VOMRadio

"Aaron" is living and ministering among Muslims in North Africa. As he has lived and worked among his Muslim friends, many of whom are very religious, God has challenged Aaron to be sure that what he is pointing these Muslims toward is Jesus Christ, and not just a culture or a new list of rules different from the rules they are following under Islam. Those who answer the call to follow Jesus are often ostracized by their families and unable to find work, yet they willingly sacrifice to follow the Savior they've met. Listen to Aaron challenge us as Christians in the United States to point Muslims here to Jesus Christ, and to pray for the advance of God's Kingdom in North Africa. Aaron's path to serving in overseas ministry began very young. As a child Aaron was inspired by stories of Christians standing boldly for Christ in spite of hardship and persecution. You can share inspiring stories with your children through the Torchlighters DVDs from The Voice of the Martyrs.

The Bible distribution team in Pakistan was robbed at gunpoint. A team member was hit with a rifle butt. Their money was stolen, along with their phones and everything else of value. But later, the bandits were arrested and taken to court, facing years in prison. Bible team members were asked to testify, and what they said in open court shocked the judge, the lawyers and the entire courtroom. Listen to VOM Radio this week to hear that story from Faisal and Carrie, who are part of Grace Bible Church of Pakistan. Pakistan is 98% Muslim, but Faisal and Carrie say it's "the perfect place" to share the gospel, because the need for the gospel is so great. They are showing the light of Christ in Pakistan through ministry to children in a school and through leadership development training for pastors and church leaders, in addition to Bible distribution work. Learn more about their ministry in Pakistan, and how you can reach out to Muslims in the United States, this week on VOM Radio. The first part of the story of the Bible team in Pakistan was told in VOM's April, 2017 newsletter. Sign up to receive VOM's free monthly newsletter here. Give online to support Bible distribution in Pakistan and other restricted nations here. rs

Patrick Klein has carried Bibles into hostile and restricted nations all over the world. He's been warned many times to STOP. But he continues, answering the call of God and leading teams taking the Word of God into some of the world's hardest-to-reach places. Patrick is the founder and president of Vision Beyond Borders, and he'll inspire you to think about how you value your own Bible as he shares how Christians in hostile and restricted nations treasure the Word of God, sometimes risking their lives to own or keep a copy. Patrick will also share how God called him into this work—in a bathroom in China—and tell inspiring stories of how God has closed the eyes of customs agents and border guards to make a way for Bibles to get through. What greater gift can we give someone, Patrick asks, than the Word of God? Visit the Vision Beyond Borders web site. Give online to support VOM's Bible distribution efforts through The Bibles to Captive Nations Fund.

Martin and Gracia Burnham were serving as missionaries in the Philippines, where Martin was a pilot with New Tribes Mission. The couple went away for a few days together to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Those few days turned into more than a year in the jungle when they were kidnapped by radical Muslim terrorists. Listen as Gracia tells how she wrestled with God and even with her own faith during those dark days of captivity, and how she experienced the prayers of God's people, even as Martin was killed during a rescue attempt. Gracia bears witness to God's faithfulness to the Burnhams and their children, and she gives an update on how God continues to work in the hearts of the terrorists that held them hostage. Her story will inspire you to find ways to glorify God, regardless of what challenges you may be facing. Find a VOM Advance Conference where Gracia will be speaking, and purchase Gracia's book, In the Presence of My Enemies, at VOM Books.

"Dr. Andrew" returns this week to share more about what God is doing in the Middle East, including the openness of Muslims to talk about faith and hear the gospel. He'll also share the consequences that come to those who leave Islam and follow Christ—including a first-hand story of a wealthy man who gave up everything, including his daughter, to follow Jesus. Dr. Andrew will also update us on the effect on Christians of the upheaval and war in Yemen, and ways we can pray for them. He'll advise listeners on practical ways to start talking to Muslims in our sphere of influence about Jesus—beginning with a call for Christians to know our Bibles more deeply! You'll be challenged to reach out and equipped to pray more effectively this week on VOM Radio. The two resources that Dr. Andrew recommended to help Christians better understand Islam and how to reach out to Muslims are Answering Islam: The Crescent in Light of the Cross and What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Quran. (If you order the books through these affiliate links, a small portion of the purchase price comes to VOM as a referral fee.)

"Dr. Andrew" is working to share the gospel in the Middle East, but he hasn't always had a heart to share Christ's love with Muslims. Growing up in a nominal Christian family, Andrew was harassed by Muslims his whole life. But God changed his heart and gave him a passion to share Christ's love with Muslims. His gospel work has brought him to the attention of secret police, who have detained and questioned him many times. Andrew says each time he is detained, even though he feels fear, he also sees an opportunity to share the gospel. Listen as Andrew talks about how he overcomes the fear by focusing on the reality of Who God is rather than on his immediate surroundings. He'll also share some of the blessings that can be found in persecution, and help us understand the mindset of Middle Eastern Muslims.

