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What questions would you expect from a Christian suffering in prison for their faith? When Dr. Hormoz Shariat from Iran Alive Ministries received a call from an imprisoned church leader in Iran, he expected hard questions about suffering and why God would allow it. Instead, the Iranian man simply encouraged Hormoz. Imprisonment, and even torture, were an honor, this brother said, because he was suffering for Christ. Persecution of Christians in Iran—especially converts from Islam—is different from other places. In most Islamic nations, persecution starts with the convert's own family. But in Iran, Pastor Hormoz says, most people—including Muslims—have a favorable view of Christianity, and don't take offense at family members following Christ. Persecution in Iran is real, though, coming from the Islamic government that knows it has lost the hearts of the people—and is turning to violence to maintain power and control. Listen and be encouraged by how the church in Iran is growing, with specific stories of Iranians who have left Islam behind to follow Jesus Christ. The challenge now, Hormoz tells us, is not evangelism. The challenge is to disciple the many new Christians in Iran and help them mature in their faith. He will share how Iran Alive is creating resources specifically for the Persian church. Finally, Hormoz will help us pray specifically for Christians inside Iran—and for government leaders as well. You can connect directly with Iran Alive ministries by texting "Iran" to 74784.

In the second half of this conversation, Hannelie Groenewald recalls the day her husband and two teen-aged children were killed by the Taliban in Afghanistan. The names of Werner, Rodé and Jean-Pierre Groenewald will be unveiled on the Martyrs Memorial in Bartlesville, Oklahoma on Saturday, June 29 as a part of the commemoration of Day of the Christian Martyr, 2019. In this interview, recorded in 2016, Hannelie recalls the Psalm she read over and over again as she waited to hear whether her family members were alive or dead, and the amazement of Afghans at her ability to forgive the Taliban which had murdered her entire family. She'll also describe the blessing of knowing that Christians around the world were praying for her as she grieved—and the hope she has because of God's promise of eternity in heaven. Hannelie shares hard-earned truth with listeners who may be struggling to forgive someone who has wronged them, and her thoughts on working through fear with God's help. She'll also equip us to pray more effectively for the nation of Afghanistan and for our Christian brothers and sisters there. You can watch the induction ceremony for Werner, Jean-Pierre and Rodé Groenewald onto the Martyrs Memorial by going to www.Persecution.com/martyr. The event will also be available through Facebook Live on the VOM Facebook page. Listen to Part 1 of the conversation here.

After the attacks of 9/11, God called Werner and Hannelie Groenewald to go and share Jesus' love in Afghanistan. Even some of their own family members said, 'NO! God would never call you to take your children to Afghanistan!' Inside the country, they served and loved the Afghan people in the name of Jesus. Hannelie, as a doctor, provided medical care. Werner worked in leadership development and humanitarian aid. Their work, and the fact that they served in the name of Jesus, did not go unnoticed by radical Muslims in Afghanistan. In 2014, a Taliban attack on their home took the lives of Werner and the Groenewalds' son and daughter, Jean-Pierre and Rodé. Hannelie was not home at the time of the attack, and her life was spared. Listen as she tells the story of God's call to Afghanistan, and how God increased her faith even in the days and weeks before the attack, preparing her to endure faithfully a terrible loss. You can watch online as the names of Hannelie's family, Werner, Jean-Pierre and Rodé are added to The Martyrs Memorial on Day of the Christian Martyr, June 29th. You can find more information, and register to access the video of the ceremony, at www.Persecution.com/martyr.

Ali, a follower of Christ in Iran, and his family have experienced God's rescue numerous times. First, God rescued Ali's father from alcoholism. Then Jesus rescued Ali from drug addiction and hopelessness. They began to follow the God Who rescued them. But following Jesus in Iran is costly: persecution came quickly as Ali's grandfather gave him one week to denounce Christ and return to Islam, or else. Ali and his parents could never denounce the God Who'd rescued them, though, and they lost their home, their money and their support system. God miraculously provided for their needs—including a rice bowl that never emptied. Ali and his family couldn't help but tell everyone around them about the God who rescued people and answered prayer, and soon they'd helped 60 people meet Jesus. Their ministry was noticed, and Ali's father and brother were arrested; Ali had to move to a different city to avoid arrest himself. In spite of the risks, he continues to share the gospel stories of Christ, and to see Iranian hearts, sick and tired of religious duty and oppressive leaders, warmed by Jesus' love. The biggest love, he says, is when you lay down your life for others. Listen to Ali's story, including how he and his wife prepare for the possibility of more persecution and specific ways you can pray for the church in Iran, this week on VOM Radio.

God called Ruth to serve Him in missions in a nation in South Asia. She answered His call, but the government of that country told her she had to leave—and never come back! Listen to how she responded to this persecution, and how God worked to return her to Christian ministry in that country within 30 days! "Peter" and "Ruth" are spreading the gospel through training people to memorize and share the Scriptures. The process enables new believers to quickly drive deep roots into the Bible and compels them to share gospel stories with those around them. The process also quickly crosses language barriers because it works even in languages where the Bible is still being translated. And it works for believers of all ages. Hear an example of a Word by Heart, and see how even a one-minute story can drive discussion and lead people to spiritual truth.

