shares his own story of persecution even before he was born and scars he bears today. An expert in trauma care, Brother Philip serves as a field minister in Africa, helping VOM respond to the spiritual and emotional needs of persecuted Christians. Jeff Woodke served as a gospel and humanitarian worker in Niger until terrorists took him hostage. Jeff and his wife, Els, share their experiences during Jeff's six and a half years in captivity. On a visit to China, Brother Kevin and his family were told of the Hui people who had never heard of the gospel. God called them to go to the Hui, but as the Chinese government imposed more restrictions, their missionary work in China was forcibly ended. Luke and Kate served as medical gospel workers in Myanmar but were also forced to leave. They continue, from a distance, to see God bringing forth fruit. Hearing the gospel on a TV program, Brother Job came to faith. He was boldly sharing the good news via social media when he was kidnapped and threatened by terrorists. As a child, Pastor Nouh Yattara in Mali was drawn to the gospel by a simple gift of a ballpoint pen. He heard the gospel and decades later he still shares the hope he found as a child. After hearing these brief excerpts, you'll want to listen to the entire conversations with guests from 2024. Click on the links below to listen on VOMRADIO.net or listen in the VOM APP. Aaron Miller, Vice President of International Ministry at VOM Paul Dangtoumda, leader for YWAM's work in Nigeria Brother Philip, field minister in Africa for VOM Jeff Woodke, taken hostage by Islamic extremists, and his wife, Els Brother Kevin, missionary to the Hui people in China Luke and Kate, medical gospel workers to Myanmar (Burma) Brother Job, gospel worker in North Africa Nouh Yattara, pastor in Mali We thank the Lord for allowing VOM Radio to encourage and challenge listeners all over the world this year. Thank you for faithfully listening and praying for our persecuted family in restricted nations and hostile areas around the world! We'd love to hear from you! Let us know what conversation in 2024 most inspired your faith or equipped you to pray. You can also give online to support persecuted Christians through the work of The Voice of the Martyrs. NEW PODCAST BEGINS JANUARY 1! Subscribe now to Extreme Devotion, a short, daily devotional podcast from The Voice of the Martyrs coming in 2025. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

With Prime Minister Modi's reelection, India has continued on the path to more restrictions against Christian ministry and gospel work. Christian persecution has moved from the village or community level to the national-government level under Modi's direction. Because of these changes, earlier this year The Voice of the Martyrs changed how India is classified, from hostile area to restricted nation, a place where the government is the driver of persecution against Christians. Despite increasing persecution for Christians in India, our faithful brothers and sisters there serve the Lord—no matter the circumstances. Brother Vijay, a gospel worker from India, joins VOM Radio this week to share how Indian Christians are responding to stricter anti-conversion laws and other increasing persecution. Thousands of Christian ministries have been closed and/or had bank accounts frozen, forcing persecuted Christians to develop creative ways to continue ministry. By staying the course, they demonstrate, “Our ministry is not dependent on money, but on God.” Currently, at least 11 Indian states are enforcing strict anti-conversion laws. Some of those laws carry the threat of life sentences and hefty fines. Vijay will share stories of bold pastors persisting in their ministry after experiencing imprisonment — and one even after being thrown off a moving train! With all these pressures, Brother Vijay explains the preparation to prepare pastors should they end up in prison, and how learning the Bible is the greatest tool for Christians facing trials. Pray for Christians in India that they would be encouraged and remain hopeful amidst increasing persecution. Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the VOM Radio podcast or download the VOM App for your smartphone or tablet. You can also give online to support persecuted Christians through the work of The Voice of the Martyrs. COMING IN 2025: Subscribe now to Extreme Devotion, a new short, daily devotional podcast from The Voice of the Martyrs, which will begin on January 1. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Shino and Shania left Mogadishu, Somalia, as Muslims and refugees. They settled in Europe, where they became more devout in their practice of Islam. Then Shania saw a video of radical Muslims in Iraq beheading a hostage in an orange jumpsuit. As they committed this horrific act they shouted praise to the god of Islam. Watching the video, Shania was horrified; she began questioning everything she'd been taught about Islam and Allah. That night she had a powerful dream—a dream that ultimately led her to leave Islam behind and follow Jesus Christ. It was a dangerous decision, yet Shania began immediately to tell others of her new faith and encourage them also to follow Jesus. Four years later, after seeing Shania's faithfulness and love even in the face of intense Christian persecution, Shino also chose to follow Jesus. United in faith, the couple became even more bold in their witness, putting their names and faces in online videos encouraging other Muslims to follow Jesus. The videos have produced lots of response: on one side are Muslims wanting to hear more about Jesus, while on the other are Muslims promising to violently punish Shino and Shania for their apostasy. Listen as Shino and Shania share their testimony of coming to faith, and please pray for more Somali people—in Somalia and spread through other nations around the world—to meet Jesus Christ. Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the VOM Radio podcast or download the VOM App for your smartphone or tablet to access VOM Radio each week, in addition to e-books, audio books and video content from The Voice of the Martyrs.