After living and working in Afghanistan for more than a decade, John Weaver is often asked, How many Christians are there in Afghanistan? The answer God has laid on John's heart is simple: there's not enough! But God is at work, and Afghans—both inside Afghanistan and scattered throughout the world—are coming to know Jesus Christ personally. Listen to hear how John used his marriage ceremony as a way to represent Christ inside Afghanistan, and how villagers responded to the choice by an American, Christian couple to have their wedding in isolated, Muslim Afghanistan. John also shares ways we can pray and reach out to Muslim friends and coworkers right where we live, and advice for young people feeling God's wonderful call to overseas missions service. John is the author of two books about his work in Afghanistan: Inside Afghanistan: An American Aide Worker's Mission of Mercy to a War-Torn People and A Flame on the Front Line. (If you order the books through these affiliate links, a small portion of the purchase price comes to VOM as a referral fee.)

After 9-11, the few Americans living in Afghanistan were encouraged to leave the country, for their own safety. John Weaver stayed, feeling that the ministry God called him to there was not yet completed. Listen this week as John shares about his work in Afghanistan, and the challenge of sharing the gospel and discipling new believers in a country where there is no visible church presence, and where persecution often begins with a believer's own family members. He'll also share the challenge of serving God in a place where it could cost your life, and how he makes the daily decision to offer his life—to live or to die—for Christ's service. John is the author of two books about his work in Afghanistan: Inside Afghanistan: An American Aide Worker's Mission of Mercy to a War-Torn People and A Flame on the Front Line. (If you order the books through these affiliate links, a small portion of the purchase price comes to VOM as a referral fee.)

"Brother Matthew" is a pastor and church planter in South Asia, working among Muslims to share the gospel. After threats against his life and an attack on his brother, he was encouraged by family members to leave his country. He fled to a safe place, but God clearly called him to go back to his home country, in spite of the danger. Matthew obeyed, and since his return he's seen explosive growth in his church planting work. Matthew says persecution is something God uses to purify and unify the church, and further it's something that every Christian should be ready to experience. Let Matthew's story inspire you to walk boldly with Christ, and remember this week to pray for Christians in South Asia.

As a young man, Dmitry "David" Shestakov was a criminal and a drug user. His mother—an atheist—had tried everything to get her son's attention and turn his life around. In desperation, she went to church and prayed, "God, if You exist, save my son!" God answered her prayer, and after Jesus saved him David committed to tell others the Good News that had transformed his heart. God showed David early on that his service would be costly, and it was. He was arrested for his Christian work and sentenced to long years in prison. "Why me?" he asked. But he saw God working even in prison. One of the things God used to bless—and even protect—David was letters written by VOM readers through www.PrisonerAlert.com. Listen to hear how God used those letters to make David a respected figure in the prison, and help him avoid being beaten by the guards. You'll also hear how the Uzbek government tried to add years to his sentence, but God miraculously moved and David was released, "like a Scripture came to life." Finally, David will share thoughts on how we can pray for Christians in prison right now, and for their family members, whose suffering is sometimes even greater than the prisoner's. After you listen to how letters blessed David, write a letter to a Christian currently in prison at www.PrisonerAlert.com

David is a gospel worker in Turkey facing deportation by the Turkish government, which has stated in court documents that David's bold witnessing for Christ "exceeded usual religious rituals," and is therefore a threat to public safety and order. When we left off David's story in the first half of our conversation last week, David was locked in a deportation center with others waiting to be kicked out of Turkey—including ISIS fighters. Listen as David picks up the story and shares how not only did God protect him from the ISIS fighters, but He also allowed David to lead an Afghan man he met in jail to Christ. David will also talk about the political upheaval in Turkey and how we can pray for another American, Andrew Brunson, currently imprisoned in Turkey. Finally, David will share ways to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in Turkey during this pivotal time. You'll also hear the story of a VOM Radio listener inspired by the stories of gospel workers in hostile and restricted nations to reach out right here in the United States.

David is a bold gospel worker in Turkey, even sharing the gospel openly on busy city streets. Naturally, such activity draws attention from police and others, which has led to David being detained numerous times. But his bold evangelism activity is legal--protected by Turkish law. Listen this week to hear David share some of his experiences seeing God come through with protection and opportunities to witness--even opportunities inside a jail cell. After seeing God answer prayer so consistently, David says he's developed the habit of expecting a miracle. Your faith will be inspired this week as you hear David's story. What door might God be opening to you--perhaps even a doorway through a difficult circumstance--to be a witness for Him?

