Prisoners of Hope

He's lost count of how many converts call him "father." In this first episode of our Steadfast series on the Prisoners of Hope podcast, Salam, who serves in a closed country in the Middle East, opens up about the weight and the joy of ministering to former Muslims who have lost everything to follow Christ. From a tailor whose father-in-law tried to kill him, to a 10-year-old girl who wanted to join online church after her father was martyred, Salam shares stories that demonstrate what steadfastness looks like in some of the most dangerous places in the world to follow Jesus.

Iranian Christians Fares, Mahdi, Qasem, and Laith share firsthand accounts of the Iranian government's deadly crackdown on protesters, the resilience of the underground church, and what it means to be steadfast in faith when persecution and terror abound.

Joshua Youssef, CEO of Help The Persecuted, sits down with Field Ministers from Lebanon, Jordan, and Iran to talk about the unfolding conflict in the Middle East and how we can be praying. Give today to help persecuted Christians at: HTP.org/war

This week, Josh sits down with our Field Minister Salam to understand the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. This time of Islamic prayer and fasting can be especially dangerous for Christians in the Islamic World. So what is Ramadan, and how can we be praying this month for Muslims to come to faith in Jesus, and for Christians who find themselves in increased danger?

In this follow-up episode, we sit down with Dr. Sasan Tavassoli again who describes the developments from the past two weeks. He emphasizes the brutality of the Iranian Regime, explains the danger for persecuted Christians, and invites us to participate in a time of prayer and fasting for Iran February 6-8.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sasan Tavassoli—a former Shi'ite Muslim from Iran, ordained Presbyterian minister, and co-founder of Pars Theological Centre—to talk about current political upheaval shaking the nation and the explosive growth of Christianity in Iran.

As Syria's regime change continues to send waves of refugees into Lebanon, Field Ministers Pierre and Laila share stories from the frontlines of ministry—Christmas gatherings where Muslim children hear about Jesus for the first time, families fleeing persecution who find refuge in our safe houses, and the quiet miracles that keep hope alive in chaos. This is a conversation about courage and how God continues to mightily move in the Islamic World.

In our final episode of 2025, Joshua Youssef interviews our Field Ministers across the Islamic World to hear how they celebrate Christmas and how our Winter Relief Outreach is making a difference in thousands of people's lives as winter sets in. Aseel shares the dangers associated with celebration in Libya, where she could be arrested any moment. Qasem talks about what it was like celebrating Christmas in his home country of Iran for the first time as a Christian. Salam ends with a word of encouragement to remember persecuted Christians this time of year.

In this personal episode of Prisoners of Hope, Joshua Youssef sits down with his father, Dr. Michael Youssef—Egyptian-born theologian, founder of global ministry Leading the Way, and author of many books—for a conversation about the faith that has shaped the persecution of Christians for over 1,400 years. Drawing from his PhD research on radical Islamic movements, his own family's survival as Egyptian Christians, and his escape from Egypt during the Six-Day War, Dr. Youssef explains what Islam is and how it has shaped the Middle East. This episode also previews his forthcoming book, An Unholy Alliance, which examines the troubling partnership between Western socialism and Islamist movements.

The Reverend Pat Allerton joined our team in Lebanon this summer to experience the work of our team firsthand. There, he visited safe houses, preached to Syrian refugees in our Haven, and helped in a vegetable distribution from our Seeds of Hope Farm! Most significantly, he joined our team in a local river to baptize over 40 refugees who have come to faith in Christ. Pat joins Joshua Youssef to talk about the trip and how it impacted him to spend time with people who have given up everything for the sake of Christ.

What does it look like when over 120 Muslim-background believers gather to celebrate Jesus—despite the threat of death? In this episode from the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted, Josh shares stories from his recent trip to Iraq: a descendant of Muhammad who returned to witness to the family that tried to kill him, a former ISIS child soldier who encountered Jesus through a TV film, and a radical Shia mother who saw Christ in a vision. These aren't victims—they're victors who've been redeemed from the hand of the foe. Plus, hear an update about Help The Persecuted's ministry...and an exciting year-end opportunity to have your gifts doubled in impact!

