VOMRadio

Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh were bold evangelists in Iran, sharing their faith and distributing Bibles in that Islamic nation. Their evangelism work caught the attention of the authorities, and the two women ended up in Iran's notorious Evin Prison, where they spent 259 days. But even in prison, Maryam and Marziyeh saw God's hand at work, providing for them and allowing them to be witnesses for Him. "We experienced in prison how we should trust God and how we should trust His plans," Maryam says. Listen as they share how they began their ministry, what happened the day of their arrest, how they saw God at work in prison and even about the most discouraging day in Evin. You will be inspired as you hear Maryam and Marziyeh share about their sacrificial love for Christ.

Merv Knight is one of the longest-serving members of VOM's worldwide family, having met VOM founder Richard Wurmbrand on the first day of August in 1969. Merv shares this week stories of the Wurmbrands, how they ministered both under persecution and after coming to the free world, and some of the challenges they faced launching a ministry to serve persecuted believers around the world. Merv also shares testimonies from some of the many persecuted Christians he's met during more than 45 years of service to our persecuted family, and the lessons he's learned from the lives of those willing to suffer and even die rather than deny their faith in Christ.

The United States and Cuba have diplomatic relations after more than 50 years of animosity. President Obama recently visited Cuba. But has anything changed for the church or for Cuban Christians? Pastor "Jose" is a Cuban church leader, and he'll share this week a reminder that Cuba is still a communist nation and that our Christian brothers and sisters there are still persecuted. But Jose also has exciting news: Cuba's Christians are not afraid of the government or persecution and they are boldly sharing the gospel. House churches are being planted and are growing, in spite of efforts by the government to exert control and instill fear in believers. We'll also welcome back to the studio "John and Mary," working among Muslims in Europe, to hear how persecution happens even to Muslims living in free nations in Europe. Mary also offers advice to people sensing God's call to missions.

"John" and "Mary" are working among Muslim immigrants and refugees in Europe, sharing the love of Jesus with people from a particular nation. Their work includes contacts with both long-term European residents and new refugees fleeing the crisis in the Middle East; each group requires different approaches when presenting the gospel. Listen as John and Mary share stories from their work—including the unique way God prepared Mary as a teen-ager to work among Muslims—and some common characteristics and experiences among Muslims who are choosing to leave Islam and follow Christ. We'll also talk about how you can reach out to Muslims, even if you feel intimidated or don't think you know the Quran well enough or know the right answers for their questions. We'll inspire your faith and add to your prayer list this week on VOM Radio.

"Brother John" helps lead the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. He has served as a missionary in Muslim nations, and today is involved in recruiting and sending mission workers to the hardest and most unreached places in the world. Listen as Brother John shares the challenge of sending workers into harm's way, what motivates him to keep sending even after some workers are martyred, and the joy of seeing God move in Muslim nations. John also shares thoughts on how American churches can do a better job of preparing and inspiring more people to hear God's call to take the gospel to the world's toughest places. We'll also hear more from songwriter Steve Merkel about using music to share the love of Jesus around the world, and his experiences in Islamic nations.

Telling inspiring stories of our persecuted family has always been at heart of VOM's ministry. We are thankful for wonderful ministry partners who come alongside to help us tell those stories in various forms—books, songs, films—to impact and inspire more Christians with the courage of our persecuted family and the faithfulness of God. This week we'll meet some of those partners, including Cris Doornbos, CEO of David C. Cook publishers; Steve Merkel, who co-wrote the song "We Stand As One" for the I Am N album; and Bill Curtis, President of Vision Video and producer of The Torchlighters series of animated films telling the stories of Christian heroes, including heroes who boldly stood for their faith in the face of persecution. Listen to hear how our persecuted family has inspired each of these men—and their families—and how they are spreading those stories even further. Get "We Stand As One": https://secure.persecution.com/p-6549-i-am-n-book-music-cd.aspx?source=VOMRADIONT Get The Torchlighters DVDs: https://secure.persecution.com/p-6228-torchlighters-12-dvd-boxed-set.aspx?source=VOMRADIONT Get The Action Bible: https://secure.persecution.com/p-6113-the-action-bible.aspx?source=VOMRADIONT

Brother "Samuel" leads a media ministry in Pakistan, reaching out to Muslims with the gospel of Christ. It isn't always a popular message: Samuel has been threatened, his staff has been beaten and his office has been attacked. Charges under Pakistan's blasphemy law are a constant threat. But God is at work! Muslims are accessing ministry resources and meeting Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Listen as Samuel shares the challenges of serving Christ in Pakistan—"anything can happen at any time"—and how he constantly re-commits himself and his family to the ministry that God has called them to, whatever the cost may be. In spite of the danger, Samuel says it a privilege and joy to see God standing with them and see Muslims coming to faith in Christ. Your faith will be strengthened as Brother Samuel shares this week on VOM Radio.