Aaron Miller oversees VOM's work in South Asia, and recently travelled to India to meet with Christians there. Listen as Aaron shares some of the amazing testimonies he heard on this trip. Meet a retirement-aged man committed to spend the remainder of his life planting churches and sharing the gospel. Hear the story of a bicycle rickshaw driver and his family whose lives were radically changed by the gospel message. And learn about a woman—more than 100 years old!—who met Jesus after she'd come back from being pronounced dead. You'll also learn how India's government is actively working to prevent the growth of the church, and directly persecuting those who share their faith in Christ. But those efforts aren't working, and we'll hear a report of how the church is growing in spite of government persecution as God's Spirit moves in that nation, and learn how we can pray for our brothers and sisters there.

For Christians in Syria and other Middle East nations, human logic is clear: get out! Go someplace safe! In spite of such advice, Tom and JoAnn Doyle tell us many Christians are choosing to STAY and serve the Lord and witness for Christ. These bold brothers and sisters are standing in the fire of war and persecution, and they are finding—just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did—that God is standing with them. Listen to the story of Jamila, a 12-year-old girl healed from cancer after a Christian man prayed for her in Jesus' name, leading to hundreds of Druze people coming to faith in Christ. That's just one of the stories in Tom Doyle's new book, Standing in the Fire. You'll be encouraged as you hear what God is doing in the Middle East, and challenged as Tom and JoAnn give insights into how we, Christians in free nations, can emulate the lessons offered by our brothers and sisters standing in the fire. Order "Standing In The Fire" by Tom Doyle (affiliate link http://amzn.to/2ni1lX).

From the first days after his arrest in Sudan, Petr Jasek repeatedly said, "God is the One who holds the key to my cell." Jasek, a Czech citizen, is VOM's Africa regional director and he was just released after 14 months in prison in Sudan. In this third and final part of our conversation with Petr, he shares about how he stopped praying to be released from prison and simply focused on fulfilling the Lord's purpose for him inside prison walls. Listen as Petr shares what it was like to hear the judge announce that he was sentenced to life in prison, and the verse he read from Psalms moments before he found out God would be using the key and opening Petr's cell door. Petr will also share—from his personal experience—how we should pray for Christians in prison, and for their families who sometimes suffer more than the prisoners. You will be challenged to think about what it means to wait on the Lord as you hear Petr share how, after 445 days, God set this captive free. (Listen to all three parts of our conversation with Petr to hear the full story of God's work in his life during his time in prison.)

What verse of Scripture would you grab onto if you were locked in prison for your faith? Petr Jasek, a Czech national and VOM's Africa regional director, was released last month after 445 days in prison in Sudan. Listen as he shares the verse that became a theme for him during those long months in prison. It was not a verse about setting captives free. Instead, it was a verse about the holiness of God. It became a theme for Petr; he would use it to guide his prayers and recite it over and over each day throughout his imprisonment. Meditating on God's holiness provided strength for Petr as his radical Muslim cellmates began to pressure, persecute and torture him. Listen also for the story of the opportunity God provided that encouraged Petr as he began to lose hope after four months in prison. Petr's story challenges each of us to think about how we deal with hardship or opposition, and reminds us to seek God's plan and His will, even when we're uncomfortable or suffering. (Listen also to the first part of our conversation with Petr in last week's episode: Prisoner Set Free.)

Petr Jasek, a Czech national and VOM's Africa regional director, spent 445 days in a Sudanese prison. Days after returning home, Petr sat down with VOM Radio to share his story and thank the thousands of people who prayed for him and his co-defendants during his long months in prison. Listen in as Petr shares about going to the airport to leave Sudan in December of 2015, and the point when he knew that what he faced was much more than a routine security screening. He'll share how he kept praying as he was questioned, and how he found out that his cell mates were members of ISIS. Your faith will be encouraged as you hear how God had been preparing Petr—even years before his arrest—to remain faithful even during months in prison.

What would you do if a group of angry young men came streaming into your Sunday School class this Sunday, faces masked and swinging clubs as they came? Aaron Miller helps lead VOM's work in South Asia, including the nation of India, where he previously served full-time as a gospel worker. Listen in as Aaron shares what happened when he found himself at a Christian gathering in India that was attacked by radical Hindus. It was a small taste of persecution that was a part of God's preparation for Aaron to serve persecuted Christians in India and other South Asian nations. It was also a blessing. Even as he was being slapped and kicked, Aaron says God gave him a sense of His presence, His blessing. Listen this week to have your faith inspired, and hear specific ways to pray for the nation of India and our spiritual family there.

