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Just a few days before government-mandated "celebrations" of the 100th Anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party, we finish a conversation with Bob Fu, former prisoner for Christ and the founder of China Aid Association. Bob points out the terrible cost of decades of control in China by a philosophy that places zero value on human life. Bob will talk about the choice some Chinese Christians are making to stay in their country in spite of the constant threat of persecution. He'll also tell how some Christians are choosing to leave, seeing no future under President Xi Jinping. China's pressure and persecution efforts also reach outside their borders—including harassing Bob and his family in the United States. Bob will help us pray for Christians in China; he also says Chinese Christians are praying right now for the United States and believers here. Bob Fu is the author of two books: God's Double Agent, which tells the story of Bob's coming to faith in China and eventually being forced to flee the country; and The Politics of Inclusive Pluralism: A Proposed Foundation for Religious Freedom in a Post-Communist, Democratic China. You can listen to the first part of our conversation with Bob here. This month you can receive a free copy of When Faith is Forbidden, the new book by VOM Radio host Todd Nettleton, when you make any donation to help persecuted Christians through The Voice of the Martyrs. Learn more and give online. Never miss and episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

Bob Fu is a former prisoner for Christ and the founder of China Aid Association, serving and sharing the stories of persecuted Christians in China. He says persecution of Christians in communist China is the worst it has been in 40 years—since the days of the Cultural Revolution. Bob will share a recent case of persecution and the story of how our brother Chen Wensheng—a former mafia leader—thought of ten days in prison as a "spiritual retreat." Brother Chen went right back to publicly witnessing for Christ the moment he was released. Pastor Bob says Chinese Christians understand they are in a spiritual battle, rather than a physical one. Listen to hear how they gain strength to face opposition and persecution, and how the church prepares believers—even youth—to stand strong. Bob Fu is the author of two books: God's Double Agent, which tells the story of Bob's coming to faith in China and eventually being forced to flee the country; and The Politics of Inclusive Pluralism: A Proposed Foundation for Religious Freedom in a Post-Communist, Democratic China. This month you can receive a free copy of VOM Radio host, Todd Nettleton's new book, When Faith is Forbidden, when you make any donation to help persecuted Christians through The Voice of the Martyrs. Learn more and give online. Never miss and episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

Paul wrote to the Corinthian church that, "a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries" (I Cor. 16:9). "Brother Aaron" says Paul's ministry description could have been written about Christians in the restricted nation of Pakistan in 2021. Listen as Aaron shares how Christian persecution is "like the air" in Pakistan—something that's always present and almost taken for granted by people there. He'll also explain how the church prepares believers—especially young people—to be strong in their faith and ready to withstand societal pressure and persecution. Aaron will also talk about the types of persecution faced by former Muslims who leave Islam behind to follow Christ. Finally, he'll equip listeners with specific ways to pray for Pakistan and the church there. To learn more about how you can pray for Christians in Pakistan and other restricted nations, request your free copy of VOM's 2021 Global Prayer Guide. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

"Uncle Monnie" has worked alongside Chinese Christians for decades. He says the pressure and persecution Christians face there today is even worse than during the Cultural Revolution. Listen as Monnie shares about the changes he's seen in China and the response of believers he's trained to face persecution and continue to advance the gospel. Some of those Monnie helped train now serve Jesus in restricted Muslim nations in the Middle East and around the world. Learn how you can pray for Chinese Christians, and how persecution is teaching Christians from different backgrounds to work and minister side-by-side. Finally, Monnie will provide an update on current events in Myanmar. Listen to Uncle Monnie's first visit with VOM Radio here. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

Tune in this week for the second half of our conversation with Pastor Tat Stewart, who lived and ministered in Tehran as the Islamic Revolution swept through Iran. Listen to how he was encouraged by his final conversation on Iranian soil before he and his family were expelled from the country. You'll also hear how God showed him he could have a more far-reaching ministry to Iranians outside the country than he could ever have living inside the Islamic Republic. "I could not stay away from what God was doing with Iranians," he says. Tat also shares how hungry the Iranian people were for the gospel—even teenagers craved deep teaching and were willing to invest long stretches of time in Bible study and prayer. Tat continues to minister to Iranian Christians through Talim Ministries, including publishing and mentoring Iranian pastors. If you missed the first half of our conversation with Tat, which included how God called him to Iran as well as his experiences on the day the US Embassy was taken over in 1979, listen here. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

"Let's drive by the American Embassy and see what's going on…" It was November 4, 1979 when Tat Stewart said those words to his wife as they drove home from church in Tehran, Iran. Iranian students had overrun the US Embassy that day. They would go on to hold 52 embassy staff members and others hostage for 444 days. Stewart, his wife and their children moved to Tehran earlier that year, just months after Ayatollah Khomeini arrived back in Iran and the Islamic Revolution took control of the country. Tat went to serve as the pastor of a church for expatriate Christians. But his experiences in Iran began many years earlier, when his parents moved there to serve as medical missionaries. Listen as Tat shares how he continued to minister as the Islamic revolution went on all around him, how he became a contact person for American citizens needing help amidst the chaos and how God protected and provided through that dangerous season—and ultimately led them to leave Iran. Tat Stewart continues to serve and train Iranian church leaders today through Talim Ministries. Find more conversations with Iranian Christians in the VOM Radio archives, or search for VOM Radio on your favorite podcast app.