Leading up to the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted on November 2, Help the Persecuted CEO Joshua Youssef explores prayer's transformative power with Dr. Karen Ellis, director of the Edmiston Center for Christian Endurance Studies at Reformed Theological Seminary. Dr. Ellis shares how persecution differs from general suffering, the power of the Lord's Prayer to reorient us from self to kingdom, and why prayer unites one global church. Hear an astonishing revival story: eight churches "reduced to prayer" reached 250,000 homes and baptized 15,000 people in five years! Discover Jesus's boldest prayer, how sacrificial love is shifting hostility, and what restricted believers teach us about endurance. There's no "persecuted" and "free" church—only one body suffering and hoping together.

When a widow's husband is murdered for his faith, she's left with seven children and a death threat. When explosions strike near Yasmin's home and doctors say her son won't survive, she makes a desperate prayer that changes everything. When Bushra's husband dies, she can't even afford to bury him. Joshua Youssef and Samar share stories from our Widow's List ministry—a high-risk ministry rescuing widows who face double persecution as women in Islamic societies and believers in Christ. Hear how sustainable businesses are breaking poverty cycles and reaching entire families with the gospel where such work can mean imprisonment or death.

A former ISIS child fighter takes his first communion. A man whose father locked him in a burning shop for following Jesus says he "lost everything but gained everything." Iraqi believers risk death traveling 12 hours through militia checkpoints for their only chance all year to worship with other Christians. Join Josh Youssef and Brother Salam as they share stunning stories from Help the Persecuted's Enduring Faith Conference in Iraq—a gathering where 110 converts from Islam came together to worship, many seeing another Christian face-to-face for the first time all year...or in their lives.

After losing his best friend to Hamas torture, Aaron Abramson—CEO of Jews for Jesus—found Christ in a Jerusalem church led by a converted Druze pastor ministering to former Muslims. In this episode, Josh interviews Aaron about how the tragedy of October 7, 2023 is sparking the most unexpected revival. Secular Jews who never questioned their worldview are suddenly asking: "Why do people hate us so much? Is there any meaning in this suffering?" Jewish conversion rates have quadrupled. But the real story isn't just numbers—it's transformation. Aaron shares jaw-dropping accounts of supernatural reconciliation: former enemies becoming family, ancient hatred melting into brotherhood, and the gospel doing what politics, education, and peace treaties never could. Listen today to get a front-row seat to watching God turn one of the most intractable conflicts into a powerful demonstration of grace.

In this week's Prisoners of Hope episode, Joshua Youssef interviews Bassem, who leads Help The Persecuted's work in Morocco, and two other persecuted Christians who have found dignity and independence through our Enduring Livelihood Minsitry. He shares how converts from Islam face complete rejection—losing family, jobs, and safety nets—while secret police maintain constant surveillance and neighbors gossip about their faith. Despite these pressures, Bassem reveals how safe houses shelter those on the run, Muslims are coming to faith in Christ, and new businesses like Abdu and Ibrahim's electronics shop create employment for young believers who have lost everything because of their faith.

In this week’s Prisoners of Hope episode, host Joshua Youssef interviews Field Minister Aseel, who serves on the ground in Libya. She shares while militias brutally target minorities through kidnapping, slavery, and violence, Christians endure even more horrors—beatings, mock executions, and forced conversions. Despite constant threats and betrayal by neighbors who might “sell her off,” Aseel shares how God helps her courageously continue her ministry while witnessing to Muslims about authentic Christianity amid unimaginable danger.

Joshua Youssef travels to a safe house in a closed country to interview Ibrahim, an Iranian believer who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his faith. From a life destroyed by addiction to a radical transformation through Christ, Ibrahim shares how he came to faith years ago and boldly served the underground church in Iran despite repeated warnings from Iranian intelligence. After posting bail, he fled to a neighboring country, awaiting reunification with his family. His story reveals the severe persecution facing Christians in Iran today and the unstoppable power of the Gospel even in the darkest places.

