VOMRadio

The first time "Kyung-ja" heard about God, it wasn't from a missionary or on a gospel radio broadcast. She first heard about God from a female North Korean guard who was beating her! Listen this week as our sister from North Korea shares about the suffering she faced in her homeland, suffering that led her to flee her country, but also eventually led her into relationship with Jesus Christ. You'll gain new understanding of the incredible oppression faced by North Korea's people under the brutal regime of Kim Jong-un as you hear Kyung-ja's story. You'll also be inspired to pray many more North Koreans will find peace in Jesus Christ—peace that can't be confiscated by their government.

Last week we heard Gary Witherall talk about how God called him and his wife, Bonnie, to serve evangelizing Muslims in the Middle East. In this second part of our conversation, Gary describes the day his wife, Bonnie, was martyred in the clinic where she served Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. Gary talks about hearing God's voice in that time of grief, and making a conscious choice to forgive his wife's killers, something he says today is "the greatest gift I've ever given anybody." You'll also hear about how God has brought fruit from Gary and Bonnie's sacrifice, and how God is still using Gary today to share His love around the world as he continues to serve with Operation Mobilization. You can learn more about Gary's story by reading his book, Total Abandon (affiliate link).

Gary Witherall and his wife, Bonnie, heard God's call to tell people in the Middle East about Jesus. They answered that call by moving to Lebanon, where they served with Operation Mobilization, building relationships with Lebanese people and Palestinian refugees—until the day Bonnie was martyred in the clinic where she served refugee women. Listen as Gary shares about how God called them to the Middle East, what their work there was like and how each day of their ministry was unique. He'll also share how things changed on 9-11, when Gary and Bonnie saw people all around them celebrating the murder of more than 3,000 Americans. After the attacks, they found their life and ministry more difficult, but they never considered leaving. In fact, it was after 9-11 that Gary and Bonnie determined they would stay and serve the Lord—no matter the cost. "I think we were martyred on that day," Gary says. You'll be challenged as Gary asks the question: what do you love so much you'd be willing to die for it? Be sure to join us next week on VOM Radio as Gary tells about the day Bonnie gave her life for Christ. You can learn more about Gary's story by reading his book, Total Abandon (affiliate link).

There have been significant changes in China this year, changes that greatly affect our Christian brothers and sisters and how they live out their faith. First, new "regulations on religion" took effect, attempting to give China's communist government more control over church activities. Secondly, term limits were abolished for China's President, allowing current leader Xi Jinping to lead the country for many more years. Listen this week as Brother Blake and Brother Joel share what these changes mean for churches in China, and how Christians are responding to the changes to continue serving Christ in the face of communist oppression. Blake and Joel will also equip you to pray for China's Christians during these days of increasing pressure.

Bryson Vogeltanz works with Passion Ministries to call 18-25 year olds to a deeper walk with Christ, and to be involved with the work of God around the world. Listen as he shares how young people at a Passion Conference were challenged to help VOM deliver Scripture Balloons into North Korea, and how they overwhelmingly responded. He'll also talk about putting on a Passion event inside a predominantly-Muslim country, and how seeing young people answer Christ's call has inspired his own faith and his pastoral work right here in the United States. Finally, Bryson will challenge each of us to "tell Jesus stories" to those around us in order to draw others to Christ. You can learn more about Passion events and register for Passion 2019 here.

Ben Foley is the president of Serve Now, a ministry empowering churches and Christian leaders in many different countries to serve the Lord and to reach out with the Bible in one hand and a cup of cold water in the other. Listen in as Ben shares about the work of Serve Now, and how God very specifically guided him into the ministry. He'll also share the first prayer request of Christians under threat of persecution in countries where Serve Now works, and it's not the one you're likely expecting. Ben will also share how God gave him an opportunity for a very brief taste of persecution, and how he found God's grace sufficient, moment-by-moment, through that experience. The experience also showed him first-hand the difference it makes when the Body of Christ is praying for those facing persecution.

Al Fadi is a former Wahabbi Muslim from Saudi Arabia. He says when he tells Saudi friends that he's now a Christian, they say, "That's impossible!" They don't believe a Saudi Muslim would ever leave their religion to follow another faith. But Al Fadi did leave Islam behind when he encountered followers of Christ during university studies in the United States. Listen as Al Fadi shares how his heart was changed as he met and watched true followers of Christ. "If their holy book is corrupted," he asked himself, "how is it that the followers of that book are so different?" He'll also share about how his family responded to the "shame" of having a family member choose to follow Christ. You'll be encouraged by Al Fadi's testimony, and inspired and equipped to reach out to Muslims you know with the love of Jesus. Connect with Al Fadi's ministry online.