"Brother Bennie" is back to talk about persecution of Christians in India, including the story of three close friends recently arrested for their evangelistic work. Hear how God worked during their time in prison—especially once they received a copy of the Bible. Bennie will talk about recent passage of anti-conversion laws in several Indian states, and how Christians and churches are affected by such laws. He says the India of today is dramatically different from the India he knew as a child, and even from how the nation was five or ten years ago. In addition to praying for India during the current coronavirus surge, Bennie will give listeners specific ways to pray for imprisoned Christians there, and for the nation as a whole. Learn more about Alpha Ministries, and read Bennie's book, My Father's Business. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

When Susi Childers met a woman who'd had three children killed in an attack in Northern Nigeria, God used the pain of three miscarriages in Susi's life to open the door for a powerful time of connection and ministry. Listen as Susi shares the story, and offers encouragement to Christians wrestling with suffering, loss or even persecution right now. Paul and Susi Childers have spent more than two decades working to spread the gospel through Youth With a Mission (YWAM). They will give advice about blending the responsibilities of marriage and family with the missionary calling God has placed on their lives to serve Him—including very practical things that they do in their home and with their children. Listen to the first half of our conversation with Paul and Susi from last week, and previous VOM Radio conversations with Paul Childers. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

Paul and Susi Childers have spent more than two decades working to spread the gospel to the nations at Youth With a Mission (YWAM). Listen as Susi shares how God called her from a career in photography to go as a missionary—and how He turned her camera into a bridge-building tool for sharing the gospel. "Don't think because you don't have a typical 'Christian' job that you can't be used [in missions]," she says. Susi started out by committing to serve for one year, a commitment that has now been renewed for 24 years! She will offer advice if you sense God may be asking you to get involved in spreading the gospel to the world. Paul and Susi will also tell us how they think about risk—for themselves and for each other—and how they involve their children in sending and praying as they answer God's call to go into all the world. Hear previous VOM Radio conversations with Paul Childers. Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the VOM Radio podcast.

"Brother Jeff" served as a long-time gospel worker in South Asia and Indonesia—places with intense Christian persecution. Today he helps lead Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM). Listen as he shares about the time he was arrested for his work, how God worked to set him free and how his arrest actually opened a doorway to more (and more secure) ministry opportunities. He'll also talk about the challenges he and his wife experienced in their early years of missionary service, and how God's clear call on their lives became an anchor they could hold on to in difficult seasons. His stories will help you know how to pray for missionaries currently in the field. Jeff will also offer advice to listeners sensing a call to serve God cross-culturally, including the need for a sense of adventure: "In 23 years [of overseas ministry]," he says, "the greatest things we did were not planned." Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

Brother Alayu was a very young man when he became a follower of Christ. Soon after, he was persecuted for that choice, even facing a communist official who told Alayu to "choose Jesus or my gun." Alayu chose Jesus—and he continues to do so. Today, he is a leader with Global Call, a church-planting work in Ethiopia and surrounding nations, where he has seen great hunger for the gospel and a great move of God—in spite of the persecution Christians often face. Listen as he shares about ministry today in areas dominated by Ethiopian Orthodox teaching—a mixture of ancient Jewish teachings, some Christian ideas and even traditional African religious and witch doctor practices. Alayu and his workers have seen many people—even Orthodox priests—come to life-changing faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord. Alayu will also describe the importance of delivering Bibles and equip us to pray for Ethiopia and for the church there.

Karen Short's husband, John, was detained inside North Korea, held incommunicado. Yet Karen never felt panicked about what would happen to him. "I simply trusted the Lord," she says. John Short, an Australian Christian, was detained in North Korea in 2014 after leaving gospel tracts outside a Buddhist temple while part of a tour. Karen was home in Hong Kong, dealing with media attention, praying for her husband and receiving words of encouragement from all around 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 during his detention How journalists and others responded when they observed Karen's calm assurance and faith in God How she learned that her husband would be released and allowed to return 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. VOM Radio also shared John's side of the story of what happened in North Korea. Listen here. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio. Subscribe to the podcast!

Through books and other writing, Pastor Richard Wurmbrand became a voice for persecuted Christians all over the world. This week we'll meet the woman who shaped and polished so many of Richard's printed words. Ellen Oblander served many years as the editor for Richard Wurmbrand, co-founder of The Voice of the Martyrs. She worked on many of his books, as well as on VOM's free monthly magazine. Over the years Ellen became much more than an editor; she grew into being almost a member of the family. Listen as she shares the story of being given a copy of Tortured For Christ, then soon afterwards hearing Richard Wurmbrand speak for the first time and meeting his wife, Sabina. She saw, first-hand, Sabina's incredible behind-the-scenes ministry supporting her husband and advancing the work of VOM. Ellen will also talk about Richard's constant writing, his editing process and the times she'd pick up the phone to hear Richard unpack some Scripture passage he'd just read or a spiritual truth he was pondering. She'll also tell about her time with Richard and Sabina in the latter years of their lives, and how Richard always looked to be a witness for Christ. Learn more about the lives of Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand by reading WURMBRAND: Tortured For Christ The Complete Story. Order your copy today. Listen to an interview with the principal writer of the book here.

Petr Jasek was imprisoned 445 days in Sudan. He traveled to the country on behalf of The Voice of the Martyrs to meet with and encourage Sudanese Christians. His first cellmates were arrested ISIS fighters—men who hated Christians and quickly began to persecute Petr. In his lowest moments, God brought to mind names and faces of other persecuted Christians—men and women Petr had met personally during his years serving with VOM. He began to pray for other persecuted believers, and his spirit lifted as his focus changed from his own difficulties to his prayers for other Christians. Listen as Petr shares how God prepared him to face persecution, how he had prepared his own family for his arrest, and how he prays for Christians after his experience of long months in prison and facing a death sentence for his gospel work. This conversation with Petr was recorded as a part of the Imprisoned For Christ Virtual Event. You can still watch the entire event—featuring three former prisoners for Christ sharing their stories—on-demand when you register here. Petr's first VOM Radio interview was recorded just eight days after his release from prison. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio. Subscribe to the podcast.