Mr. Joseph Janssen is a Pakistani Catholic whose sister was tortured and imprisoned for Christ for eight years. To free her, he founded https://voiceforjustice.eu. Joseph's sister was then released and she wrote a book called, “Under Threat of Death: A Mother's Faith in the Face of Injustice”: https://a.co/d/6oFUpbW Novena for the release from prison of [...]

With almost 90% of people in Bhutan identifying as Buddhists, those who follow Christ are a tiny minority. Pastor Rajiv, a church planter and leadership trainer in South Asia, works to reach Bhutanese people for Christ and knows what happens when someone follows Jesus in this restricted nation. In Bhutan, the king is seen as both a political and religious leader. One of his duties is defending Buddhism in the nation. Becoming a Christian is seen as being a traitor to the country and the king. It's also against the law, so Christians who gather together must do so in secret. Yet being in fellowship with other believers is crucial to spiritual growth and perseverance. Pastor Rajiv reveals his heart for young people and shares how vital it is for them to meet together to study the Bible and pray with one another. Over the last ten years, God has made Pastor Rajiv's prayers reality: there are now Christian groups that meet on all the college campuses in Bhutan. Rajiv will share his own story of coming to Christ and how he was called into missions. He will also share stories of Bhutanese who have come to faith along with the pressure and Christian persecution they face from the government if they do not renounce Christ. “When you want to live a radical life for Christ, you'll be willing to pay the cost,” Rajiv says. As you learn how to specifically pray for Bhutan and for Pastor Rajiv, pray with Christians all over the world for the persecuted church this month as part of the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians. Also, be inspired by this year's IDOP video, which features the Martinez family in Colombia. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

This Sunday is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. When was the last time you prayed for the persecuted church, your brothers and sisters in Christ. Returning to Crosstalk to present the latest news concerning the efforts of the persecuted church was Todd Nettleton. Todd is the host of the Voice of the Martyrs Radio and is Vice President of Message for the Voice of the Martyrs-USA. Todd is author of When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians.For Todd and everyone at Voice of the Martyrs, their hope is that every church would pray for persecuted Christians. To help people in this regard, VOM has resources that can help. The featured resource is a short 6 minute video that puts a face on the people all of us need to be praying for. It tells the story of the Martinez family in Colombia. Pastor Martinez leads a church in the "red zone", the areas of Colombia that are controlled by the guerrillas and the paramilitary groups. Those groups don't want churches there and they certainly don't want them growing. So pastors there are under constant threat and danger. This is just the beginning of an information packed program that features discussion on why children should be aware of Christian persecution, thoughts from Todd on his recent trip to the Middle East, persecution starts with the family, persecution intensifying on the continent of Africa, anti-conversion laws in India and much more.

Middle East Concern was founded in 1991, in response to needs expressed by Christian leaders in the Middle East and North Africa. Through a network of ministry partners, Middle East Concern seeks to help Christians facing persecution across the Middle East and North Africa. They work to come up with strategies to improve conditions and protect rights of Christians with a goal of seeing Christians able to live out their faith in Christ freely. Brother Rob, a researcher for MEC, shares with VOM Radio this week about his work and about persecution faced by Christians in the MENA region. One of Rob's areas of interest is Iran, and he will tell us about recent large-scale research that shows how many Iranians are questioning and even rejecting Islam since the Islamic Revolution. Many of those have become followers of Jesus Christ—despite the risk of persecution. Rob also tells how God is bringing good out of Christian persecution in Türkiye (formerly Turkey) as Turkish Christian leaders are stepping up to shepherd the church after the expulsions of numerous foreign Christians. The Turkish government's strategy since 2019 has been to designate Christians from other countries living in turkey as a “threat to national security” and force them to leave, causing upheaval to many families who've lived there for decades. David Byle was one of those pushed out of Türkiye after fighting the expulsion order through the court system. Israel is another country where Rob monitors religious freedom and you'll hear about challenges to gospel outreach there. Brother Rob will also share how we can pray for Israel, including Palestinian Christians in the West Bank and Gaza, as there is so much conflict there. “The Christian community in this part of the world,” says Rob, “are the light and salt in these lands.” Prayer is the central part of the ministry at Middle East Concern as they continue to seek God's wisdom in each sensitive situation. Learn how you can pray specifically for Christians in Israel, Iran and Türkiye as Rob shares the needs of the church in these nations. Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the VOM Radio podcast.