Semse Aydin's husband, Necati, was one of three Christian men martyred for their faith and ministry in Turkey. The next day, on national TV in Turkey, Semse offered forgiveness to her husband's killers, along with the widow of one of the other martyrs. Listen this week as she shares how the Holy Spirit enabled her to forgive, and how God has sustained her and her two children since she gave Necati to Jesus. You'll also hear how Necati dealt with family members who were still Muslims, and how he went to meet with his killers, even though he thought their motives might not be pure. You'll be inspired by God's faithfulness and equipped to pray more for the nation of Turkey and for the families of martyrs this week on VOM Radio. This interview with Semse was recorded live at a VOM Advance Conference; to find a conference in your area, visit http://www.vomevents.com.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is the home of the fastest-growing church in the world. Thousands of Muslims there are choosing to follow Christ. Dr. Mike Ansari leads a movement called Heart 4 Iran, a movement to reach more Iranians with the gospel message of Christ's love. Mike was born into an Iranian Muslim family, but his mother came to faith in Christ and was radically transformed, ultimately changing her entire family. Today Dr. Ansari broadcasts the gospel message into Iran, where people are hungry to hear. He'll share how Jesus is transforming Iranian hearts, and how new Christians are boldly witnessing, even at great risk to themselves. Mike will also help you understand how to reach out to Muslims around you, and he'll share about a project VOM was a part of that delivered thousands of Bibles into Iran. Learn more about God's work in Iran and how you can pray for our brothers and sisters there this week on VOM Radio.

This week Sister "Amber" shares the rest of the story of her imprisonment and torture in Tibet, including how God ministered to her in the hardest moments of her suffering. You'll hear how she was eventually released, and the way 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 picture of Amber and the policemen in the interrogation room. Months later, when Amber saw the picture, it matched exactly the setting of her interrogation, and it contained a ray of spiritual hope. Your faith will be challenged as you hear Amber's thoughts on what the New Testament calls the "honor" of being persecuted, and she'll give you first-hand advice on how to pray for Christians in prison right now. Listen to Part 1 of Amber's story: https://soundcloud.com/the-voice-of-the-martyrs/tibet-i-could-only-rely-on-jesus Photo credit: "Tibet" by Christopher Michel is licensed under CC BY 2.0 (www.flickr.com/photos/cmichel67/5135039514/)

Sister Amber spent more than a decade in Tibet, providing vocational training to the people and sharing the gospel message of Christ's love. She felt God's call especially to work among Tibet's nomadic tribal people, who jokingly call themselves "the roof on the roof of the world." Amber watched as God brought about a great ministry breakthrough: people who'd been totally closed to her message were now asking to learn more about Jesus. But just days after the breakthrough Amber experienced persecution as police came pounding on her door. Listen as she tells the story. You'll hear how the Holy Spirit strengthened and spoke to her, and how God brought Amber from a place of terror to the point of being able to express Christ's love, even to the men violently persecuting her. Photo credit: "Morning Kora in Lhasa, Tibet" by Christopher Michel is licensed under CC BY 2.0 (www.flickr.com/photos/cmichel67/15589457503/)

Nik and Ruth Ripken went to Africa as missionaries. They experienced great works of God, and also great hardship and loss. Malaria almost killed them. Four Christian friends were killed on one day in Somalia. Their 16-year-old son died suddenly. Amidst such loss and suffering, they wondered, "Is Jesus for the tough places?" Seeking an answer, Nik and Ruth travelled the world to sit down with Christians faithfully enduring persecution. They went not as teachers but as students, asking simply to sit at the feet of persecuted believers and learn from them. Your faith will be challenged as Nik and Ruth share some of the faith lessons they learned from the examples of our persecuted family. Photo courtesy of IMB.