Dan Baumann and Pastor Andrew Brunson were arrested in Muslim nations because of their Christian faith. They both experienced depression and even thoughts of suicide in prison, yet testify that God was faithful even in those desperate moments. Listen as they share the challenges of prison and their thoughts on loving our enemies and how much they don't miss being in prison. One of the things that helped Brunson during his time in prison was something Baumann had written in one of his books. He'll share that story—and then hear how Dan responds to the idea that God used something he'd written to sustain and bless a fellow Christian during a season of suffering. This conversation happened as a part of the Imprisoned For Christ Virtual Event, already viewed by more than 150,000 Christians in 50+ countries. The event is still available for you and your church. Register here. Both Dan and Andrew have previously been guests on VOM Radio (as well as Andrew's wife, Norine). Listen to the full VOM Radio interviews with Dan Baumann and Pastor Andrew Brunson.

As a teenager in Cuba, "Maria" encountered the book Tortured For Christ, written by VOM's founder, Pastor Richard Wurmbrand—when she was told to burn the books before Cuban authorities could find them and arrest her father! Today, Maria and her husband, "Pedro," help VOM serve persecuted Christians in Cuba and other Latin American nations. Listen as they share a recent experience when Cuban authorities issued an arrest warrant for Pedro, and how Pedro and Maria experienced the prayers of Christians around the world in that time of pressure and trial. Listen also to learn how Cuban pastors are pressured by communist authorities, and whether or not anything changed for Cuban Christians after the death of Fidel Castro. Bonus content: This is release week for the new book, When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines With Persecuted Christians, written by VOM Radio host, Todd Nettleton. We've posted the first two chapters of the audiobook version into the podcast stream. Listen to: Departure Day: Preflight Checklist and Day 1: Beyond Our Control. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

This is release week for VOM Radio host Todd Nettleton's new book: When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians, published by Moody Publishers. In this special bonus episode, VOM Radio listeners can hear a preview of the audiobook version, which will be available soon wherever audiobooks are distributed. Today's chapter is Day 1: Beyond Our Control. You can learn more about the book, and order your copy, at www.WhenFaithIsForbidden.com. Also, be sure to register to be a part of this weekend's Imprisoned For Christ Virtual Event and watch as Todd interviews former prisoners for Christ (and former VOM Radio guests), Dan Baumann and Pastor Andrew Brunson.

Today is release day for VOM Radio host Todd Nettleton's new book: When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians, published by Moody Publishers. In this special bonus episode, VOM Radio listeners can hear a preview of the book: the first chapter of the audio book, available soon wherever audiobooks are distributed. You can learn more about the book, and order your copy, at www.WhenFaithIsForbidden.com.

We're trading chairs this week on VOM Radio! Todd Nettleton has a new book releasing March 2 from Moody Publishers: When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines With Persecuted Christians. So he's in the guest chair this week, and Janet Parshall—nationally syndicated host of In The Market With Janet Parshall—has graciously agreed to fill in as our VOM Radio host for the week. Todd's new book contains 40 of the most powerful and inspiring stories he's heard in interviews with persecuted Christians over the past 20+ years. He'll also share a little of how God brought him to work at VOM, including time as a missionary kid in Papua New Guinea. You can learn more about When Faith is Forbidden, including links to order your copy, at www.WhenFaithIsForbidden.com. In celebration of the book's launch, we'll offer the first two readings from the audio book version in the podcast stream next week. So be sure to subscribe to the VOM Radio podcast! Don't forget to register for the Imprisoned For Christ Virtual Event, coming up on March 5.

"Joe" was in prison in the United States—justly, he says. As a young man his life was filled with drugs and crime. A fellow prisoner gave Joe a Bible, and Joe's life was transformed as he found forgiveness and surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. Having seen the power of God's Word first-hand, Joe committed his life to getting Bibles to as many people as possible. He and his wife, "Dawn," are now part of a team delivering Bibles into the Islamic Republic of Iran. It's dangerous work, but Joe and Dawn have counted the cost and answered God's call. Joe will tell his story of salvation, and share about the work he's doing today—including how God allowed Bibles to be delivered throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Dawn will explain how she thinks about the danger her family is in—including making peace with the fact that her children are at risk. They'll also help equip listeners to pray for Bible delivery work into Iran and also around the world. Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the podcast.