"Only Christianity can cut the root of our communism." —Kim Il Sung, founder of North Korea Why is the government of Kim's grandson, Kim Jong Un, so threatened by the gospel of Jesus Christ? Why do Christians in North Korea face such fierce persecution? Dr. Eric Foley, co-founder and leader of VOM-Korea, answers those questions, and helps us pray for North Korea and VOM's work to get Bibles and gospel radio broadcasts to people there. Dr. Foley will talk about the difference made by President Donald Trump's meeting in Vietnam with Kim, and why the current leader of North Korea can never actually be the President there, because that title is held eternally by his grandfather. We'll discuss how the North Korean government preserved and publicized the story of a Christian martyr, Cha Deoksun. You can watch the video the regime created about her life, and death, here. Dr. Foley will also provide an update on VOM-sponsored Bible balloon launches into North Korea, which delivered 30,000 Bibles last year. Surveys show this Bible work is making a difference: today eight percent of North Koreans have actually seen a Bible—a dramatic increase from even a few years ago. To learn more about Christians in North Korea, order a copy of Dr. Foley's book, These Are The Generations (affiliate link). You can also learn about the history of the church and persecution in North Korea by reading Restricted Nations: North Korea, written by VOM Radio host, Todd Nettleton.

John Grooters spent many months deeply immersed in the story of VOM's founders, Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand. They lived exemplary Christian lives, even loving and witnessing to their torturers. Their example has deeply challenged Grooters, who directed Tortured For Christ – The Movie, as well as the video segments for the WURMBRAND small-group curriculum. Listen as Grooters shares the philosophy that drove this project, and the challenges for Christian filmmakers competing with big-budget Hollywood studios. John will share how viewers responded to the film—including a 10-year-old boy who committed his life to Christ after seeing Richard and Sabina's example of following Christ under persecution. You can receive a complimentary copy of Tortured For Christ – The Movie on DVD when you make a donation to VOM's work with persecuted Christians. You can learn more about Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand through the Wurmbrand small group study, or by reading WURMBRAND: Tortured For Christ The Complete Story.

Would you give up your job to keep following Christ? Listen this week to the story of a teacher in Laos presented with that very question, and the choice he made. The Khmu were once kings and rulers, but today they are seen as nobodies in society and looked down on by the Lao people. But God is reaching the Khmu, and many are leaving behind the worship of spirits and the fear of the witch doctors for the peace that comes through relationship with Christ. Our guest, Brother Joshua, is part of Khmu Christian Connection, helping reach Khmu people in Laos, Vietnam, China and Thailand with the gospel message and then discipling them and training leaders to share the gospel with friends and neighbors—in spite of persecution. Brother Joshua is a second-generation worker with KCC. You can hear our conversation with Josh's dad here.

"Brother Jeff," from YWAM Frontier Missions, has a reason so many Muslims around the world are coming to know Jesus: prayer. He says Christians have been much more committed in recent years to praying for Muslims to meet Jesus, and God is answering those prayers. Right now, Ramadan, is an especially strategic time for prayer, and Jeff will equip listeners to pray for Muslims seeking Christ, as well as those who've already decided to follow Him, and may be facing challenges and persecution because of their decision. Jeff will discuss how to prepare believers to face persecution, including helping develop a well-thought-out theology of risk for workers taking the gospel to hard places. He'll also advise listeners about reaching out to Muslims in western nations. You can learn more about the Muslim World Prayer Guide at www.30daysprayer.com.

Mariam was abused as a young girl. As a teen, she took 12 pills a day to treat her depression. She was an atheist, believing no god would allow her to suffer so much. The betrayal by her father and abuse by another man left Mariam hating men. Without hope, she tried suicide five times. But Jesus rescued Mariam! Listen to the amazing story of how she experienced Christ's presence in an amazing way even as she tried to end her life, and how Jesus completely transformed her. Hear also about Mariam's ministry today telling Muslims—especially women and girls—inside the Islamic Republic of Iran about the Jesus whose miracles saved and healed her. Mariam will also share specific ways to pray for the people of Iran right now.

Dick Brogden says when Muslims choose to leave Islam behind and follow Jesus Christ, often three things happen along their pathway to Christ: a love encounter, a truth encounter and a power encounter. Listen as Brogden—who's ministered to Muslims for more than 25 years—shares the story of a power encounter that prepared a couple from Yemen to hear the gospel message and commit their lives to Christ. He'll also talk about the role of the American church in standing with Christians facing persecution, and offer advice for those feeling God's call to missions—he says make disciples where you are now; don't wait until you arrive on the mission field. Finally, Dick will share about his family's burden for the nation of Saudi Arabia, and the direction that God is leading them based on that burden. You can learn more about Live Dead at their web site, and order a copy of Dick's book, Live Dead Joy, here (affiliate link).

Dick Brogden has served in the Arab World for 25 years, planting gospel seeds and leading teams to plant churches among unreached people groups. His teams have to be prepared to face opposition and persecution, but also withstand spiritual attacks on their marriages, relationships, parenting or other areas of life. Listen as Dick talks about God's missionary call to reach every tribe and tongue and nation, and how that first requires us to abide in Christ. He'll give advice on developing our spiritual muscles and challenge us to make even our time an offering to Jesus. He'll also talk about challenges that come in every effort to share God's love, and the need to not grow weary even if we have "a 90% failure rate." Finally, Dick will share stories of places he's seen God do amazing work in bringing Muslims to faith in Christ, and how upheaval in parts of the Middle East has driven many Muslims to ask questions about their faith and to explore other spiritual options. You can learn more about Live Dead at their web site, and order a copy of Dick's book, Live Dead Joy, here (affiliate link).