Selena grew up in the home of a pastor in the Middle East. Today she's working among Muslim people in the US—including refugees from the Middle East. Selena has seen firsthand that Muslims who choose to follow Christ face persecution, even in the United States. Selena will share how Christians in Lebanon have responded as their country has been flooded with refugees, and encourage American Christians with how we can respond to Muslims and refugees that we encounter here in the US. Finally, she'll equip us to pray for the church in Lebanon, and for outreach ministries to Muslims right here in the US.

There are 2.8 billion unreached people on earth; they will live their entire lives without ever hearing the gospel message of Jesus' love for them. Andrew Scott wants to motivate and mobilize Christians around the world to GO to those billions and reach them for Christ. Andrew is the President and CEO of Operation Mobilization – USA, and the author of a book called SCATTER: Go Therefore and Take Your Job With You. Andrew wants to see more American Christians understand that people from every vocational background—doctors, businessmen, engineers, artists—are called to share His glory with the nations. Listen to his advice for those feeling a call to live and represent Christ among those 2.8 billion unreached people, and pray that the Lord of the harvest (Luke 10:2) will send out more workers—and maybe even send you. Visit OM's web site http://www.omusa.org/, or the Scatter Global site https://www.scatterglobal.com/ to learn more about getting involved with God's work around the world. Order your copy of SCATTER: Go Therefore and Take Your Job With You http://amzn.to/2kUhUru (affiliate link).

"Enfu" is the Chinese word for "blessing." When we went to China to secretly interview a Chinese house church pastor, he suggested Enfu as his pseudonym. Every time Pastor Enfu and his congregation meet together, it is illegal. Listen this week as he shares the challenges of being a pastor in a nation cracking down on the church. Some of the challenges will seem obvious. Others will be ones that Christians in free nations may have never thought of, like handling church finances when the church doesn't legally exist. How does his church train new leaders? How do they prepare Christians to stand strong in the face of persecution? We'll hear answers to those questions, and Enfu will share with us specific ways to pray for Chinese Christians—and encourage us with the fact that they are praying for the church in America as well. You'll be encouraged as you come with us to China this week to meet "Pastor Blessing."

Come with us on a visit to China and join in a conversation with one of VOM's Bible smuggling partners. He is working alongside others to deliver Bibles into every province of China, but that work comes with great risk. All the workers know they could face arrest, interrogation and three years of imprisonment for their Bible-delivery work. Yet they are not intimidated! Listen as our brother shares about growing up in a family of persecuted Christians. He'll tell us the story of his first arrest, and the thoughts on his heart as he went through that testing and ministry. He'll also help explain the differences between registered and unregistered churches in China, and equip you to pray for that nation and our spiritual family there.

Listen in this week as we converse with two ministry leaders. First, we'll share the second half of our conversation with Loren Cunningham, the founder of Youth With a Mission (YWAM). Listen as he talks about getting the Scriptures into every remaining language on earth (www.EndBiblePovertyNow.org) and about the legacy words that are driving him forward with the ministry of YWAM all over the world. Then we'll hear from Charles Morris, President of Haven Ministries (www.HavenMinistries.org). Charles has just returned from northern Iraq, including villages recently liberated from ISIS control. What's left of those villages? What challenges await Christians hoping to return to the homes ISIS kicked them out of? Listen in as Charles answers those questions and advises us on specific ways to pray for Christians and non-Christians in Iraq right now.

Loren Cunningham is the founder of Youth With a Mission (YWAM), an organization that has equipped and sent more than five million people on short-term mission trips. God called him to ministry at age 13, and later gave him a vision to call and equip waves of young people to wash up on every continent on earth to share the gospel message. Listen as Loren shares about how God called him, and some of the amazing things he's seen (and eaten!) over his years of ministry. He'll also offer advice for those listening for God's call now, and share how YWAM prepares workers to go to the world's hardest places with the gospel. Finally he'll share how the Bible lays the foundation for great spiritual awakenings, which is the reason VOM and YWAM are distributing Bibles all over the world. Listen and learn from one of the great missions leaders of our time, this week on VOM Radio.