Cheng Jie, whose English name is "Esther," was the wife of a pastor in China. She and her husband had discussed the idea that he could be arrested and go to prison for his Christian work. They hadn't believed that she would be targeted by the communist government. But in 2014 she was called to the police station for a "meeting" about the school Esther was running. The meeting with police turned into Esther's arrest and two years in a Chinese prison. At the time of her arrest, Esther's sons were aged 3 and 1. Listen to her share how they were affected by her arrest and imprisonment—and even the challenges after she was released and returned home. She'll also talk about how God enabled her to have a ministry in the prison—and even the prison guards saw the difference her ministry made. While she was in prison, Cheng Jie was among the prisoners featured on VOM's web site that enables Christians to write letters to prisoners. Listen to hear her speak directly to those that prayed for her and wrote letters to her while she was in prison, and advise how we can pray for Christians in prison today. Never miss and episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

As a college student in San Francisco, Brother Kevin explored many avenues of spirituality, including pursuing Zen Buddhism and Transcendental Meditation. But an experience of darkness caused him to call out for Jesus, and Christ revealed himself to Kevin as both real and powerful. Since that day, Kevin has wanted to tell people about Jesus, including Muslims, Hindus and people of other faiths. Today he helps lead YWAM Frontier Missions, sending workers to share the gospel in places where Jesus' name is completely unknown. It's not an easy work. Kevin will share stories of gospel workers he's sent out who have been arrested, beaten, kidnapped and even killed. Kevin says he's seen blessing come out of even very difficult circumstances—and he's thankful for the unique role that VOM plays in helping Christians enduring persecution. He will also share how he prays on certain days each week for Muslims and Hindus to come to Christ. If you'd like guides to help you pray with Kevin visit www.pray30days.org (Muslims) and www.pray15days.org (Hindus and Buddhists).

"Brother Joshua" is a church leader in Cuba. He says for Christians on the island, persecution is expected. Police regularly call Joshua in for interrogation, and he says every time they call he feels intimidation and fear about what might happen. But he says as the questioning begins he can feel God's presence and God's provision of an answer for each question. And as he senses God's power taking over, he says his fear shrinks and disappears. Joshua will give an update on the persecution of the church in Cuba, including one church which recently had its building demolished by the government. Have things changed for the church since the death of Fidel Castro? How difficult is it for Christians to get Bibles? How do pastors deal with the knowledge that every time they preach, government spies are present to watch, listen and cause problems? You'll also hear about an opportunity to spend an evening hearing from three former prisoners for Christ: the Imprisoned For Christ Virtual Event, coming up March 5. Get more information and register—it's free—here. You can also sign your church up as a host site for this virtual event. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

Reed Olson helps VOM to get Bibles and other Christian materials into hostile and restricted nations around the world. Listen to Reed share about God's call on his life, and his excitement to use every hour, every tool and every possible channel to deliver to every person God's life-changing Word. He'll also share how VOM resources are being translated and delivered freely into hostile and restricted nations around the world—in some cases connecting Christians facing persecution in different countries who pray for and inspire each other. Finally, he'll update how the church in Latin America is growing and becoming a great missionary-sending church. VOM Radio listeners can access many of these free resources at www.VM1.global. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

Martin and Gracia Burnham were serving as missionaries in the Philippines, where Martin was a pilot with New Tribes Mission (now called Ethnos 360). The Burnhams went away for a few days to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Those few days turned into more than a year in the jungle when they were kidnapped and held hostage by radical Muslim terrorists. Listen this week as Gracia tells how she wrestled with God and even with her own faith during those dark days of captivity. She'll also share how she experienced the prayers of God's people, even as Martin was killed during a rescue attempt. Gracia says at times in the jungle she couldn't allow herself to even think about her three children because it was just to difficult. Yet now she knows the full story of God's faithfulness to them. She will also give an update on how God continues to work in the hearts of the terrorists that held them hostage. Gracia's story will inspire you to find ways to glorify God, regardless of what challenges you may be facing. You can read the whole story in her book, In the Presence of My Enemies (affiliate link). Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

C. Anderson is a leader in Frontier Missions for YWAM – Youth With a Mission. She's developed a course based on the principles of II Timothy 2:2 with the aim of developing DMM—Disciple Making Movements. Anderson was born an MK in Africa, but after traumatic experiences in her youth she decided she would never live anywhere she felt unsafe. Yet God called her to lay down that need for safety to answer His call to missions, and gave her the grace to answer His call. Listen to learn how DMMs are developing and growing, and how the Biblical principles cross national and ethnic boundaries to grow and build the church in many nations, including India, Iraq, Afghanistan and southeast Asia. The course Anderson developed, "Getting Started in Disciple Making Movements," is available online. Anderson will tell us how she felt God leading her to develop the course for use online before the coronavirus pandemic hit—and has seen the fruit of the course explode during the past 12 months. She'll also speak specifically about next steps for those feeling called to missions, and equip us to pray for church leaders and church planters all over the world.

This week we look ahead to VOM's work serving persecuted Christians in 2021 with VOM's President, Cole Richards, and Vice President for International Ministry, Jonathan Ekman. Jonathan will give an update on the two countries added to VOM's 2021 Global Prayer Map—Burkina Faso and Cameroon—and how persecution of Christians in those nations is increasing, and how VOM is responding to help the church. He'll also talk about what those changes mean for VOM's work and workers, and how efforts are already underway to effectively serve Christians in those nations. You'll be inspired by the story of an African pastor who chooses to stay and serve in a place where he knows his life is at risk, and the reason he stays. Cole and Jonathan will help listeners understand the rise of radical Islam in Africa, and how the growth of such ideology affects our Christian brothers and sisters. Jonathan will also explain the growing need for help in the Central African Republic and in Ethiopia, two countries where persecution is growing and the needs of persecuted Christians are, at times, overwhelming. Cole will discuss how VOM helps listeners and magazine readers understand the upheaval around the world and how the Body of Christ is affected by each situation. He will also talk about how American Christians are inspired to learn what Biblical discipleship looks like—and are growing to understand that even in the United States Christians may be called on to pay a price for their faith. Cole will preview some of the ways VOM will continue to tell the stories of persecuted Christians in 2021, including a coming feature film focusing especially on the life and faith of Sabina Wurmbrand and a new book written by VOM Radio host, Todd Nettleton. How do we allow these stories to inspire us—and inspire our children and grandchildren—that boldly following Christ, and being willing to sacrifice for following Him, is what normal Christianity looks like? Begin 2021 with an in-depth discussion of what it means to follow Christ and truly live for Him. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast. Please also share VOM Radio with a Christian friend. Cole Richards is the President of The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM). In addition to leading VOM's service to persecuted Christians abroad, Cole serves as Publisher and Executive Producer of VOM's publishing and media initiatives. Cole joined VOM in 2006 after living and ministering in a restricted nation, one of the least-reached in the Middle East, where he, his wife and their children reached out to Muslims and supported persecuted Christians. Cole holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering as well as two master's degrees: one in missiology, with a focus on evangelism in the Muslim world, and one in business administration (MBA) in the context of organizational leadership. Before entering full-time ministry, Cole served as a USAF officer, focusing on the rise of Islamic terrorist groups in the Middle East.