On February 13, 2017 Pastor Raymond Koh was abducted off the streets of Malaysia. Nearby security cameras captured the entire crime. In the two years since, Koh hasn't been seen or heard from; his car has never been found. It wasn't Raymond's first taste of persecution; he'd previously been mailed a box of bullets as a warning to stop his ministry. Our guest is Susanna Koh, Raymond's wife, who will talk about how Pastor Raymond continued to minister in spite of the threats and danger. She'll also describe a spiritual deepening she saw in her husband in the months before his abduction, and how she knows God was preparing him for the challenging time to come. Listen as Susanna shares how God has carried her and her family through the past two years, and how He's even enabled them to forgive those who took her husband away. She'll share specific scriptural promises and Christian songs that have helped her through dark hours of grief and anxiety. After you listen, sign the petition to join Christians around the world in demanding that Malaysia's government explain Pastor Raymond's disappearance. Susanna and her family have been greatly encouraged by notes, cards and letters from members of their spiritual family around the world. You can join in encouraging her by sending a card or a note of encouragement to: Susanna Koh #107 Liew Sow Yoke Lot LG109B, One Utama Shopping Center, No. 1, Lebuh Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia You can hear encouraging conversations like this one every week! Subscribe to the VOM Radio podcast.

Joel C. Rosenberg is the best-selling author of 13 novels and five nonfiction books and an expert on the politics of the Middle East. Listen as he shares how and why Middle Eastern leaders are reaching out specifically to American Evangelicals, and the opportunities that's opened for those leaders to hear Biblical truth. What are important things American Christians should understand about the Middle East, including persecution our brothers and sisters there face? Why is the gospel finding fertile soil, even in the face of radical Islamist groups? Which countries are seeing more people come to Christ…and why? And how can we pray for the nation of Israel, and for other nations in the region? Visit Joel's web site, and order his new novel, The Persian Gamble, here (affiliate link).

Dr. David Garrison is a long-time missionary who's worked with Muslims in several countries, and has become a student of God's work among Muslims around the globe. He is the author of a book about movements of Muslims coming to Christ, A Wind in the House of Islam: How God is Drawing Muslims Around the World to Faith in Jesus Christ. Listen as Garrison describes what he considers a "movement" of Muslims coming to Christ, and some of the motivations that lead followers of Muhammad to become followers of Jesus—and the pressure and persecution they face after making that decision. Today Dr. Garrison is working with Global Gates to help American Christians reach out to Muslims from around the world who currently live in the United States—and often are in regular contact with friends and family members back in their home country.

Brother Hannu leads the VOM-affiliated mission in Finland, inviting Finnish Christians into fellowship with persecuted brothers and sisters all over the world. As a young Christian he was involved in smuggling Bibles into the Soviet Union. Later he would take Bibles and Christian videos into tightly-closed Middle East nations, including Iran and Libya. Listen to stories from some of his Bible delivery adventures, and more importantly the "holy moment" when God grabbed Hannu's heart and filled it with love for the Muslim people of the Middle East. Hannu will also talk about the work of VOM's Finnish sister mission, especially his burden to reach young Christians there and invite them to fellowship with Christians willing to go to jail or even die rather than deny their faith in Christ. You can learn more about the family of ministries begun around the world by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand here.

John Grooters directed Tortured For Christ – The Movie, a feature-film telling the amazing story of VOM's founders, Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand. The story has inspired millions of Christians over the past 50 years through Pastor Wurmbrand's best-selling book, Tortured For Christ. Listen as John talks about turning this iconic book into a film, including the challenge of portraying Richard's suffering in an appropriate way. John will also share how God's hand was on the production, including snowfall and sunshine in Romania that miraculously cooperated with the filming schedule. Hear how God led John to just the right song for the close of the film—a song written by a Christian cellmate of Richard Wurmbrand in prison! You'll hear how Richard's faith impacted John as he studied the story and created the film, and how he hopes it will also impact the faith of the viewers, including ending the movie not with a scene of suffering but a scene of American Christians worshipping the Lord. US Residents: as a THANK YOU for your generous donation in the month of March to support VOM's work assisting persecuted Christians, VOM will send you a complimentary copy of Tortured For Christ - The Movie on DVD. You can give online here. VOM Radio host, Todd Nettleton, has also been a guest on John's podcast, "No Shame," which is available wherever you listen to podcasts. You can hear the interview with Todd by clicking here.

Tessie DeVore leads The Lumo Project, which has been called "The Gospels for a Visual Age." Listen to hear the story of bringing the pages of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—word-for-word, right from the text—to film in a way that brings the stories to life in a new way. She'll also share how these films can be easily translated and produced for multiple languages—including the languages of restricted and hostile nations. Tessie will describe the power of people seeing Jesus on the screen as they hear the words from the Scriptures, and the process of translating and releasing the films in multiple languages. You'll also hear a story of how the film is making an impact on one family living in a hostile nation. Learn more about Lumo Project on its web site, and see samples from the movies on the Lumo Project YouTube channel.