It's easy to think of Pakistan—a nation where 96.4% of the people are Muslims—as a nation completely closed to gospel witness. Brother Charles, an American teaching at a university in Pakistan, has found that there is much more openness than you might expect. Charles interacts every day with Muslims in that nation, helping create dialogue and initiate relationships that can lead to faith in Christ. One of the keys, he says, is presenting the core of the gospel, because so many Muslims have never heard a genuine, clear presentation of the true gospel. Charles will share how God led him and his family to Pakistan and why they stay in spite of political ups and downs and safety concerns. He'll advise listeners on how we can dialogue with Muslims in ways that plant gospel seeds, and equip us to pray specifically for the nation of Pakistan. WEB BONUS: Click the link below to hear more of our conversation with Charles, including specifics of how he interacts with his university students from across the religious spectrum, how he structures his course work, and other information about his ministry work. https://secure.persecution.com/radio/default.aspx?pdid=6828

As he leads VOM's international work, Brother Jonathan has a front-row seat to see what God is doing around the world: thousands of Muslims and Hindus coming to faith in Christ! That spread of the gospel comes with a price, though, and Jonathan oversees VOM's efforts to provide spiritual and physical aid to Christians affected by persecution and equip front-line workers to continue spreading the gospel. Listen as Jonathan shares some of the exciting plans for VOM's work in 2017, as well as how his encounters with persecuted Christians have impacted the way he lives out his faith each day. Jonathan will also share some of the challenges of our international work, and equip you to pray specifically for VOM workers going out to serve in dangerous places around the world.

Her husband is currently in prison in China. His legal work representing Christians and other oppressed people was considered a "threat" by China's government, and today he's serving a five-year prison sentence. But "Sister Wong" refuses to be silenced. This week on VOM Radio she shares her story, including how her husband advised her to pray when she was finally able to visit him in prison. His prayer request wasn't for himself, but for the church in China. She also shares some of the passages of Scripture that are carrying her through this challenging season in her life. Your faith will be challenged and you'll be better equipped to pray for China this week on VOM Radio.

This week we continue looking back on some of the most impactful testimonies shared with us this year on VOM Radio. We'll hear how God reached into the home of the police chief in a Southeast Asian village—even as the police chief was fighting against the gospel. We'll hear from former prisoner Bob Fu what it means to a prisoner when he or she knows that Christians are praying for them. Listen to learn how God used VOM to help save the life of an evangelist in Bangladesh after he was brutally attacked. Samuel will tell us about the risks of following Christ in Pakistan. We'll hear from three different people impacted by a 2007 attack in Turkey that took the lives of three Christians. Brother Gokhan was a friend of those killed; Tim is now the pastor of the church the three men attended; and Semse Aydin is the widow of one of the martyred believers. Then we'll hear from three guests who told us about the church in Iran—the fastest growing church in the world. Dr. Sasan will share how Iranian Christians find joy in persecution. Nazanin works in a call center for one of VOM's media partners, witnessing to and discipling Iranian believers by phone. Dr. Mike Ansari will tell us about a special effort to get Bibles digitally into Iran. Finally, Maryam and Marziyeh will share about the miracle of finding God's Word inside the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran. You'll be inspired and challenged as we look back on some of the amazing stories God allowed us to share on VOM Radio in 2016.

This week we look back on some of the most impactful testimonies shared with us this year on VOM Radio. We'll hear from Dale Rhoton of Operation Mobilization—one of the first Westerners to visit VOM's founder, Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, after Richard's release from prison in Romania. We'll hear how God used a nameless woman walking along a road in Kenya to grab the heart of an American woman, Jami Staples, to reach Muslims for Christ. We'll hear from Bob and Kasey, who left behind an American-dream retirement to serve Muslims half-a-world away. We'll hear from two gospel workers—Hannelie Groenewald and Nik Ripken—who experienced gut-wrenching loss while serving overseas, yet found God faithful even in that loss. And we'll hear how a passion for God's Word kept John and Karen Short connected to Him and to each other, even while John was detained in the world's most-closed country. Your faith will be inspired this Christmas season by the faithfulness and courage of these brothers and sisters—and by how God worked through each of them to further His Kingdom aims. (Note that you can hear our entire conversations with each of these guests by searching in the VOM Radio archives.)

In one of the most-listened-to episodes of VOM Radio from 2016, "Sister Amber" shares how Christ was with her even as she was being tortured and abused in Tibet. After more than a decade in Tibet, Amber watched as God orchestrated a great ministry breakthrough: people who'd been totally closed to the gospel message were now asking to learn more about Jesus. But just days after that breakthrough Amber experienced persecution as police came pounding on her door. Listen as she tells the story, including how God ministered to her in the most painful moments of her suffering. You'll hear how God showed her that her persecution wasn't the end of the story. You'll also hear how God laid on the hearts of people around the world to pray for Amber, including one who drew a remarkably-accurate picture of Amber and the policemen in the interrogation room—and how God's plans included those policemen. Your faith will be challenged as you hear Amber's thoughts on what the New Testament calls the "honor" of being persecuted. Listen to the complete interview with Amber here: Part One: https://secure.persecution.com/radio/default.aspx?pdid=6590 Part Two: https://secure.persecution.com/radio/default.aspx?pdid=6599