Join this week as we continue our look back on some of the amazing testimonies God allowed VOM Radio to share this year: Pam tells us about Muslim women coming to faith in Christ, including one who saw that her Christian friends were different, and wondered why. Amin tells how he began reading the Bible as a committed Muslim teenager, studying the book to try to prove why the Bible was wrong. But in the end, reading God's Word led him to Jesus Christ. Brother Bayram came to faith after someone gave him a New Testament. When he told his family in Turkey of his new faith, persecution began immediately. Living in Iran, Omid had a dream in which he saw a man in white give him a wrapped gift. The next day, his taxi driver gave him a gift that looked very much like the gift he'd been given in his dream. Inside was a Bible, a book that would change Omid's life. Brother John tells about a young family in Syria finding Christ in the midst of their child's medical crisis, and how Jesus gave them hope and joy. Ali tells us how God healed two Christians in Iran from COVID-19. They were in separate hospitals, but each had the same dream on the same night, and walked out of the hospital completely healed! Brother Jeremy recalls meeting the family of Pastor Jean Paul Sankagui, who had been martyred just days earlier in The Central African Republic. After hearing these brief excerpts, you'll want to go back and listen to the entire conversations. You can search for VOM Radio on your favorite podcast app, or listen online at the links below. Pam, along with her husband Dave (Part 1 and Part 2) Amin from Algeria Brother Bayram from Turkey (Part 1 and Part 2) Omid from Iran (Part 1 and Part 2) Brother John, working in Syria "Ali" on God's work inside Iran Brother Jeremy on meeting a martyr's widow in the CAR You'll also want to listen to the first part of our look back on 2020 in last week's episode. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Also: share a link to VOM Radio with a Christian friend who will also be blessed by these testimonies.

Join in as we begin a look back on some of the amazing testimonies God allowed VOM Radio to share this year: Brother Paul from Nigeria tells how he heard the Lord's voice telling him to get off the bus he was on. Moments after he obeyed, that bus was attacked by terrorists and he realized God had spared his life. Aaron Miller explains why some Christian leaders in Colombia would rather not be called pastor, and how church leaders in India are preparing for the increased persecution they're sure is coming. Ebrahim Firouzi shared from inside Iran, where he's still being held in internal exile. He told how prosecutors encouraged him to renounce his faith in Christ and go free—an offer Ebrahim refused. Joy Subasiguller shared about choosing to be grateful to God, even as she faced expulsion from Turkey, the nation where she'd lived for 10 years and where her children were born. VOM Radio host, Todd Nettleton, will also give an update on what has happened with Joy's case since our original broadcast. Finally, Will Hart, CEO of Iris Global, will share about learning to lay down his life—and even his wife's safety—in answer to God's call. After hearing these brief excerpts, you'll want to go back and listen to the entire conversations. You can search for VOM Radio on your favorite podcast app, or listen online at the links below. Paul from Nigeria Brother Aaron on Colombia, and on new martyrs this year and on meeting with church leaders in India Ebrahim Firouzi Joy Subasiguller Will Hart Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Also: share a link to VOM Radio with a Christian friend who will also be blessed by these testimonies.

Sitting in a solitary confinement cell in Iran, Robert Aserian felt God comforting him with these words: "If you are here, it is My plan." God had prepared him for prison in a unique way: as a pastor he'd counseled many Iranian Christians after they'd suffered imprisonment, so he knew some of the challenge he would face. Listen as Robert shares the challenges of interrogation, prison and solitary confinement. One way Robert passed the time in solitary confinement was composing and preaching sermons—even though his congregation wasn't there to hear them. He also tells how every prisoner goes through difficult times in prison, and how he responded during those difficult days. Robert will also discusses how former prisoners face intense pressure and isolation after they're released, and tell us that praying for prisoners after their release may be more important even than during their time in prison. Finally he'll equip us to pray for the nation of Iran and for the church there. Rev. Robert Aserian serves today as Director for Training at Pars Theological Centre, training and equipping leaders for the Iranian Church. You can hear conversations with other leaders of Pars here and here. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio. Subscribe to the podcast!