The last two weeks on VOM Radio we've heard from John Short, the Australian Christian detained in North Korea in 2014 after leaving gospel tracts outside a Buddhist temple. This week we hear another side of the story, from John's wife, Karen, who was at home in Hong Kong dealing with the media, praying for her husband and receiving encouragement from all over the world. Listen in as Karen shares: How God ministered to her during John's detention How she and John stayed connected through Scripture—even though they couldn't communicate at all during his detention How journalists and others responded to Karen's calm assurance and faith in God How she found out her husband would be coming home The one thing she wishes she'd done differently—it will surprise you! The story of Karen's faithfulness will inspire you to trust more deeply in God and dive deeper into His Word, even if you're not planning a trip to North Korea. If you missed our conversation with John, you can listen here: Part 1 and Part 2. Photo credit: "Pyongyang couple, DPRK (North Korea)" by Matt Palsh is licensed under CC BY 2.0 (www.flickr.com/photos/mattpaish/8116231787/)

Australian John Short was detained inside North Korea after leaving gospel tracts near a Buddhist temple. He was facing years in prison—but he wasn't afraid. "Fear and faith cannot exist within my heart at the same time," he says. In this second part of our conversation with Mr. Short, he shares how he prayed—out loud—throughout his captivity, how his captors responded to his faith and how his "letter of confession" and eventual release came about. He'll also share how, upon landing back in China, he learned for the first time that his captivity was international news. He was deeply moved to learn that Christians in many nations were praying for him during his trial, including a group of Chinese house churches that prayed around the clock during his detention. Finally, Mr. Short shares specific ways we can pray for the "hermit kingdom" of North Korea. Listen to the first part of our conversation with Mr. Short here. Photo credit: "Star of the DPRK" by John Pavelka is licensed under CC BY 2.0 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/28705377@N04/4610365613)

Australian John Short was taken prisoner 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 asked him today, Short would happily go back to "the hermit kingdom." Short shares with 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 with his hometown newspaper back in Australia, and the other with The Voice of the Martyrs Radio Network. Hear the rest of the story when you listen also to our interview with Short's wife, Karen.

"Lance" is a gospel worker in the nation of Turkey, a nation where 99.8% of the almost-80-million people are Muslims. This week on VOM Radio, Lance shares some of the challenges he faced in moving to a Muslim nation, building relationships and reaching out with the gospel. Lance also helps train students and others to impact the Muslim world for Christ, and he'll share some of the most important qualities needed to work effectively among Muslims. He'll also encourage listeners with ways we can pray for God to move in Turkey, and invite you to be a part of what God is doing in that nation from wherever you live.

How would you respond to the person who betrayed you to the authorities, leading to 14 years in prison? Richard Wurmbrand's response was simple: "We all make mistakes." Dale Rhoton, co-founder of Operation Mobilization, joins us again this week on VOM Radio to share about his visits with VOM founders Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, including a walk with Richard when they met the man who had betrayed Richard, leading to his arrest. Dale also shares thoughts and advice for those sensing a call to missions and talks about his own early days ministering in communist and Muslim nations, and fellowshipping with Christians who faced arrest and persecution for serving the Lord. Even in the worst of human circumstances, Dale testifies, God is able to triumph. (Photo courtesy of Operation Mobilization)

As a young man, Dale Rhoton was invited to join a prayer meeting to ask God to move across the nations. The young man that invited him was George Verwer; later the two would help send thousands of young people into gospel work around the world through Operation Mobilization (OM), the ministry they founded. On one trip taking Christian literature from Europe to the Middle East, Dale and his team stopped in to visit a Romanian pastor who'd just been released from prison: Richard Wurmbrand. Dale shares this week on VOM Radio stories of Bible smuggling, what Richard Wurmbrand was like and how Richard inspired Dale and others to live a life of total commitment to Jesus. Photo courtesy of Operation Mobilization.