J.D. Bridges, Vice President of Global Outreach for Ligonier Ministries, tells us this week about Ligonier's efforts to produce content and teaching materials to defend and teach the holiness of God—not only to American Christians but to Christians around the world, including persecuted Christians in hostile areas and restricted nations. Since 1971, when R.C. Sproul founded the ministry in the Ligonier Valley of western Pennsylvania, Ligonier has continued to produce more and more Biblical content. As people from other nations discovered the work and requested resources in their own languages, Ligonier's international efforts have grown. Creating a strategy for translation and dubbing, Bridges and his team are focusing on the top twenty languages around the world—which creates the potential to access 80% of the world's population with gospel materials and theology training. God has opened doors to provide resources in Chinese, Urdu, Hindi, Indonesian, Farsi and many other languages. Out of 5,000,000 pastors around the world, only 5-10% have any theological education. Listen as J.D. shares his heart to create more opportunities for more people to freely engage with Biblical content and how Ligonier works to equip pastors and churches. “For us the first impulse is to equip the pastor…because we know that the church will benefit,” he says. Bridges tells of the difficulties in translating theological concepts into a new language for the first time and the most important thing he gets to do as he builds relationships with persecuted Christians and how Ligonier uses many different and creative angles to provide these tools to Christians in places like China, Iran, Pakistan and other restricted nations. Pray for God's blessings on continued translation work and distribution efforts. Also, check out the Things Unseen Podcast from Ligonier for thoughtful reflections on the Christian life and our relationship with God. Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the VOM Radio podcast.

[Original airdate: 10/6/23] Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs returns with an update on the state of the persecuted church in particular hot spots around the world. Author of "When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians", Todd's understanding of and compassion for those who suffer for Christ is boundless and his desire to help meet their needs is a blessing beyond compare for our brethren overseas. How will Americans respond to their own faith trials should the Lord tarry? There is so much strength to be had simply through hearing the stories of those who are already facing brutal hostility in nations not friendly to the gospel. While prayer is their #1 need year-round, churches are invited to take time to pray specifically on this year's International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on November 5. A weekly podcast is also available for those who wish to keep up with the latest news and stories of transformation. Watch Stand Up For The Truth on YouTube !  - And our Rumble videos are HERE !  

Over the last decade, God has allowed VOM Radio the opportunity to bring you into fellowship with persecuted Christians and tell the stories of what God is doing around the world even amid suffering and persecution. This week we'll look back on some of the most moving moments of the first decade of VOM Radio. It was September of 2014 when The Voice of the Martyrs began releasing new VOM Radio episodes weekly. The first episode introduced listeners to members of our persecuted family in China. Gina, a gospel worker with YWAM Frontier Missions and Julian, serving with Operation Mobilization, told in 2015 how God was drawing Muslims to himself – even ISIS fighters were coming to faith in Christ! By watching the JESUS Film in his Turkmen heart language, Silas's life was forever changed. Several guests over the years have told of being imprisoned for Christ just as the founders of The Voice of the Martyrs, Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, were imprisoned for their faith. Helen Berhane, who spent many months locked in a shipping container in Eritrea, reminds us that everything—including following Jesus—will cost us. Listen to how David Byle and Petr Jasek, both imprisoned for Christ, saw God's purpose for them in prison as they shared the gospel, and how Dan Baumann was reminded that God could still change people's hearts, even in prison in Iran. You'll hear these stories of heroic faith and also stories of faith overcoming fear, like Maria praying God would remove her fear after Cuban authorities issued an arrest warrant for her husband. God has inspired thousands with the testimonies of martyrs' widows who publicly forgave their husband's killers, like Anita Smith and Pauline Ayyad. Hannelie Groenewald shares how she learned that her husband and teen-aged children had been killed by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Also Gary Witherall remembers how God ministered to him after his wife, Bonnie, was killed for her faith in Lebanon. More than seven years after his abduction, Susanna Koh still doesn't know what happened to her husband, Pastor Raymond Koh. After a season of great loss, Nik and Ruth Ripken chose to sit at the feet of persecuted Christians to learn from them about following Christ in difficulty and suffering. THANK YOU for listening to the stories of our persecuted family over the last ten years! We pray that VOM Radio will continue to build a bridge of fellowship between fellow members of the Body of Christ whether they live in free nations, hostile areas or restricted nations. What episodes most moved or inspired you during the first 10 years of VOM Radio? Share your most impactful episode. Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the podcast.