When Robert Aserian first prayed to Jesus, it was an atheist's prayer: I don't know if you are real, Jesus, but if You are please show Yourself to me. Jesus answered that prayer, and Robert has been following Him passionately—and encouraging others, including Iranian Muslims, also to follow—ever since. He even taught a class on Christian theology to Islamic clergy members. Listen to Robert's story of coming to faith, then experiencing God's call to ministry. Robert will share about different martyrs of the church in Iran he knew and learned from, and describe how their legacy emboldened him to serve Christ inside the Islamic Republic, no matter what persecution he might face—including the day authorities came to his house early in the morning to take him to prison. Today, Rev. Robert Aserian is the Director for Training at Pars Theological Centre, training and equipping leaders for the Iranian Church. You can hear conversations with other leaders of Pars here and here. You can also hear directly from children of some of the martyrs Rev. Aserian was inspired by, including the son of Pastor Haik Hovsepian and the daughter of Pastor Hossein Soodmand. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio. Subscribe to the podcast!

In the midst of his persecution, Pastor Dmitry "David" Shestakov remembered Christ on the cross, and determined in his heart that if Christ suffered willingly, David also would persevere through his time of suffering. As a young man, David was a criminal and a drug user. His mother's desperate prayer to God—even though she was an atheist—led to Shestakov surrendering his life to Christ. Once surrendered, he immediately began to tell others about Jesus. He knew, early on, that such witness would be costly. Listen to how God used letters written by VOM readers via www.PrisonerAlert.com to bless and protect David while he was in prison in Uzbekistan—even saving him from being beaten by guards. You'll also hear how the Uzbek government tried to add years to his sentence, but God miraculously moved and David was released, as he says, "like a Scripture came to life." David will also help us know how to pray for Christians currently in prison, and for their family members. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

2020 has been eventful everywhere! But it has been especially eventful for the people of The Islamic Republic of Iran. But in the midst of great challenges—health, economic, political—God is moving! "Ali" is sharing the gospel inside Iran. Listen as he shares how God is even using the COVID-19 pandemic as a catalyst to spread the gospel and grow the church. Ali will share how God answered prayers for new strategies for gospel workers to use in the midst of the pandemic and national lockdowns. He'll also share how Jesus miraculously healed two church leaders hospitalized with COVID-19. Ali will tell more stories of God's power at work in Iran. Listen for the story of one man's dramatic encounter with Christ that opened the way for 250 people to commit their lives to Jesus. This spiritual revival isn't coming without a price; persecution is very real. Ali and his church leaders understand that "suffering is not a bad thing" when it is God's plan. "We have to learn," he says, "to suffer well." Ali will equip us to pray for Iran in the midst of current challenges, and talk about how the move of God in Iran is crossing international borders to reach surrounding nations. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

The phone message was clear: "We know you are there! And we're going to kill you!" Todd Lafferty received that phone message as he was preparing to host a meeting of Christian leaders in his home. He had to decide how much risk he was willing to take to continue spreading the gospel. This week we continue our conversation with Todd about his experience as a missionary in Southeast Asia and his work now helping lead the International Mission Board. He'll share a story of God's work among an unreached people group in Southeast Asia, and how not even persecution could stop the spread of the gospel. What powered that work? Todd will share about a women's prayer group that agreed to pray specifically every day—and how God answered their prayers. Listen to Todd share how every listener can reach out to Muslims—and gives advice about how to prepare for those conversations. He'll also talk about the first steps for people sensing God's call to missions, and equip us to pray for gospel work around the world. If you missed it, listen to the first part of our conversation with Todd. Please share this episode with your Christian friends; especially those considering a call to missions or Christian service. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

Todd Lafferty came to Christ as a college football player. It wasn't long after coming to faith that he sensed God's call to go and tell others—even others living outside the United States. He and his wife answered that call, serving in the United Kingdom and eventually in Pakistan. Today Todd helps lead the International Mission Board, equipping and sending missionaries to tell the story of Jesus' love all over the world, including places where Christians face persecution. Listen to hear Todd tell about arriving in Pakistan, fighting through the culture shock and temptation to pack up and return to familiar surroundings. He will also equip you to pray, especially for newer missionaries going through some of those same challenges today. Finally, Todd will share the story of an Islamist Pakistani assassin who became a believer in Christ and then a bold evangelist, in spite of threats and danger. Please share this episode with your Christian friends; especially those considering a call to missions or Christian service. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

God is at work in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh! Even amidst the Covid pandemic, the gospel message is advancing among Rohingya people. But it's not without cost; Rohingya Christians risk intense persecution. Dave and Pam lead Operation Mobilization's work in western and central Asia, overseeing gospel workers reaching Muslims in multiple countries. They will share first-hand accounts of the gospel's advance and the persecution Christ followers endure in their region of the world. They will also offer advice to Western Christians who want to build a bridge to Muslims living in their countries. It starts, they say, with simple things like hospitality and friendship. Dave and Pam also give listeners encouragement for seasons of struggle and discouragement. Finally, they will equip us to pray for God's work in Muslim nations—including praying for our Christian brothers and sisters and praying for government leaders in those nations. November is a strategic time to pray for persecuted Christians as churches around the world commemorate the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians. Download resources to help you and your church pray. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

Dave and Pam lead Operation Mobilization's work in western and central Asia, overseeing gospel workers reaching Muslims in multiple countries. Listen as they discuss their call to missions and how God led them to work among Muslims. They will also share how finishing the task of reaching the Muslim world for Christ will require a better understanding of risk—a theology of suffering that allows Christians to victoriously endure persecution. Dave will challenge us to think Biblically about reaching Muslims, to intentionally see them as people God loves and that Jesus died for, rather than allowing our vision to be influenced by media portrayals or geopolitical animosities. Fear is real, and Dave and Pam will talk about how it affects them, and practical ways to fight through fear and reach those around us for Christ. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