For the first few days after Bob Fu was arrested for his Christian work in China, his prayers were pretty simple: "Lord, get me out of here!" He even prayed that God would punish his interrogators for persecuting God's children! But as days passed, Bob saw that God had a ministry for him in prison, and his prayers changed. Instead of praying only to be released, he asked God to USE HIM while he was in prison. And God answered his prayer. Today Bob is the president of the China Aid Association, a bold advocate for China's Christians and author of God's Double Agent. Listen as he shares why the Chinese government is so afraid of the growth of the church, and how persecution is spreading even to government-sanctioned churches. We'll also talk about the biggest needs of the Chinese church, so that you can pray effectively for our brothers and sisters in China. Get the book "God's Double Agent" at VOM Books: https://secure.persecution.com/p-5341-gods-double-agent.aspx?source=VOMRADIONT

Turn on the news and you'll see upheaval in every corner of the world, including attacks on our Christian brothers and sisters. But Cole Richards, Executive Vice President at The Voice of the Martyrs, reminds us that in the midst of this earthly suffering God is producing eternal fruit every single day. Listen as Cole shares some of the ways God has allowed VOM to help persecuted believers in the past 12 months—especially Christians displaced by ISIS. He'll also give listeners a preview of an exciting new way YOU can be involved to directly help Christians facing persecution, as well a new book coming soon from The Voice of the Martyrs.

Balloon launches are one of the key ways that VOM is delivering Bibles into North Korea. This week Dr. Eric Foley shares how weather balloon and GPS technology are even allowing us to pinpoint where the Bibles are landing. Recently North Korean government press also confirmed the delivery of these Bibles, and threatened to turn South Korea into a "sea of fire" if the balloon launches continued. Dr. Foley tells how South Korean police tried to stop the balloon launches after the threats...and how God opened a path. We'll also talk about the best books to read to truly understand the situation for our brothers and sisters in North Korea, and hear from a reader blessed by VOM Radio. Thanks for joining us this week on Voice of the Martyrs Radio.

The North Korean government has built a counterfeit religion to control it s people, a mirror image of Christianity that features their own trinity, their own meeting halls, their own sacred writings and even their own hymns to their god – Kim Il Sung. Following a different deity, like Jesus Christ, is a treasonous act deserving of death. Many describe North Korea as "the worst place in the world to be a Christian." But Dr. Eric Foley, the leader of VOM Korea, tells us that North Korean Christians don't say that! Instead they focus on serving Jesus Christ in spite of watchful government eyes and great danger. This week on VOM Radio you'll hear how North Korean Christians pray—sometimes right out in the open!—and how you can pray for them more effectively.

Last week we looked back on some of the best moments of VOM Radio during 2015. This week we finish our look back on some of the incredible stories that God has allowed us to tell this year. You'll hear about an Iranian pastor who called it an "honor" to be tortured for Jesus. A gospel worker in the Muslim world reminds us to love our enemies…even terrorists. A missionary tells the story of a miracle that saved his life: a phone call reporting to police the Al Qaeda attack against him and his exact location, except the phone call came in BEFORE the attack had happened! And finally the story of God's work in Mongolia, and the terrible sacrifice one missionary couple made to see the gospel advance there. This week we'll continue with our look back on some of the best moments of this first full year of VOM Radio. Listen to highlights of the program recently named Radio Program of the Year by the National Religious Broadcasters.

VOM Radio has had the opportunity to share some amazing stories this year! Listeners have heard stories of God's faithfulness and protection over believers in hostile and restricted nations. We've shared stories of enemies of the gospel—even ISIS fighters!—coming to know Jesus Christ personally. We've lengthened your prayer list and given ideas about how you can share the gospel with Muslims and others in your sphere of influence. This week we share some of the best moments of this first full year of VOM Radio. Listen now to catch up on highlights of the program recently named Radio Program of the Year by the National Religious Broadcasters.

"Mike" and "Rose" serve the Lord in Mexico, where they planted a secret church in a tribal village hostile to evangelical work. They'd been warned that gospel work in that village was dangerous, but God's call was clear. Several villagers came to Christ, and they began a secret Bible study. But the Good News didn't stay secret for long, and Mike and Rose were evicted from their home and kicked out of the village. Listen in as they share how God moved through that difficult time to encourage them and empower local Christians stand strong in their young faith, and draw others into the Kingdom.

In the past 30 years, evangelical Christians in Ethiopia have grown from 1% of the population to more than 20%. Allan Sherer, the Horn of Africa Director for Front Line Mission, calls that church growth "one of the great gospel stories of our generation." That growth hasn't come without challenges and persecution. And now the challenge is to keep up with the demand for trained pastors and leaders. We'll hear about Front Line's efforts to meet that need, as well as the amazing ways God is raising up leaders and church planters in Ethiopia and even into the neighboring countries.