Are there blessings found in being in prison for Christ? Yonas Haile was a Christian worship leader and filmmaker in the African nation of Eritrea. When his gospel film was released, the Eritrean government was furious; from that day, Yonas was targeted. He says Eritrean Christians are "ready always" to face persecution. Listen as he tells of the joy that God blessed him with, even in the midst of horrible suffering and prison. Yonas also experienced God's miraculous power, including walking out of an Eritrean prison just as Peter walked out of prison in the book of Acts. He'll also share about opportunities to be a witness for Christ and offer hope through the gospel of Christ—even in prison. Finally, Yonas will update on whether changes have happened in Eritrea since the country signed a peace agreement with Ethiopia. And he'll give specific ways we can pray for that nation, and for our spiritual family members there—especially those in prison for Christ. Helen Berhane, another Eritrean worship leader, helped Yonas make his gospel film. You can hear her interview with VOM Radio here.

Is anyone outside the reach of God's grace? Listen this week to hear stories of radical militants in Nigeria meeting Jesus and committing their lives to His service—even at great cost. Paul Childers leads The University of the Nations for Youth With a Mission (YWAM). He's trained Christians all over the world to tell the gospel story of Jesus' love, and reminds us that Jesus' gospel "still works" to change peoples' hearts. YWAM workers are seeing that in Nigeria—literally seeing thousands of former militants now following Christ. Paul will also tell about finding the courage to go to hard places to share Jesus' love and encourage His followers. Listen to hear how the book of Revelation came alive in a new way as he ministered alongside persecuted Christians. He'll also offer advice to those God may be calling into missions, and give us ways to pray for the work of YWAM around the world. You can hear more about the early days of YWAM from the ministry's founder, Loren Cunningham, in this episode of VOM Radio.

Nik and Ruth Ripken are back for the second half of our conversation. How do we bear other Christians' burdens (Gal. 6:2), both those living in hostile and restricted nations, and missionaries that serve in difficult places around the world? Why is it so important, before we offer help, to offer a listening ear to hear the stories on the hearts of the people that we want to minister to? As veteran missionaries who have served for 35+ years, Nik and Ruth offer advice to American Christians on how we can minister to missionaries home from the field. How should young people feeling a call to missions respond, prepare and pray? Nik and Ruth offer advice for those sensing God's call to serve Him in far-off and even difficult places—and remind us that ALL followers of Christ are called to GO…the only question is WHERE each Christian is called to go to. How have the Ripkens kept their marriage strong and fresh through 35 years of ministry in difficult places…and how has God used their marriage as a spiritual lighthouse to reach Muslims for Christ? Why is it that Muslims often ask them about their marriage, and about how they raised their children? What are some specific, practical ways we can pray for missionaries that we support and send out? How do we pray for Christians in the midst of persecution? How can we pray for the nation of Somalia, a nation where the Ripkens served heroically in the midst of a tragic famine. This special podcast edition of this week's conversation includes bonus material not included in the broadcast version. If you missed the first half of our conversation with Nik and Ruth, you can listen to it here. Their first visit to VOM Radio, following the release of the film version of Nik's book, The Insanity of God, is here.

Nik and Ruth Ripken have served 35+ years as missionaries and conducted extensive interviews with hundreds of persecuted Christians from all parts of the world. They went not as teachers but as students, simply to sit at the feet of persecuted believers and learn from them. The bold believers they met shared amazing lessons about living out faith in Jesus in the midst of hostile enemies, literally sheep among wolves. What are the qualities that allow faith to thrive in such hard places? How are churches built in nations closed to Christian witness? Are there ways we can reach out to people from hostile nations, right here in the United States? Nik and Ruth also offer insights for American Christians on ways we can encourage and bless missionaries that our churches are sending out and supporting—both while they serve and when they come home to refresh and recharge. Nik is the author of The Insanity of God: A True Story of Faith Resurrected, which was also made into a film. You can listen to Nik and Ruth's previous conversation on VOM Radio, conducted when the film was released, here.

Fouad Masri founded Crescent Project (www.CrescentProject.org) to train American Christians to share the gospel with Muslims. In 25 years since, the group has trained more than 21,000 Christians to reach out with love to those deceived by Islam. Listen this week as Fouad helps ignite your passion for reaching out, and equips you to enter those conversations with confidence and grace. Listen as he shares how God implanted the passion in his heart—as a young man in Lebanon—to reach Muslims with the hope of Jesus. What questions are on the hearts of Muslims? How is Jesus the Answer to those questions? How can we pray for our Muslim friends and coworkers? God calls us to be light in darkness for Muslims, and Fouad and Crescent Project provide tools that equip and enable our light to shine more clearly. Other workers associated with Crescent Project have been guests on VOM Radio, including Jami Staples talking about women's ministry (Part 1, Part 2) and Ali Sassi, who while still a Muslim was challenged by a Christian friend to demonstrate how the Bible had been changed—a challenge that ultimately led him to faith in Christ. The Bridges Study app from Crescent Project, which equips Christians to reach out to Muslims, is available for iOS and Android.

Rashin Soodmand was 13 years old when her father, Pastor Hossein Soodmand, was executed in Iran for the crime of apostasy. His body was quietly buried in an unmarked grave in a part of the local cemetery reserved for "the cursed." Yet only three days later, Rashin wrote a letter to God promising to follow Christ boldly, just as her father had—even if it meant great sacrifices. Today she is living out that promise, including ministering to the church inside Iran. Her father wasn't the only martyr of the Iranian church Rashin knew well. In this second part of our conversation, Rashin shares some of the things she remembers about the other martyrs she knew personally: Haik Hovsepian, who preached at her father's funeral; Mehdi Dibaj, who encouraged her to attend Bible school; and Pastor Mohammad "Ravanbakhsh" Yusefi. This is Part 2 of our conversation with Rashin; if you missed Part 1 of her amazing testimony, listen here. To learn more about the current ministry activities of Rashin and her husband, Amir, visit the Torch Ministries web site.