In this compelling episode of Prisoners of Hope, I delve into the urgent situation in Syria following the recent regime change. Join me as I interview our dedicated team members, Jalal and Merrin, who share firsthand accounts of the escalating persecution faced by Christian communities amidst the chaos. We explore the complex history of Syria, examining how the power dynamics have shifted dramatically and the implications for religious minorities. With alarming reports of violence, including a devastating church bombing, we uncover the harsh realities that believers endure and the urgent need for prayer and support. Tune in for this eye-opening field report from the frontlines, and learn how you can stand with the persecuted in Syria.

Joshua Youssef travels to a safe house in a closed country to meet with two of our on-the-ground Field Ministers in Iran, Mahdi and Farrah, who risk their lives daily to serve persecuted Christians. They share firsthand accounts of interrogations, imprisonment threats, and the Iranian government's intensified crackdown on home churches following recent conflicts and how Help The Persecuted provides tangible hope and a way forward.

Joshua Youssef sits down with Leila from Help The Persecuted's Lebanon office to explore the unique challenges faced by Christian women in the Islamic world. From inheritance laws to civil rights, Leila shares eye-opening insights about how women are viewed and treated differently in Islamic countries...all the more so if they profess faith in Jesus Christ. Hear incredible stories of transformation, including a former female suicide bomber who found Christ, and learn how Help the Persecuted provides safe houses and support for vulnerable women and children fleeing persecution.

Join us on Prisoners of Hope as we explore the profound journey of Christian converts striving for dignity and independence. In this episode, Dignity and Independence for the Christian Convert, we, Joshua Youssef and Kadi, delve into the challenges faced by persecuted believers who endure civic death and economic hardships due to their faith. Kadi shares a poignant childhood story that shaped his dedication to helping others reclaim their livelihoods. We discuss the transformative impact of the Enduring Livelihood Ministry, which empowers individuals to rebuild their lives and support their communities. Discover how this initiative fosters a ripple effect of hope and resilience, particularly among women who defy societal norms to provide for their families. Tune in to hear inspiring stories of faith in action and the enduring legacy of hope.

Joshua Youssef and the Help The Persecuted team bring an urgent update on the devastating suicide bombing at a Damascus church that killed 23 Christians and injured scores more during a funeral service. Our on-the-ground Field Ministers Farid, Daniel, Jalal, and Maron provide firsthand insights into Syria's first-ever church suicide bombing, the rise of radical Islamic groups following Assad's fall, and how we are meeting the immediate needs of affected families. They reveal how former ISIS fighters now serve in Syria's official military and explain why Christians are living "by faith only" as threats of establishing extremist Islamic leadership intensify.

Joshua Youssef sits down with Field Minister Qasem and fellow Iranian believers Babak and Elly, who offer an inside perspective on today's headlines about Iran and Israel. They share how authorities are arresting citizens as "Israeli spies" for simply contacting loved ones abroad...and how courageous Christians are quietly serving their communities amid the chaos of food shortages and blackouts. Most powerfully, they explain why they refuse to give up hope in Christ, calling for prayer while longing for the day they can worship freely in their homeland.

When Muslims convert to Christianity in Egypt, they face "civic death" - losing their jobs, families, and entire identity overnight. In this week's episode, our Field Minister Mark reveals the brutal reality: a university doctor fired and blacklisted, a mother of four abandoned with no income, believers forced to flee their homes. But there's hope. Discover how Help the Persecuted's Enduring Livelihood Ministry is transforming lives through small business ventures—from beauty salons to cafes to more! These aren't just businesses; they're lifelines for believers who've lost everything for their faith. Mark shares raw, emotional stories from the front lines and the dangerous work of supporting converts in a country where helping them is illegal. This is economic empowerment meets spiritual courage!