In a message recorded at a recent VOM conference (www.VOMEvents.com), VOM Radio host Todd Nettleton shares stories of some of the witnesses (Acts 1:8) for Christ that he's met during 17 years of service with The Voice of the Martyrs. Todd offers Biblical truths from the lives of these Christians—Biblical truths that Christians who are not persecuted can practice and live by in order to impact those around them for Jesus Christ.

Before Patrick Klein leaves on a trip to deliver Bibles into hostile and restricted nations, he asks God to show him His plan for that trip. Sometimes God closes the eyes of customs officials and ushers the Bibles through without incident. Other times God has a different plan: Patrick is stopped and has opportunities to witness to officials trying to confiscate Bibles and hinder the gospel. After meeting with Christians who have faced imprisonment and beatings for God's Word, Patrick has learned to see either outcome as a part of God's plan. This week on VOM Radio you'll hear more stories of Bible smuggling around the world, as well as how you might join a trip* to personally carry Bibles into hostile and restricted nations. * https://visionbeyondborders.org/get-involved/go/

Imagine hefting a suitcase with 80 Bibles inside onto the X-ray machine in Iran. 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 to take the Word of God into some of the world's hardest-to-reach places. He's seen God close the eyes of customs agents and border guards. And he's also seen God open the hearts of those most opposed to the Gospel. Listen as Patrick shares stories of the miraculous ways God intervened to allow him and his Vision Beyond Borders smuggling teams safe passage and used them to make a Kingdom impact all over the world.

The house church pastor had been arrested and tortured. Now he wanted to talk to his leader. Dr. Hormoz Shariat expected the pastor to ask how a loving God could have allowed him to suffer. The pastor would ask, and how he would answer? Instead, the young man called being tortured for his faith in Christ an honor. It is bold witnesses for Christ like this that God is using to change the nation of Iran. Listen in this week to hear Pastor Hormoz share the stories of these faithful believers and explain how persecution in Iran is different from what Christians in other Muslim nations are facing. Encourage your faith and equip yourself to pray for the church in Iran with this week's episode of VOM Radio.

The Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979 promised great things for the Iranian people. The mullahs that took over the nation promised an Islamic paradise on earth. More than 35 years later, Iran's people have lost hope in their government, and in the religion it upholds. Dr. Hormoz Shariat speaks daily to millions of Iranians through satellite television. He shares the hope of Jesus with a nation that has lost hope in their Islamic government, and he sees great waves of people who have rejected Islam now embracing Jesus, the Savior. This week on VOM Radio, Pastor Hormoz shares exciting things God is doing in Iran and challenges Christians in the United States to be as committed to our God as radical Muslims in the Middle East are committed to theirs.

Those who come to Christ in Sri Lanka—especially in rural areas—face challenges and trials from Buddhist or Hindu family members or village leaders. Sometimes the challenges are extreme: church buildings torn down, Christians beaten and even martyred for their faith. Yet God is at work: even with persecution the church in Sri Lanka is growing. Rev. Godfrey Yogarajah, the leader of the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, is in a unique position to tell us about both the exciting growth in the Sri Lankan church and the persecution that our brothers and sisters there are facing, and how they prepare to stand strong even in the midst of persecution. You'll meet him this week on VOM Radio.

The people of Central Asia are caught between their Islamic culture and the authoritarian remnants of 70 years of communist domination. Statistically, many of the region's people have a zero-percent probability of meeting a follower of Christ or hearing the gospel message of Jesus' love. "Brother Harold" has served more than a decade building relationships and planting gospel seeds among Muslim people in Central Asia. He'll share about the persecution Central Asian Christians face, some of his challenges and God's victories during 15 years of ministry, and thoughts on how Christians in the United States can minister to Muslims right where we live.

Muslim women face oppression in society and even in their own families, sometimes forced to hide even their very faces from the world. JoAnn Doyle leads an outreach to share the truth with Muslim women that they are Not Forgotten, that Jesus Christ loved them so much He even gave His life for them. Listen in as JoAnn shares how we can reach out to Muslim women, even through simple acts of kindness and conversation. We'll also answer a question from a reader about how Christians inside the world's most closed nation—North Korea—pray and worship Jesus Christ.