Rashin Soodmand was 13 years old when her father, Pastor Hossein Soodmand, was executed by the Iranian government for the crime of apostasy—leaving Islam to follow another faith. Listen as she shares how her family's life was changed, but also how proud she is of a father who chose to lay down his life rather than deny Christ. Listen as she recalls the man her father was, loving his congregation and loving his family, and how people were drawn to his kindness and love. Rashin will tell how church leaders encouraged Pastor Hossein to take his family, leave Iran and go somewhere safer; hear his exact words as he flatly refused, saying that to do so would discourage the hearts of his congregation. She'll also describe the last time she saw her dad, and the day she heard that he'd been executed. This is Part 1 of our conversation with Rashin; click here to hear the second half of her story, including how God has used the loss of her father to equip her to minister to hurting people inside and outside of Iran to this day. To learn more about the current ministry activities of Rashin and her husband, Amir, visit the Torch Ministries web site.

Would you like to be on staff, delivering aid and encouragement to persecuted Christians in the 70+ nations where VOM works? Jonathan Eckman leads a staff of 65 people living in 24 nations who conduct VOM's international ministry, being the hands and feet on the ground among persecuted Christians all over the world. This week he shares about VOM's international work, and some of the people from among our persecuted family who have inspired his personal faith walk. Listen to understand better how VOM's international ministry happens in the 70+ nations where VOM works, the importance of partnerships, and where Jonathan sees persecution increasing as we enter a new year; and where things are getting better for Christians—or at least not getting worse. Jonathan will also share how you can pray for VOM workers as they travel in and out of restricted nations and provide help and encouragement to Christians who are persecuted for the name of Christ, as well as their families who remain at home. He'll also issue a challenge to pray for church and mission leaders conducting Great Commission work in an increasingly complex and hostile world.

This week we continue our look back on some of the amazing testimonies God has allowed VOM Radio to share in 2018. Brother Blake and Brother Joel told us about the state of the church, and the increased persecution, in China and how Chinese Christians wear out their Bibles. Manfred Mueller challenged the way his fellow Germans—and many Americans—think about refugees, urging us to see a gospel opportunity. "Sister Sahar" came to the US as a Muslim student from Saudi Arabia. Today she is a follower of Christ, and she shared ways we, as Christians, can reach out to Muslims we know today. "Brother Fahdi" told us that God is at work in Yemen, drawing Muslims to faith in Christ. Brother Aaron shared the story of how VOM's help to a Christian family in Central Asia arrived at exactly the right time. John Grooters, the director of Tortured For Christ—The Movie, shared an inspiring chapter from the life of Richard Wurmbrand, VOM's founder. George Verwer, the founder of Operation Mobilization, encouraged American Christians not to lose gospel focus, and to be intentional about sharing our faith in Christ with people around us. If you've been blessed by these snippets from conversations on VOM Radio this year, you'll want to go back and listen to the entire conversation with each of these guests: Brother Blake and Brother Joel: here and Brother Joel on Bibles in China: here. Manfred Mueller, the head of VOM's sister office in Germany: here. "Sister Sahar," from Saudi Arabia: here. "Brother Fahdi," talking about Yemen and other Middle Eastern countries: here. Aaron, on VOM's work in Central Asia: here. John Grooters, on the making of Tortured For Christ—The Movie: here, and on the making of the Wurmbrand video-based small-group curriculum: here. George Verwer, the founder of Operation Mobilization: here.

Join us as we look back on some of the amazing testimonies God has allowed VOM Radio to share this year. Helen Berhane explained the power of worshipping the Lord while locked in a shipping container in Eritrea. Gary Witherall talked about God's help to choose forgiveness, and even love, just minutes after Gary's wife, Bonnie, was martyred in Lebanon. Brad Phillips shared the story of Morris, a church leader in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan, who forgave the man who attacked his daughter—and even paid the fine to get the young man out of prison. Dan Baumann told what happened when God challenged him to love the man beating him inside a prison in Iran—and the breakthrough that happened when Dan did indeed show love. Finally we'll hear some of the ways these guests have encouraged us to pray for persecuted Christians this year. If you're blessed by these snippets from conversations on VOM Radio this year, you'll want to go back and listen to the entire conversation with each of these guests: Helen Berhane: Part 1 and Part 2 Gary Witherall: Part 1 and Part 2. You can also order a copy of Gary's book, Total Abandon (affiliate link). Brad Phillips: here. Dan Baumann: Part 1 and Part 2. You can also order a copy of Dan's book, Cell 58 (affiliate link).