In one of the most-listened-to episodes of VOM Radio in 2016, Australian John Short shares the story of his detention in North Korea. He was repeatedly interrogated. He was forced to write a "confession" of his "crimes," including the offense of wanting more North Koreans to follow Jesus. But if God called him today, Short would happily go back. Mr. Short shares this week on VOM Radio how God strengthened him during his captivity, the Scriptures and earthly examples that most encouraged him, and how he managed to take a measure of control back from his captors — and even make them nervous. Mr. Short agreed to only two media interviews after his release; one of them was with The Voice of the Martyrs Radio Network. You can hear the second half of our conversation with Mr. Short in the episode "North Korea: Faith or Fear?"; also hear his wife, Karen, share about her experiences while he was detained in the episode "North Korea: 'I Simply Trusted the Lord.'" North Korea: Faith or Fear?: https://soundcloud.com/the-voice-of-the-martyrs/north-korea-faith-or-fear North Korea: "I Simply Trusted the Lord": https://soundcloud.com/the-voice-of-the-martyrs/north-korea-i-simply-trusted-the-lord

"Pastor Tim" leads a church in Malatya, Turkey—a church which almost ten years ago saw three of its members martyred for their faith in Christ. This week we'll hear how that loss affected the church and how God has moved in Malatya in exciting ways in the past 10 years. We'll also hear an update on how one of the martyr's families continues to serve the Lord in that city—and even to love the murderers. Tim will also update listeners on the overall situation for the church in Turkey, especially in light of recent political upheaval there, and how we can pray for that nation and for our brothers and sisters serving Christ there. Finally, he'll share important truths about ministering and reaching out in a Muslim culture—truths that we can use as we reach out to Muslims we know.

Dr. Sasan and Dr. Mehrdad are providing theological training for church leaders in Iran through PARS Theological Centre (http://www.parstheology.com/). It is a challenge even to connect with students in a closed Muslim nation, let alone train them up to lead churches and withstand persecution. Listen to hear some of the unique challenges of training leaders in the context of persecution, where Christians often wonder who they can trust. We'll also look at some of the blessings that come to those willing to suffer rather than deny their faith in Christ, and how you can pray for the fast-growing church in Iran.

"Steve" and "Mai" left behind the American Dream to serve God in Southeast Asia—a place Mai had left decades before as a refugee and said she'd never return to. But God began to call them, and Steve and Mai submitted to His will. It wasn't easy, especially leaving children and grandchildren in the United States to move to Asia. But as God opened each new door, Steve and Mai said "yes" to His plan. God led them to set up a simple recording studio with used equipment they purchased on eBay. Steve went online and taught himself basic audio editing skills. Today they are producing Christian radio programs and Christian music in the language of Mai's tribal people; Steve edits the programs even though he doesn't speak Mai's tribal language. Steve and Mai's story will inspire and encourage you that when God calls, He will always provide what is needed to accomplish His plans if we're willing to say "yes," and take the next step. What door is God asking YOU to walk through for His Kingdom? You can connect with Steve and Mai's work in Southeast Asia at www.AheadHillTribes.com.

Ali Sassi is a Tunisian man who always accepts a challenge. So when a Christian friend challenged him to demonstrate when and how the Bible had been changed (which nearly all Muslims believe has happened), Ali accepted the challenge. He figured he'd read the Bible for an evening and be able to demonstrate the changes. Instead he spent two years reading and studying, and at the end of that time he was convinced that the Bible had NOT been changed, and that Jesus IS the Son of God. His decision to follow Christ was costly as even his own family turned against him. Today Ali works with Crescent Project to help train Christians to reach out boldly to Muslims—the same way a Christian reached out to him. His story will inspire you to pray for and reach out to share Jesus's love with those around you.

In the second half of our conversation, Hannelie Groenewald recalls the day her husband and two teen-aged children were killed by the Taliban in Afghanistan. She tells us which Psalm she read over and over again as she waited to hear whether her family was alive or dead, and the amazement of Afghans at her ability to forgive the Taliban murderers. Hannelie shares hard-earned truth with listeners who may be struggling to forgive someone who has wronged them, and talks about her future and God's faithfulness as she is finding her footing after the loss of her family and seeking God's plan for her in the coming years. She'll also equip us to pray more effectively for the nation of Afghanistan and for our Christian brothers and sisters there. You can watch a video telling the story of Hannelie and her family, which was produced by VOM for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Please share this video with your church family or other Christian friends.