Merv Knight read Richard Wurmbrand's book, Tortured for Christ, and it changed the path of his entire life. Merv helped found VOM-Australia and worked side by side with Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand for decades. This week he gives us an inside look, with stories of what it was like to minister alongside Richard and Sabina but also what kind of people they were behind the scenes and the deep love for Christ that allowed them to endure persecution while still holding firmly to their faith. Merv will also share the stories of some of the persecuted Christians that have inspired his own faith during almost five decades of ministry with The Voice of the Martyrs.

Jesus told his disciples to "Go into all the world." He didn't say it would be easy. Verne and Denny Johnson have experienced the joy of seeing people come to Christ while serving as missionaries in Ivory Coast. But they've also experienced dark days. They watched their children almost die from malaria. War forced them to evacuate their home and leave the people they loved. But God even used those dark times to bring blessings into their lives, and to open the door for further ministry. Listen as Verne and Denny share their story, and share specific ways for you to pray for missionaries and gospel workers around the world.

When a fully veiled woman came to his church and asked to be baptized, this pastor from Iraq wasn't sure how to respond. But the woman had been reading and memorizing the New Testament, and her faith in Christ was genuine. In spite of terrorism and radical Islam, God is moving in Iraq. Listen this week to hear an Iraqi pastor's first-hand account of how God is working, how the church is growing and how the Islamic State is pushing Muslims toward Christ.

Jonathan and Nick, two of VOM's international workers, just returned from visiting bold Christian workers all over China, including one woman who shared the gospel with them! Listen in to hear how God is at work in China, even in the midst of a serious crackdown by Communist Party leaders. We'll also hear how VOM is helping to support persecuted Christians, and the adventure of landing at one of the world's highest airports. Photo credit: "Tibet, Lhasa" by Göran Höglund (Kartläsarn) https://www.flickr.com/photos/kartlasarn/6982310326/ Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

"Brother Jay" continues the conversation about working in North Africa, including the biggest challenge that new Muslim converts to Christianity face, and how they prepare Christians—from their first days walking with Christ—to face persecution and rejection. Jay also shares ways that American Christians can reach out to Muslims who live right here in the United States. Then we'll talk with Christian recording artist Nicole C. Mullen about her love for VOM's book, "Jesus Freaks," how she prays for persecuted believers and why she shares the stories of the faith of persecuted Christians with her children. Jesus Freaks: https://secure.persecution.com/p-310-jesus-freaks.aspx?source=VOMRADIONT Photo credit: "Ahmed" by Guillaume Lecoquierre https://www.flickr.com/photos/glecoquierre/4219732856/ Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

"Brother Jay" served more than a decade among Muslims in North Africa, sharing the love of Christ and discipling believers to become strong in their faith and share Jesus' love with their countrymen. He shares how God is tearing down walls to allow His word to go forth. Jay has seen the persecution Muslim converts face, often persecution that comes first from their own families. He's also seen Western Christians expelled and sent home. Jay will share with us about the faithfulness of God—even amidst persecution—and how Christians overcome fear to boldly share the gospel and keep serving the Lord in North Africa. Photo credit: "Ousseni" by Guillaume Lecoquierre https://www.flickr.com/photos/glecoquierre/4219789824/ Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Pastors in the "red zone" areas of Colombia—areas controlled by FARC guerillas—are targets. The FARC resents the gospel message which makes it harder to recruit the population to support the guerilla movement. Pastors in such areas face danger and threats. This week on VOM Radio we'll discuss how The Voice of the Martyrs provides such pastors with training and encouragement and how these encounters bless them, as well as the VOM workers involved. You'll also hear an update on two ongoing court cases; the case against Asia Bibi in Pakistan and the ongoing trial of two pastors accused of espionage in Sudan.

Brother Jonathan, a VOM international ministries worker, says there is a gospel wildfire burning. Around the world, we're seeing the gospel go forward like never before in the history of the church. But what is the air that gives life to this wildfire? What is the fuel, the spark, and the accelerant? Jonathan shares examples from our persecuted family of how this holy fire is lit and how it burns brightly, even in the midst of persecution and suffering. He also challenges Christians in free nations to pray and boldly work to see this same wildfire burn in our nations as well.

Most American Christians think persecution is something that happens only in far-off places. Many don't realize that Christians in Mexico—right next door—can face persecution. In Chiapas, Zapatista rebels pressure those who choose to follow Jesus to renounce their faith in Christ and return to the traditional religion and superstitions of the area. Christians are kicked out of their homes and villages, left with nothing. "Ivan" oversees VOM's ministry to these bold believers, and this week he shares about meeting with them and how God continues to work in spite of the persecution they face.