What does your church do to help new believers grow in their faith? Imagine how much more difficult it would be to disciple new Christians if you couldn't meet together in person, or if they couldn't admit openly that they were now following Christ for fear of persecution? "Brother Mark" works with Christians in 22 countries in North Africa and the Middle East, and he will tell us about the persecution faced by Christians in Muslim nations of that region. We'll talk about the new reality in Sudan after the overthrow of Omar al Bashir and his Islamist regime. There is more freedom for Christians—but still threats against the church. What is the journey new Christians must make in order to be ready to face persecution and respond with forgiveness, love and hope? How is their identity, and their place in the culture, affected by their decision to follow Christ? Brother Mark has been with us before on VOM Radio; you can listen that episode here. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

Al Shabaab is advancing in Northern Mozambique, attacking and killing Christians and others. Will Hart leads Iris Global, which works to share the gospel in 34 nations around the world. We'll focus this week on Africa, and especially Mozambique, where radical Islamist terrorists are taking territory and targeting churches and Christians. Will also shares how God radically saved him and sent him to the nations. He'll talk about overcoming fear as he and his wife went to minister in the Congo—at the time one of the most dangerous countries in the world. Listen to how God protected them, even providing elite military guards to watch over them in the country. He'll also advise those sensing a call to missions and equip us to pray for the nation of Mozambique. Connect with Will and Iris Global through their web page, YouTube channel and Instagram. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

Dr. Hormoz Shariat, the founder and president of Iran Alive Ministries, and his wife Donnell are back with us this week to finish our conversation about how God called them to share the gospel with 1,000,000 Iranians—a calling that grew out of a family tragedy and great loss. Hormoz will tell us he's not a "natural" evangelist—he calls himself a shy nerd—but says God has given him strength and boldness to share the gospel. Listen as he describes getting laid off from his job and voted out by his church as blessings that unlocked the doorway to greater seasons of ministry. Hormoz will also share current needs of the church in Iran, equipping listeners to pray specifically for that country and for our brothers and sisters there. Hormoz's new book, Iran's Great Awakening: How God is Using a Muslim Convert to Spark Revival, released last week. As a VOM Radio listener, you can receive a complimentary copy when you make a donation of any size to Iran Alive Ministries. You can donate online, or donate on your smart phone by texting the word IGABook to 74784. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Dr. Hormoz Shariat was among thousands of Iranian Muslims marching in the streets of Tehran during the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Today, he's "The Billy Graham of Iran" with a vision to reach one million Iranians for Jesus Christ. He tried Islam, but says it didn't work to meet the needs of his heart and life. Hormoz's wife, Donnell, was born in America, yet she too was marching in those streets after moving to Iran—and converting to Islam—to marry Hormoz. Today Hormoz leads Iran Alive Ministries, one of VOM's partners in spreading the gospel to the people of Iran. Listen as Hormoz and Donnell tell the story of how God changed their hearts—and saved their marriage—through the love of Jesus and the faithful witness of His followers. Hormoz's new book, Iran's Great Awakening: How God is Using a Muslim Convert to Spark Revival, releases this week. As a VOM Radio listener, you can receive a complimentary copy when you make a donation of any size to Iran Alive Ministries. Donate online and request your copy here. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Joy Subasiguller has lived in Turkey for 10 years. She's a pastor's wife and the mother of three small children. In the eyes of Turkey's government, she's also a threat to national security! Her application for continued residency in Turkey has been denied, and Joy faces expulsion from the country. Joy's husband, today the pastor of a Turkish church, was born into a Muslim family. Joy will share how he decided to leave Islam and follow Jesus Christ—and the persecution he endured for that decision. Listen to hear how God called Joy to missions, and to Turkey, and how He's given her and her husband complete peace, even as they face complete upheaval in their life and ministry. Joy will update listeners on her court case as she seeks the overturn of the expulsion order and that she be allowed to remain in Turkey. She'll suggest specific ways to pray for her and her family, and for the broader church in Turkey. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio. Subscribe via your favorite podcast service.

Omid Sabouki serves as the President and CEO of Jubal Band Ministries, helping reach Iranian Muslims with the message that Jesus is the Son of God, and that He loves us. Omid will tell us this week about the persecution of Christians by Iran's government, including arrest, imprisonment and even assault at the hands of interrogators. He'll talk about the importance of getting more Bibles to the church in Iran—a challenge VOM is helping to meet through various Bible delivery methods. He'll explain how he and other Christian leaders are training church leaders—both inside and outside Iran—to serve the rapidly-growing number of Iranian Christians. Omid will share the pain he feels when one of his workers inside Iran is arrested, and how he prepares workers to face persecution without losing their zeal for Christ—including sharing stories from VOM about persecuted Christians in other nations, like North Korea. Finally, Brother Omid will equip listeners to pray for Iran and the ongoing gospel work inside the Islamic Republic. Brother Omid shared his testimony of coming to Christ, including a dream, a taxi driver and a Bible, in the first part of our conversation. Never miss and episode of VOM Radio. Subscribe on your favorite podcast service.

Omid Sabouki grew up in a Muslim household in Iran. Today he is a follower of Christ, and helping reach more Iranian Muslims with the message that Jesus is the Son of God and that He loves us. Listen to Omid's story of finding Jesus, including a dream during which a man in white told Omid, "stay on my way." The next morning, the driver of his taxi gave Omid a package. Inside the package was a complete Bible. That Bible led Omid and his wife to faith in Christ—a decision that would cost him his relationship with his family. Listen to Omid's story of finding Christ, then finding a spiritual family through a home church. Soon after, persecution forced Omid to leave Iran after the government closed his business and froze his bank accounts. But Omid says, "God had a plan for me." Listen to Omid's story of coming to faith and how God sustained him through persecution and trials. And hear how his ministry into Iran continues to lead others to Christ—including placing Bibles into mailboxes all across Iran. Omid serves as the President and CEO of Jubal Band Ministries. Never miss and episode of VOM Radio. Subscribe on your favorite podcast service.