When Hannelie Groenewald and her family left their comfortable home in South Africa to serve on the front lines in Afghanistan, they knew the danger. But God's call was clear, and they went in spite of the risk. Hannelie became not only wife and mom, but also teacher and doctor and cook in a country that isn't known for welcoming foreigners—especially women. As time passed, God strengthened her faith, even if He didn't answer all her questions or prayers. She didn't know the extent of the sacrifice her family would be called to make, and in fact says she wasn't strong enough to make such a sacrifice. But God prepared her, even in the days and weeks immediately before the murder of her husband and children, to stand strong in the face of suffering and persecution. Hannelie's inspiring testimony will challenge you to consider what you're willing to risk to share God's love in an increasingly hostile world. Request a DVD or download the video telling the story of Hannelie and her family, which was produced by VOM for this year's International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Please share this video with your church family or other Christian friends. https://secure.persecution.com/idop/default.aspx?source=VOMRADIONT

"Bob" and "Kasey" were living the "American Dream." Bob retired from a good job, but in retirement he began to experience what he calls a "Holy discontent." He felt God calling him to lay everything on the altar. Bob and Kasey began to pray, committing themselves to do whatever God asked of them. Today they are ministering in Central Asia, training believers to dig deep into the Scripture and to reach more people for Christ. Yes, there have been sacrifices. But they say Jesus is worth every sacrifice they've made as they share the joy and excitement they are finding in serving Him and serving people in His name in Central Asia. Bob and Kasey challenge us to think about what God may be asking of us, and remind us that we're never too old to make an impact for Christ's Kingdom. Listen also to learn more about this year's International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church and how you can get a free video to share with your church body to encourage them to pray for persecuted Christians around the world. https://secure.persecution.com/idop/default.aspx?source=VOMRADIONT

God is at work in Iran! Nazanin works in a call center for Mohabat TV, one of our VOM partners broadcasting the gospel into Iran and surrounding nations via satellite TV and internet. Each day Nazanin and her team take calls from inside Iran. Many are from Muslims who want to know more about Jesus and even commit their lives to following Him. Other callers are Muslims who want to argue against the Christian message or convert the call center workers back to Islam. Some are even threatening and angry. Listen as Nazanin shares the story of a policeman who picked up the phone in the home of a Christian he'd come to arrest—and how God used that phone call to plant the seeds of the gospel in his life! Nazanin will give American Christians advice on how to reach Muslims in our country, and specific ways that we can pray for God's work in Iran. You'll be inspired by what God is doing in Iran, this week on VOM Radio.

"There is something astounding happening right now" in the Muslim world, says Jami Staples, Director of Women's Training for Crescent Project (http://www.crescentproject.org). Muslims are coming to know Jesus Christ! Not just a few, but thousands! Listen this week as Jami shares the story of an American woman reaching out electronically to Muslim women living in a restricted nation. Hear how God is working among Muslims—even through the miraculous—and how Christians simply living out their lives and their love of Jesus can make a huge impact on Muslim friends looking on. We'll also hear how persecution is a reality for Muslim converts—even in free nations like the US or those in Western Europe—and a special call to reach out to refugees who've lost everything in their own country. Grow your heart for Muslims and lengthen your prayer list, this week on VOM Radio.

Jami Staples works with Crescent Project (http://www.crescentproject.org) to train American women to reach out to Muslims—right here in the US. Listen as she shares how God grabbed her heart for Muslim women, using a veiled woman whose name she'll never know walking across an East-African roundabout. In just a moment, God changed Jami's heart and life forever. What are the two themes Jami hears in every testimony of a Muslim woman coming to faith in Jesus? You'll hear stories of women who even in recent months have opened their hearts to Jesus, and the price they must pay to follow Him—even in America. You'll be inspired to go deeper in your own faith and to look with love on Muslims in your community this week on VOM Radio.

"Brother Sam" is a gospel worker in the Middle East, where part of his ministry is reaching out with help to refugees displaced by ISIS from Iraq and Syria. By helping with practical needs—shelter, education, medical aid—Brother Sam and other Christians have the opportunity to share the gospel and introduce Muslim refugees to Jesus Christ. Such work comes with risk and threats, but Sam tells us that persecution creates "a healthy environment for the Lord to work." And God is working! Listen this week to hear stories of divine healing, Muslims coming to faith and Christians passionately reaching out in the name of Jesus. Your faith will be inspired!