If you're already in prison for your faith, and facing a possible death penalty, Petr Jasek says you can be even more bold about sharing Jesus. After all…how much worse could your situation get, from an earthly perspective? Jasek and Pastor Hassan Abduraheem Taour were cell mates in a Sudanese prison, on trial together for alleged espionage against the nation of Sudan, and this week they are together on VOM Radio in a special episode recorded at a VOM Advance Conference. Listen to how they found JOY even as they were physically suffering and were separated from families and loved ones. Listen as Petr shares how he could physically feel the prayers of people around the world while he was in prison. Both men will share how God had specifically prepared them to face persecution and imprisonment. Petr will also talk about how God brought back to his mind the words of songs he had learned as a child, and about the invisible "prayer map" on the walls of his prison cell. Both Petr and Hassan will share what it meant to them for Sudanese Christians to gather outside the courtroom and boldly sing hymns of praise to God as the men were taken to and from their court hearings. Finally, you'll be equipped to pray specifically for Christians in prison right now for their faith in Christ, as well as for their family members waiting, hoping and praying for their incarcerated loved ones. You can hear the VOM Radio interview with Petr Jasek, recorded just eight days after he was released from prison in Sudan, here: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. Our interview with Pastor Hassan is here: Part 1 and Part 2.

Today we conclude China Week on VOM Radio. All week we've looked at the increasing persecution of Christians in China in conjunction with a new VOM Special Report on China. Today: "Sister Amber" shares her story of being arrested and persecuted at the hands of Chinese officials in Tibet. It's one of the most impactful conversations we've ever shared on VOM Radio. 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; police came pounding on her door. Listen as she tells the story. You'll hear 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 was not 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 surrounded by policemen in the interrogation room. Months later, when Amber saw the picture, it matched exactly the setting of her interrogation, but also offered 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 first-hand advice on how we can pray for Christians in prison right now. If you did not yet receive a copy of VOM's Special Report on the increase of persecution in China, request your copy at www.VOMRadio.net/China.

It's Day 4 of China Week here on VOM Radio as we look at the increasing persecution of Christians in China in conjunction with a new VOM Special Report on China. Today: Brother Joel is back with us to talk specifically to the state of Bible distribution in China. Listen to hear why Chinese believers need a new copy of the Bible every 3-5 years. He'll also talk about how he and his family think about the possibility that he might face persecution. Tomorrow China Week concludes as we hear from "Sister Amber;" one of the most impactful interviews that has ever aired on VOM Radio. If you did not yet receive a copy of VOM's Special Report on the increase of persecution in China, request your copy at www.VOMRadio.net/China.

It's Day 3 of China Week here on VOM Radio as we look at the increasing persecution of Christians in China in conjunction with a new VOM Special Report on China. Today: an interview recorded inside China with one of VOM's Bible distribution partners, a man who risks three years in prison every time he leaves his home to minister for Christ. Listen as our brother shares about growing up in a family of persecuted Christians, and the story of his very first arrest, and the thoughts on his heart as he went through that testing time. Tomorrow China Week continues as we hear more from Brother Joel about the challenges of getting Bibles to our spiritual family members all across the country. If you did not yet receive a copy of VOM's Special Report on the increase of persecution in China, request your copy at www.VOMRadio.net/China.

It's Day 2 of our special China Week here on VOM Radio as we look into the increasing persecution of Christian brothers and sisters in China. New laws went into effect in February that greatly affect our Christian brothers and sisters in China and how they are able to live out their faith. Then, in March, term limits were abolished for China's President, allowing current leader Xi Jinping to lead the country for many more years. Today Brother Blake and Brother Joel will share what these changes mean for churches in China, and how Christians are responding to continue serving Christ in the face of increased communist oppression. Blake and Joel will also equip and inspire you to pray for China's Christians during these days of increasing pressure. Tomorrow China Week continues as we meet one of our Chinese brothers involved in Bible distribution there. If you did not yet receive a copy of VOM's Special Report on the increase of persecution in China, request your copy at www.VOMRadio.net/China.

In this special episode Cole Richards, VOM's President and CEO, shares about a new special report issued by The Voice of the Martyrs about the increased persecution of Christians in the nation of China. Cole will talk about what has changed in recent months in China and how Christians there are responding by continuing to serve Christ, regardless of what the communist government does or what pressure they face. We'll also discuss how this crackdown in China is affecting VOM's work in the country, and what American Christians can learn from the way our Chinese brothers and sisters are responding to the challenges of persecution they face. Finally, as we always do on VOM Radio, we'll talk about specific ways you can pray for our spiritual family in China. Note: This is the first of five special episodes this week focusing in China, released in conjunction with a VOM Special Report about the increase in persecution on Christians in China this year. If you did not already receive a copy of this special report, you can request a copy at www.VOMRadio.net/China. 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.

"Brother Fahdi" spent many years doing gospel work all over the Middle East and North Africa, equipping church planters and leaders and helping to reach Muslims with the gospel message of Christ's love. Listen as he discusses the situation for Christians in Yemen, Algeria and other nations. What happens when a Muslim in the Middle East comes to faith in Christ? Fahdi will describe the persecution they are likely to face, but says in spite of such persecution God is reaching many hearts. Fahdi will explain how Muslims think about Shariah Law, the lies they've been told about Christianity's teachings, and how Christians—in the Middle East and the United States—can reach out to share the truth of the gospel with love for Muslim friends and neighbors. Finally, Brother Fahdi will equip us to pray for Christians across the region, and especially in the war-torn country of Yemen.