In this week's episode, Josh speaks with Aziz and Salma, directors of our Help The Persecuted Haven in Lebanon, about their urgent mission to shelter Syrian Christian converts fleeing persecution in the aftermath of the Syrian regime's collapse. Hear firsthand accounts of families finding faith, community, and safety in this remarkable Haven—which is made possible by your generous support and prayers!

Joshua Youssef and Olivia Davis provide an update on Help The Persecuted's petition to halt deportations of Afghan Christians, which has reached nearly 3,000 signatures. They discuss the importance of these advocacy efforts, share powerful testimonies from Afghan converts who lost everything for the sake of Christ, and preview Josh's upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. to present these cases to government officials.

"If I stay here…maybe they will kill me." These weren't empty words for Yusuf. He had already survived a Taliban attack on his secret Bible school, where gunmen executed his Christian colleagues while he lay wounded under a table with a broken arm. He endured beatings from police and faced death threats for abandoning Islam. His desperate escape during the chaotic Kabul evacuation separated him from his family for two years. Today, as his fellow Afghan believers face deportation back to the country they fled for their lives, he joins us on the Prisoners of Hope Podcast to share his story.

In this episode of Prisoners of Hope, we delve into the harrowing experiences of Afghan Christians facing severe persecution under the Taliban. Join us as we sit down with Shuja, a courageous Afghan who fled his homeland to seek refuge in the United States. Shuja shares his journey of faith, the challenges of living under Taliban rule, and the arduous escape through Pakistan to the US. We also discuss the Department of Homeland Security's recent revocation of humanitarian parole for many Afghan Christians, urging them to reconsider due to the ongoing dangers. Listen in as we invite you to join us in prayer for those still facing persecution.

In this gripping episode of Prisoners of Hope, we delve into Nash's harrowing journey from Afghanistan to the United States. After converting to Christianity, Nash faced severe persecution under Taliban rule, enduring imprisonment and torture. Fearing for his life, he embarked on a perilous escape, traveling through Brazil and Mexico before reaching the U.S. on a humanitarian parole visa. Now, Nash faces potential deportation as his legal status is challenged. Join us as we hear Nash's firsthand account of survival and resilience. We also discuss the broader plight of Afghan Christians seeking asylum. As we advocate for Nash and others like him, we invite you to join us in prayer for their safety and for wisdom among decision-makers. Tune in for a powerful testament to faith and hope amidst adversity.

In this episode of Prisoners of Hope, titled "Afghan Christians Need Your Voice," we delve into the urgent plight of Afghan Christians facing deportation from the United States. Join us as we discuss the heroic efforts of Help the Persecuted and the Enduring Hope Alliance in rescuing thousands of at-risk Christians from Afghanistan. We explore the challenges these believers face, including the revocation of humanitarian parole, which leaves them vulnerable to persecution if returned to Afghanistan. We invite you to stand with us in prayer and action, urging the U.S. administration to reconsider this decision. Discover how you can help by signing our petition and advocating for these brothers and sisters in Christ. Your voice matters in this critical moment.

What is it like to celebrate Easter in the Islamic World—where faith in Jesus can be life-threatening? This week in the podcast, Josh Youssef talks about whispering worship songs in Morocco...and going to church in Egypt right after of the Psalm Sunday church bombing of 2017.

A Pakistani Christian named Walid faced the ultimate test of faith when confronted with a horrifying choice at his workplace: convert to Islam or face deadly consequences. After refusing to abandon his faith in Christ, his employer tried to murder him. Walid miraculously survived.

This week, our Prisoners of Hope podcast features part two of our interview with Pastor Qasem, who runs an online digital ministry for Iranian Christians. He discusses the dangers believers face in Iran (15-year sentences for worship), how his online ministry is helping Christians in the country, and the challenges of surveillance by Iranian intelligence services targeting Christians.