"Brother James" works to reach Muslims and train believers to plant churches in the Middle East, a place where choosing to follow Christ comes with a high cost. This week he shares with us how God is shaking things up in that region—both inside the church and inside the hearts of Muslims—to spread the gospel and draw more Muslims to Christ. James will also share the challenges of his work, and how he and his Operation Mobilization coworkers identify those God is calling to the difficult, sometimes dangerous work of planting churches in that Islamic region. The Middle East is beset by bloodshed and hardship, but James tells us God is redeeming even evil activities in the region to advance His Kingdom. Be ready to add to your prayer list and to consider how you can reach out to Muslims in your city, this week on VOM Radio. Photo credit: "Librarian" by Michał Huniewicz is licensed under CC BY 2.0 https://www.flickr.com/photos/m1key-me/14764185168/

Bob Fu is a former prisoner for Christ in China. He is also the founder and president of the China Aid Association and one of the most knowledgeable and widely-heard voices speaking out on behalf of persecuted Christians in China. This week Bob will share with us about an ongoing crackdown against Christians and churches in China, a crackdown that includes Christians in prison, church buildings destroyed and even Christian children prevented from pursuing their education. But Bob will share good news, too: in the midst of that persecution, God is at work. One fruit of the current campaign against the church is a newfound unity among believers from different backgrounds and denominations. Bob will also share an update about Gao Zhisheng, a Christian human rights attorney who has been terribly abused and persecuted, but has found God faithful even in the depths of human suffering. Finally, we'll hear an update on brand new developments in the case against Asia Bibi in Pakistan. Click below to order a copy of Bob's outstanding book, "God's Double Agent."

"Brother Mark" works among Christians in the Middle East and North Africa, training new believers and equipping them to reach out and win Muslims to Christ. This week he'll share stories of what new believers face after leaving Islam—often starting with persecution from their own families. He'll talk about witnessing to Muslims and equip listeners to answer some of the questions Muslims may ask about Christianity and the Bible. Finally, Mark will talk specifically about some of the nations of North Africa, including updates on Christians in Egypt and Mauritania, and how we can pray for Christians all across that region.

Her husband was the village police chief, the man responsible to make sure no more people in the village became Christians. And now she had chosen to follow Christ! Her husband pressured her to renounce her faith; then he beat her. Then he threatened her life. "I'm willing to die," she answered. That's just one of the stories you'll hear this week from Brother Sionh, the voice of the Khmu Christian radio broadcast in Southeast Asia. He'll also share the great need for leaders within the rapidly-growing Khmu church and how VOM is helping equip and train new leaders to meet that need. Finally we'll hear how we can pray for Laos and for our brothers and sisters there. Watch the video Brother Sionh refers to telling the story of one imprisoned Laotian believer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFEvc60mABA

Imagine seeing three of your best friends murdered for their faith in Christ. Brother Gokhan experienced that loss, living in Malatya where three Christians—all part of his church—were murdered. Today Gokhan is a part of Sat-7 TURK, sharing the gospel across the nation via satellite television. He tells us that risk is a part of sharing the gospel in Turkey. "We need to be sacrifice people," he says. But he reminds us that the power to endure persecution doesn't come from us, it comes from God. Listen this week to learn more about what recent political turmoil in Turkey means for the church and how you can be praying for our brothers and sisters in that nation.

Julia and Sam are two of the college students who served as interns this summer at VOM. Listen in as they share some of their experiences, and what they've learned—both professionally and spiritually—during their two months of service. How will they be different when they go back to their college campuses? What have their duties been at VOM, and what did they learn about VOM's ministry that surprised them? We'll also share details about VOM's intern program for next year, and how to apply if God is nudging you toward service as an intern at VOM.

Dr. Berhane spent 11 months in prison for his Christian faith and work; he watched friends and fellow prisoners led away to execution. But he also saw God's hand at work as fellow prisoners accepted the gospel message and turned their hearts toward Christ. Dr. Berhane tells us what God taught him through dark days of suffering and how he prepared himself to face persecution. Finally, he'll update listeners on the current situation for believers in Eritrea and share specific ways to pray for that African nation.

What does it mean for Christians in prison to get letters from Christians around the world? It means that they are part of a family, and they are not forgotten. In Part 2 of our interview with Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh they share more of the story of how God used them inside Iran's notorious Evin Prison, where they spent 259 days. Listen as they share the heartbreak of seeing children born in prison and later taken from their mothers. Maryam and Marziyeh share how their treatment in prison changed when letters from around the world began arriving, and they'll give ideas about how we can talk to Muslims about our faith in Christ. You'll be inspired by the faith of these two women who consider it an honor to have been allowed to suffer for Jesus. Write letters to Christians still in prison today at www.PrisonerAlert.com.