Rebecca George is the principal writer for VOM's new book: WURMBRAND: Tortured For Christ the Complete Story. Listen this week as she shares how she went about researching the lives of Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, the founders of The Voice of the Martyrs. Rebecca will tell us what her writing process is like, and why she felt the need to start the story by telling about the Wurmbrand's life before Christ—to show the difference that Christ made. She'll talk about wrestling with how many details of the Wurmbrands' terrible suffering to include, and how her own walk with Christ was impacted by the example of Richard and Sabina. Finally, Rebecca will give us a preview of the project she's working on now: the story of another imprisoned Christian. Order your copy of WURMBRAND here.

This weekend marks Father's Day, and our guest is Phil Nettleton, long-time missionary and father of VOM Radio host, Todd Nettleton. Listen as Phil shares about how God called him into missionary service, about the challenges missionaries face on the field and specific ways that you can pray for missionaries that you know or that your church is sending. He'll also share how God makes each place a Christian serves and each season of ministry a "favorite." Phil will talk about learning the power of going into a different culture as a learner instead of an expert. Finally, Phil will talk about serving the Lord in the seasons of life after "retirement"—a word he reminds us is not mentioned in the Bible.

Scott Brawner leads Concilium, an organization which provides safety, security and crisis-management training to missions, churches and ministries working in the U.S. and around the world. Listen this week as he shares thoughts on answering the need for those called to be gospel workers to be aware and intelligent about security and safety while still honoring the higher call of Jesus to take the gospel message to every nation—even the dangerous ones. Scott will talk about first steps if you are feeling called into mission service, and also share how he is involved in training and inspiring young people into missions through the Fusion Program, which includes both US training and overseas deployment and offers students college credits for the experience.

Sam Brownback serves as the United States Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, leading the State Department's efforts to promote religious freedom and the protection of religious minorities around the world. Listen this week as he shares about how religious freedom serves as a foundation for many other freedoms, and which countries he sees moving the wrong direction on the issue. He'll also share how his own faith motivates his work, and stories of both success and failure in his decades of work on behalf of persecuted religious minorities. Finally, Ambassador Brownback shares how we can pray for him and other of our government officials working on behalf of persecuted Christians around the world, and reminds us that our prayers and our actions really do make a difference.

Manfred Mueller leads Hilfsaktion Martyrerkirche (HMK), The Voice of the Martyrs' sister mission in Germany. Listen as he shares about the early days of HMK's work in Germany, including the rejection of the message of Richard Wurmbrand when he first came out from behind the Iron Curtain. Manfred also recalls his own childhood, when his parents and grandparents were involved in delivering Bibles into communist nations. Manfred will also share inspiring stories from persecuted Christians he has met during his years of service at HMK and how those stories are impacting the way he lives out his own faith in Christ. Finally, Manfred will discuss how having hundreds of thousands of Muslim immigrants and refugees has impacted life in Europe, and how the church there is responding to "the biggest opportunity for missions our country has seen in decades."

Sister Amber spent more than a decade in Tibet, providing vocational training to the people and sharing the gospel message of Christ's love. She felt God's call especially to work among Tibet's nomadic tribal people, who jokingly call themselves "the roof on the roof of the world." Amber watched as God brought about a great ministry breakthrough: people who'd been totally closed to her message were now asking to learn more about Jesus. But just days after the breakthrough Amber experienced persecution as police came pounding on her door. Listen as she tells the story. You'll hear how God ministered to her in the hardest moments of her suffering. You'll hear how she was eventually released, and the way God showed her that her persecution wasn't the end of the story. You'll also hear how God laid on the hearts of people around the world to pray for Amber, including one who drew a picture of Amber 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.

"Brother Steven" is a church leader from the nation of Uganda, a country where more than 80% of the people identify themselves as Christians but where some areas are almost entirely Muslim and even pushing for Sharia law. Steven says Muslims in the country have an aggressive strategy to recruit Christians to convert to Islam, and he'll share how Christians are responding. Church leaders are working to strengthen and deepen the faith of Uganda's Christians, while also seeking to reach out to Muslims with the gospel message of Christ's love. Listen to become more informed and learn how you can pray for the church in Uganda this week on VOM Radio.