In this episode of Prisoners of Hope, we invite you to join us for a powerful conversation with Qasem, the Help the Persecuted director in Turkey. Qasem shares his extraordinary journey from a life of despair and drug addiction in Iran to finding hope and transformation through faith in Christ. Despite facing immense challenges, including abandonment and a difficult upbringing, Qasem's life changed dramatically after a profound encounter with Jesus. He discusses the struggles within Islamic communities and the miraculous change he experienced, which led him to become a beacon of hope for others. Join us as we explore Qasem's inspiring testimony and learn how faith can bring light to the darkest situations.

This week on the podcast, Josh has a conversation with our Field Minister Aseel, who serves the Lord in Libya. She talks about what it's like ministering to persecuted Christians who can be put to death if their conversion is discovered...and how God is moving in one of the most dangerous places in the world to profess faith in Him.

In this urgent update, Help The Persecuted CEO Joshua Youssef brings together voices from the heart of Syria's crisis to reveal the true stories of persecuted Christians behind the headlines. Our Field Ministers Daniel and Lina share firsthand accounts of what's happening in Syria, while Dr. Martin Parsons provides crucial context about the challenges facing believers in this volatile region. The conversation illuminates the difficult reality for Alawite families experiencing targeted violence, the precarious position of Christian communities navigating shifting power dynamics, and the life-threatening dangers confronting converts, who have embraced faith in Christ from Muslim backgrounds. They also touch on the dual narrative being presented by Syria's new leadership—one face turned toward the West and another toward internal religious factions. Please stand our persecuted family through informed prayer as we seek God's protection over persecuted Christians and peace in the midst of this unfolding situation.

In this episode of Prisoners of Hope, our CEO Joshua speaks with our Field Minister Daniel, who works in Syria, about the transition from Assad to the new government of Syria. They discuss the current situation for Christians, especially converts, and Help The Persecuted's ongoing work to Rescue, Restore, and Rebuild lives during this uncertain period of political change.

This week on the podcast, the team sits down to talk about our Enduring Livelihood Ministry. Why is it so important? What is “civic death”? How does this ministry, which helps believers establish their own businesses, rebuild lives?

In this episode, Josh talks with Timothy, a persecuted Christian who gave up everything to follow Jesus in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. NOTE: This episode contains graphic descriptions of persecution and may not be suitable for young viewers.

In this gripping episode of Prisoners of Hope, titled "Miraculous Rescue from the Taliban," we delve into the incredible story of Andre Mann, a courageous believer who played a pivotal role in evacuating Christians from Afghanistan during the Taliban's takeover in August 2021. Join us as we discuss Andre's journey from a business professional in Afghanistan to a key figure in orchestrating daring rescues amidst chaos. We explore the unexpected rapid fall of Kabul, the challenges faced by those trying to flee, and the miraculous ways in which faith and determination led to safety for many. This episode is a testament to the power of hope and prayer in the face of adversity.

In this episode, Josh and John discuss the complicated nature of ministering in the shadow of the Taliban, including a current situation where our team is trying to rescue a brother and sister held in captivity for their faith in Christ.

In the first episode of season 3 of the Prisoners of Hope podcast, Josh, Jessica, and John talk about ministry in Afghanistan and the immediate prayer needs of believers in the country.

Who are the "least of these?" And what can we do to minister to them? This week, we share a short homily from Josh, where he looks at those two questions.

In this episode of Prisoners of Hope, titled "On The Ground in Syria," I sit down with Brother Daniel, a dedicated field team member from Help the Persecuted, to discuss the challenges faced by Christians in Syria. We delve into the dwindling Christian population in Aleppo, the plight of Muslim-background believers, and the uncertain future under new leadership. Brother Daniel shares personal stories, including the kidnapping of his brother during the Syrian conflict, and the ongoing efforts to support persecuted communities through food aid and spiritual guidance. We conclude with a heartfelt prayer for peace, safety, and justice for all in Syria, emphasizing our hope and trust in God's plan. Join us as we explore these compelling testimonies and invite you to pray for those enduring persecution.