Andrew Scott is back to talk about missions right now—including the effects of coronavirus on international gospel workers. He says every follower of Christ is called to be part of spreading Jesus' glory around the world. Andrew is the President and CEO of Operation Mobilization – USA, and the author of a book, SCATTER: Go Therefore and Take Your Job With You (affiliate link). Andrew will talk about how world missions is changing—including more missionaries raised up and sent out from developing world nations. He'll also share how OM is collaborating with other mission orgs—including The Voice of the Martyrs—to complete the task of preaching Christ to every tribe, tongue and nation. Finally, he'll share thoughts for those thinking about what role they might play in overseas gospel work, and coach every listener in how to pray for mission workers and the advance of Christ's Kingdom around the world. OM's founders, George Verwer (interview) and Dale Rhoton (Part 1 and Part 2), have also been guests on VOM Radio. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

Aaron Miller leads VOM's work in South and Central Asia, including India, where five Christians have been killed in the past two months. Listen as he shares how coronavirus is affecting VOM's work, including stories of blessings that have grown out of the COVID-19 pandemic. One pastor said his interrogation was postponed because authorities in his area are focused on the virus, not on the church. Aaron brings unique expertise on persecution in India. Listen to the stories of some of the recent martyrs, including a teenager who stepped up when his pastor could no longer shepherd the flock in his village—and paid with his life. You'll also hear how a husband, knowing persecution was coming, prepared his wife to stand strong in her faith even if she became a widow. How does VOM respond when a Christian is killed in India or other nations? How are help and encouragement delivered to family members left behind? How can we pray for Christians in South and Central Asia? Never miss an episode of VOM Radio. Subscribe on your favorite podcast service.

"Brother Joel" continues the conversation we left off last week about God's work in China, work which continues in spite of an ongoing wave of Christian persecution and the coronavirus pandemic. Brother Joel helps VOM distribute Bibles in every part of China. He'll give us an update on current challenges for Bible efforts in China—including Chinese Christians currently in prison simply for providing people—including children—access to God's Word. Joel will tell us how new laws in China affected foreign Christian workers, including thousands who found their visas cancelled and were forced to leave China, sometimes almost immediately. He'll also talk about a current project to complete a new translation of the Bible into Chinese—a translation more favorable to Communist Party and socialist principles. Yet in spite of persecution, the virus and the other challenges facing China's church, Joel says Chinese Christians are encouraged and excited about what God is doing in their nation. He'll equip listeners to pray with current, specific needs of the church in China. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe on your favorite podcast service.

In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic in China, the government's focus on persecuting Christians and closing churches hasn't faded. In fact, there's been an increase in persecution in recent months as Chinese Communist Party leaders continue their efforts to control the hearts and minds of the people. Churches have been closed. Pastors have been arrested. But Chinese Christians are responding with boldness, finding new ways to spread the gospel even amidst pandemic and persecution. "Brother Joel" helps VOM distribute Bibles in every part of China, and this week he'll share what's happening with the church in China. How is coronavirus affecting the church? Why does the Communist Party fear Christians so much? What does persecution in China look like right now? Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe on your favorite podcast service.

Americans will celebrate Independence Day on July 4th. And while Americans celebrate freedom and liberty, 600 persecuted Christians in the African nation of Eritrea will spend another weekend in prison—some of them have been in prison more than 15 years! Dr. Berhane knows what it's like inside Eritrean prisons. He spent 11 months in prison for his faith in Christ. But, even in prison, he saw God's hand at work and found opportunities to witness to others—including prisoners about to be executed. Imagine the feeling as prison guards would read the names of prisoners scheduled for execution that day, each prisoner wondering if this was the day their name would be on that terrible list. Yet in the midst of suffering and executions, Dr. Berhane says he experienced an inner peace through the presence of Jesus Christ. "Whenever I read the Scripture," he says, "it's full of persecution." Listen as he explains how there is more freedom for Christians to worship inside Eritrean prisons than for Christians outside of prison. Today, Dr. Berhane is a voice for persecuted Christians in Eritrea through Release Eritrea, a UK-based charity. Be inspired as he shares his own story, and equips every listener to pray for Christians in Eritrea, including those 600 currently in prison. You can write letters on behalf Christians in prison in Eritrea through PrisonerAlert.com. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe on your favorite podcast service.

Ed Cannon is the President and CEO of FEBC. For 75 years, FEBC has been using radio to communicate the gospel to the least-reached people on earth. Their radio signals—and internet connections, smartphone apps and social media feeds—reach people speaking 129 languages in 50 countries. Included in those countries are hostile and restricted nations where Christians are persecuted for their faith in Christ. Ed has travelled the world to meet and support the broadcasters—including a 10-hour stay in jail when police discovered him carrying Christian materials for distribution in a hostile nation. Listen as Ed talks about the workers who lead FEBC's in-country work, and how their commitment to Christ and to sharing the gospel inspires Ed's own walk with Christ. Listen as Ed shares how FEBC signals and content are reaching minority language groups, including a Khmu language broadcast sponsored in part by VOM. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe on your favorite podcast service.