The gospel worker in Somalia knows that his life is in danger. He's seen ministry coworkers gunned down by radical Muslims. But he doesn't fear death, seeing as the Apostle Paul did that "to die is gain." This week we'll hear from "Brother Michael," who assists VOM to serve alongside persecuted Christians in the Horn of Africa, including that bold evangelist in Somalia and others like him in Ethiopia, Sudan and other nations. Listen to hear the story of an Imam who came to faith in Christ, then had both his job and his family taken from him. Michael will also share about a woman who committed her life to Christ in a Muslim village, then woke up one night to find her home on fire and watched it burn as neighbors refused to help her. Michael will also tell us why a motorcycle can make a huge difference in the ministry of Front-line workers supported by VOM, helping them reach exponentially more villages and more people with the gospel message of Jesus' love.

Operation World says the fastest growing church in the world is in the Islamic Republic of Iran. What is driving this incredible revival among Iranian people? Rev. Dr. Mehrdad Fatehi leads PARS Theological Center, training leaders for the Iranian church in Iran and around the world. He'll help us look behind the scenes at the phenomenal growth of the church in Iran, and the pressure house churches—and especially church leaders—face right now from the Islamic government. Listen to hear how God intervened to bring an end to one believer's police interrogation. How does a new Christian believer in Iran find other believers to connect and fellowship with? How are leaders trained when public, open theological education is impossible? Hear how PARS focuses on both increasing knowledge from education and study, as well as mentoring to help students practice the behaviors of leadership, face the challenges that come with ministry in a closed nation and continue their personal spiritual growth. Finally, Dr. Fatehi will help us pray more specifically for the needs of our brothers and sisters inside the Islamic Republic.

When this year began, there was talk of war between North Korea and the United States. By June, we watched video of President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un smiling and shaking hands. Big changes! What does it mean? How are those changes affecting our Christian brothers and sisters in the DPRK? Dr. Eric Foley, the President of VOM-Korea, joins us to offer answers to those questions, and helps us look at news coverage of North Korea not as Americans or Koreans, but as members of the Body of Christ. Dr. Foley will talk about changes on the Korean peninsula, and how those changes are affecting Christian work there—both north and south of the DMZ. He'll share why this has been the most difficult year ever for VOM balloon launches into North Korea, and explain why North Korean defectors are such a significant part of reaching North Korea with the gospel message. Finally, Dr. Foley will give very specific advice on how we can be in prayer for North Korean Christians. Will you commit to pray for North Korea this week? Join us on VOM Radio and equip yourself to pray more knowledgeably for the "hermit kingdom."

George Verwer is the founder of Operation Mobilization; OM has mobilized more than 200,000 people to spread the gospel to the furthest parts of the world. Listen as George shares how he thinks about risk, and his challenge to Christian believers to refocus from comfort and convenience to serving the Lord. George will share about OM workers he has known who've sacrificed everything for Christ, and also how he makes tough leadership decisions—including sending mission workers into dangerous places. Verwer challenges each of us to be involved in sharing the gospel message and to focus more on the things of Christ than on the daily news or our social media feed. He'll also share about his early encounters with VOM's founder, Richard Wurmbrand, and how George declined to use OM vehicles to smuggle Richard out of Romania. Listen to OM co-founder Dale Rhoton on VOM Radio here and here. Current OM-USA President, Andrew Scott, has also been a guest on VOM Radio. Purchase George's book, Messiology (affiliate link).

What do our brothers and sisters in Central Asia face in walking out their faith in Christ? A hard path filled with loss and persecution—but also a path filled with joy! Aaron Miller oversees VOM's work there, and he's just back from meeting with and hearing the testimonies of our persecuted family there about how God's Kingdom is advancing even in small steps, one conversation or one taxi ride at a time. Listen to hear specific types of persecution that Christians in Central Asia face, and ways VOM is standing with them—and in some cases has stood with them for years. You'll meet Rebekah, whose husband was martyred for his faith years ago, and who now says that the hard path of losing her husband has opened the door for even greater ministry in her nation—especially to women who've experienced loss and hardship. One of those Rebekah is ministering to is Rachel. Listen to hear why getting a driver's license was a major accomplishment for Rachel—and how it is already improving her, and Rebekah's, ability to minister for Christ. Lydia is the widow of a pastor. Her family is trying to get her to marry a Muslim man. it's an offer she has repeatedly refused, even though in her culture it is very difficult for a single mother. Listen to hear specific ways you can pray for Lydia and her children—and what the support of Christians around the world has meant to her. Hear the story of a second-grade boy boldly sharing about Jesus with classmates and friends—even though he lives in a restricted nation where such talk can lead to trouble. You'll hear about Caleb, who was so convicted after he came to faith in Christ that it changed the way he did his work—which ultimately cost him his job as a policeman. Listen to hear how God continues to meet his family's needs, and how God let VOM play a role in their story—at exactly the right time. Your faith will be encouraged and you'll be equipped to pray for our brothers and sisters in Central Asia this week on VOM Radio.

Brad Phillips shares an update on the current situation for Christians in Sudan, including persecution of Nuba Christians along the border with South Sudan. You'll be inspired by the story of Morris, who paid the fine demanded from the Muslim who attacked his daughter. Morris saw an opportunity for the gospel instead of taking an opportunity for revenge or anger. You'll be challenged as you hear how the gospel is advancing in Sudan in spite of persecution and threats, and equipped to pray for our Sudanese family members as they boldly share the gospel. You can hear Phillips' previous visit on VOM Radio here. Hear VOM staff member Petr Jasek share about his 14 months in prison in Sudan here.