The sheikh had just exited Syria, where he'd been providing Islamic theological training to ISIS fighters. Now, he was looking for a Bible. Not to burn it—but to learn more about Jesus Christ. This Islamic teacher is not alone; God is working in the hearts of Muslims all over the Middle East—even the hearts of radical ISIS fighters trained to find glory in bloodshed. After years in the Middle East as a part of Operation Mobilization, "Julian" will share amazing true stories of God's Kingdom advancing among Arab Muslims. He'll also share how Christians are facing persecution, and being empowered by God to stand strong, and even to forgive those who kill their family members. Celebrate with us the stories of God's advancing Kingdom this week on The Voice of the Martyrs Radio Network.

Before sunrise, a North Korean Christian seals his small, secret radio into a plastic bag and buries it in the ground. He will dig it up late that night to listen again to Biblical teaching while trying to avoid the prying eyes of his neighbors and his government. At the same time, a radio transmitter built by Adolf Hitler's propaganda machine broadcasts Jesus' love on a million watts of broadcast power, and a Christian in the Middle East secretly downloads the Gospel of John onto his phone. TWR is using radio waves, smart phones and internet connections to share the gospel message around the world, and The Voice of the Martyrs is partnering to provide content to strengthen those serving Christ under persecution. Learn more about this important work this week on The Voice of the Martyrs Radio Network.

Sergio Cariello is a world-famous comic-book artist. And he's a missionary. Sergio has drawn the famous faces of Batman, Spiderman and the Lone Ranger. He's also brought the story of Jesus to life in a whole new way through the creation of The Action Bible, a tool VOM is helping to translate and distribute in the most difficult places on earth. This week on VOM Radio, Sergio shares how God is using his drawing gifts to spread the gospel and bring people to Christ, and challenges each of us to commit to serve God with the gifts and talents He has given each of us. Get The Action Bible on VOM Books: https://secure.persecution.com/p-6113-the-action-bible.aspx?source=VOMRADIONT

The Church in Niger is growing and getting stronger. Earlier this year, enemies of the gospel responded: churches were burned and Christians' homes were attacked. Missionary Ron Childs shares what happened during those attacks, and how Niger's Christians responded with forgiveness and boldness. Ron also shares how VOM provided assistance to affected Christians after the attacks, and the response of Christians encouraged by that help. You'll be equipped to pray for the nation of Niger, and also hear two stories of answered prayer as God stepped in to save the lives of His people through miraculous intervention. (One of those stories is from VOM's book, Extreme Devotion. Sign up to receive devotionals in your email box each morning here: https://secure.persecution.com/extremedevotion/default.aspx?source=VOMRADIONT)

What would you do if an ISIS fighter wanted to meet up with you? You'd probably have lots of questions. What are his intentions? Is his spiritual hunger real, or is it a trap? Is the Lord really calling me to go to this meeting? Those questions aren't new. Ananias had the same doubts when he was told to go visit a man named Saul. Christians in the Middle East face this dilemma today. This week on VOM Radio we'll hear what happened when a Christian worker from YWAM was introduced to an ISIS fighter, a man with Christian blood on his hands.

Thirty percent of the world's population is "unreached," meaning there is no church among their people. It's hard for American Christians to imagine two billion people living their entire lives without ever hearing the name of Jesus or meeting a believer in Christ. Gina F. and Kevin S. are part of the leadership of Youth With A Mission's Frontier Mission teams, sending gospel workers to those places where there is no church and the people have never heard of the love of Christ. This week on VOM Radio we'll meet them and hear what kind of workers are going to these difficult places and how it feels when a Christian worker you sent is arrested, tortured or even killed for the gospel.

"Even if you take my life here in front of my wife…I will not deny Christ." The Iraqi Christian stood at an ISIS check point. The fighters' guns were pointed at him. Their instruction was clear: deny your faith and become a Muslim. He said no, and miraculously God intervened and our Iraqi brother lived to tell the story. This is just one of the stories that Joe, a VOM international worker, will share this week on VOM Radio after returning from a recent trip to the Middle East. He'll also tell how VOM helps displaced Christians from Iraq and Syria forced from their homes by the Islamic State. We'll also learn how Muslim converts face persecution right here in the United States, and how your church can engage with Muslim immigrants and refugees in your city.