Lessons from the Persecuted Church - Ryan Brown

Persecution is rising globally—but so is the Church. In this compelling episode, Ryan Brown, CEO of Open Doors U.S., reveals what Christians around the world are facing today and how God is powerfully moving in the midst of suffering. Learn why persecuted believers don’t ask for persecution to end—but instead ask for prayer to remain faithful to Jesus. Their courage exposes the comforts that can quietly weaken Western faith. Be encouraged, challenged, and equipped to join God’s mission through prayer and solidarity with the global church. 🙏🌎

About the Guest

Ryan Brown is the CEO of Open Doors U.S., a global ministry serving persecuted Christians in more than 70 countries. With a background in nonprofit leadership and global humanitarian work, Ryan is passionate about helping the global church stand together in prayer, advocacy, and practical support. His work focuses on equipping believers to support and learn from the courageous faith of persecuted Christians worldwide.

Reasons to Listen

1. Faith Under Fire Discover real stories of Christians in places like North Korea and Nigeria who remain faithful to Jesus despite persecution, imprisonment, and violence.
2. Global Church Perspective Learn how the persecuted church views Western Christianity—and why their prayers for us might be the wake-up call many believers need.
3. Practical Mission Response Find out how everyday believers can stand with persecuted Christians through prayer, awareness, and missional engagement.

Big Takeaways

1. Prayer Is the Frontline Prayer isn’t a last resort—it’s the first response to spiritual opposition and persecution around the world.
2. Faithfulness Over Comfort Many persecuted believers don’t pray for persecution to end but ask for strength to remain faithful witnesses to Christ.
3. Eternal Perspective Matters Christians enduring persecution often persevere because they see life through the lens of eternity rather than temporary comfort.
4. The Global Church Needs Each Other The persecuted church reminds Western believers how to prioritize faith over cultural influence and comfort.
5. God Moves Through Opposition Some of the fastest-growing churches in the world exist in places where persecution is most intense.

Missional Challenges

1. Pray With the Persecuted Church Choose one country from the Open Doors World Watch List and intentionally pray for believers there each week.
2. Shift Your Perspective Ask God to reveal where comfort may be shaping your faith more than Scripture—and surrender those areas to Him.
3. Stand in Solidarity Share what you learned from this episode with your church, small group, or friends to raise awareness and mobilize prayer.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction and Meet Ryan Brown

01:00 – The Story Behind Open Doors

04:00 – Understanding the World Watch List

07:00 – The Reality of Faith in North Korea

10:00 – Global Trends in Christian Persecution

13:00 – What Persecuted Christians Ask Us to Pray

16:00 – Eternal Perspective in the Face of Suffering

19:00 – Why the Persecuted Church Is a Gift

22:00 – What Persecuted Believers Pray for Western Christians

26:00 – Rising Persecution in Africa and Nigeria

33:00 – How Open Doors Supports the Global Church

38:00 – How Listeners Can Get Involved

46:00 – Final Encouragement and Call to Prayer

Guest Links

Website: https://www.opendoorsus.org

Instagram: @opendoorsusa

Twitter/X: @OpenDoorsUSA

Facebook: Open Doors USA

Hashtags

#themissionallife #themissionallifepodcast #persecutedchurch #globalchurch #christianfaith #prayforthechurch #missions #followJesus #faithinaction #kingdomimpact

***throwback episode***

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