In the midst of his persecution, 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—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 hear how God used letters written by VOM readers on 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 pray for Christians currently in prison, and for their family members.

Joe Handley leads Asian Access, a ministry to train and equip church leaders—including many working in countries where Christians face persecution for their faith. Listen as Joe shares the process used to train leaders, and the special challenges of raising up leaders prepared to endure and thrive in spite of persecution and hostility. Joe will also talk about how the principles taught translate across cultural boundaries from country to country, equipping leaders to boldly follow Christ and serve His people. Finally, Joe will equip us to pray for these leaders, as well as the ministry of Asian Access. Don't forget: the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is coming up November 4. Get free resources from VOM to help your church pray.

Brother "Ali" says that the current situation in Iran is "chaos." But he says God is using that chaos as "a perfect storm" to bring more Iranians to faith in Christ. You'll be encouraged by stories of how God is reaching Iranian people with His love—a love that can overcome depression, sickness and need, replacing chaos with the peace of God. Listen as Ali shares the story in the Bible that inspires him to challenge Muslims to go to the mosque more often, and how he sees lives changed dramatically—often in a very short time—after an Iranian meets Jesus. Ali will also talk about the blessings of persecution, how the fear and danger he faces each day shapes his spiritual walk, and how the church in Iran talks about suffering.

"Brother Joel" is back to discuss current persecution in China and how the church there is responding. Joel speaks especially to the current status of Bible distribution in China, and why Chinese Christians need a new Bible every 3-5 years. Joel will also tell how he and his wife personally think through and plan for the possibility they will receive "the gift of persecution," and who inspired him to be involved in this sacrificial, dangerous ministry effort. Finally Joel will help us pray for the church in China, and for VOM's work in that nation. Listen here for a recent update on increasing persecution in China, and here for Brother Joel's first-ever interview with VOM Radio.

In Part 2 of our interview with Pastor Hassan Abduraheem Taour he shares how his heart remained upbeat, even as the judge pronounced him guilty and sentenced him to 12 years in prison. He'll talk about how reading the Bible is different inside prison than when you're free. Hassan says he experienced persecution as a blessing from God—a blessing that brought him to weep tears of joy. "It is really a privilege to be persecuted," he says. Your faith will be encouraged, and you'll be challenged to pray for Sudan as you hear Pastor Hassan's amazing testimony this week on VOM Radio. Hear Part 1 of our conversation here. Pastor Hassan was imprisoned with VOM's Africa regional director, Petr Jasek. You can hear Petr's side of the story here.

Pastor Hassan Abduraheem Taour helped train Sudanese pastors to be ready for persecution. He didn't know that he was also preparing himself for the day he'd be arrested in Sudan, charged with aiding espionage alongside VOM's Africa regional director, Petr Jasek, and sentenced to 12 years in prison. There were difficult days in prison, yet Pastor Hassan experienced the joy of the Lord—joy so powerful it brought tears to his eyes. It is because of that joy, and because of the ministry God gave him in prison, that Pastor Hassan looks back on those long months as "one of the best times of my life."

Pastor Kumar is a part of the All India Christian Council, helping Christians all over India who face persecution and pressure for living out their faith in Christ. Listen as Kumar talks about how persecution in India is increasing, to the point that every day a Christians is facing persecution somewhere in India. What challenges will a Hindu who chooses to follow Jesus likely face? Kumar will also share about so-called "anti-conversion" laws in India, and how they affect evangelism. He will share his own experience facing persecution and even death threats as he shared the gospel—and how he felt God's hand in those moments. Finally, Kumar will equip all of us to pray for our brothers and sisters in India.

Pastor John Cao has trained literally thousands of Chinese church leaders, including many who have taken the gospel to other parts of China and even across the border into other nations. In recent years Cao's ministry has expanded to Myanmar, where he set up schools to minister to poor children from minority tribal groups. But his bold ministry in and out of China has not gone unnoticed by Chinese authorities. Today Pastor John sits in a Chinese prison, sentenced to serve seven years on the charge of "illegal border crossing." Yet even in prison, he has found reasons to rejoice! Dr. Bob Fu, the founder and president of China Aid Association, will share the story of his friend, Pastor John Cao, as well as update us on the state of the church in China and specific ways that we can pray this week for that nation and our brothers and sisters there. Sign the petition on The White House web site, asking President Trump to intervene on behalf of Pastor John Cao.

This weekend marks the launch of a new video-based curriculum to allow your family, Bible study group or Sunday School class to take an up-close look at the lives and faith of Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, the founders of The Voice of the Martyrs. Our guests are Cole Richards, President of The Voice of the Martyrs and one of the on-screen speakers in the video series, and John Grooters, the director of the video segments as well as of Tortured For Christ – The Movie and SABINA: Tortured For Christ, the Nazi Years. Listen as they describe which lessons from Richard and Sabina's lives that most impacted them, and what they hope American Christians will draw out of this six-week study. We'll also share how you can get a free DVD and digital download of Tortured For Christ – The Movie when you buy the curriculum video DVD and included group leader's guide. Watch the trailer and purchase WURMBRAND six-week video curriculum. You can also access this content—for free—in the VOM App for your smartphone or tablet. Listen to John Grooters share about the making of Tortured For Christ – The Movie in a previous episode of VOM Radio. 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.