Brother Harold has lived and ministered in Central Asia more than 15 years, serving among Muslims and seeing the challenges faced by those who choose to leave Islam and follow Christ. Listen this week as he challenges American believers to be more committed and more involved in gospel efforts to reach the unreached. Harold will share some of the challenges mission workers are facing around the world, including the sometimes-discouraging work of planting seeds of the gospel into hard, rocky soil where Jesus' name has never been preached. Harold will equip us to pray better for the people of Central Asia, and for gospel workers serving in missions around the world.

Sister Sahar was born into a Muslim family in Saudi Arabia. When she came to the U.S. to attend university, a Christian friend shared the love of Christ and a Bible with her, and Sahar came to realize that Jesus was more than a prophet—He is the Son of God. But choosing to follow Christ came with a price: Sahar's mom refused to speak to her for months after finding out that she was a Christian. Today, Sahar works to share Jesus' love with other Muslim women in the Middle East through a ministry called Unveiling Beauty (www.UnveilingBeauty.org), and the joy in her life is one of the things God uses to show Muslim women how following Jesus is so very different from following Muhammed. Sahar will encourage listeners to reach out with love to Muslims right around us, and instruct on specific ways to pray for the nation of Saudi Arabia.

Brother Hamid from Iran is back on VOM Radio to finish telling the story of his conversion to Christ, and the persecution he faced in Iran after choosing to leave Islam. Hamid shares that, even as military officials were persecuting and beating him, the Holy Spirit reminded him to love them and care for their eternal souls. Hamid will also discuss how open Iranian people are to the love of Christ—both Iranians in Iran and those in other nations around the world, and how American Christians can participate in sharing the gospel with Muslims. If you missed Part 1 of Hamid's story, listen to it here. Tune in also to hear thoughts from Dan Baumann, who shared the story of his arrest in Iran last month on VOM Radio, about reaching out to Muslims here in the United States, and his thoughts and advice for those feeling a call into missions.

On Monday, April 16, American pastor Andrew Brunson will begin his trial in a Turkish court room. He's charged with espionage and terrorism, and a guilty verdict could carry a 35 year prison sentence. Andrew and Norine Brunson have served the people of Turkey for 23 years. This week on VOM Radio, their daughter Jacqueline shares about her dad's arrest and how he's doing as he awaits the opening of the trial. Jacqueline and her siblings were raised in Turkey and consider it home. Listen as she shares about her parents' love for the Turkish people and culture, and how the family has seen God's sovereign hand at work, even in the midst of this challenging ordeal. Finally, Jacqueline will give us specific ways to pray for Andrew, Norine and others involved as the trial begins Monday, and how we can pray for the wider Body of Christ in Turkey. Please share this conversation with other Christian friends to encourage them to pray as Andrew's trial begins on Monday.

Hamid was born into a Muslim family in Iran. As a computer science student, he regularly visited different online chat rooms. One day he saw a chat room called "God is Love." Hamid was intrigued, because the god he knew in Islam was not love. Christians in the chat room encouraged Hamid to read the Bible, and he began to do so. Soon he was convinced that the God of the Bible is the true God, and that Jesus was the Son of God. But following Jesus in Iran comes with a cost. First, Hamid's own family turned against him. Then, during his mandatory military service, officers pressured him daily to denounce his faith. But Hamid refused to compromise or deny Christ, even as he was sent far from home. His attitude was simple: If God allowed me to be sent here, there must be someone here He wants me to share Jesus with! Be inspired by Hamid's faith and faithfulness this week on VOM Radio.

One of the countries that most dominates our U.S. news cycle is North Korea. "Mrs. Kim" was born and raised in the "Hermit Kingdom." Listen as she shares how she learned that hers was a Christian family, and how she had to keep that secret to avoid government pressure and even arrest. She'll share how she committed her life to Christ, how she escaped from North Korea—multiple times—and paid the price when she was recaptured and sent back. You'll also hear how Mrs. Kim's son was recaptured, and her heartbreak as she doesn't know today if he's alive or dead. Be inspired to pray for North Korea this week as you hear Mrs. Kim's amazing story.

Listen this week to the second half of our conversation with Dan Baumann, who was imprisoned on a trip to Iran and regularly beaten by guards. You'll hear how Dan saw the heart of his tormentor changed by the love of God, and how he found out he'd be released—exactly on the schedule God had revealed to him on the day of his arrest. Dan will also share how God gave him experiences that have kept his heart soft towards the Iranian people, and practical advice on how we can pray for Christians in prison for their faith today. Dan will also talk about the unique prayer that his mother prayed right after his arrest in Iran. If you missed Part I of our interview with Dan, you can listen to it here. After you listen to this week's episode, order a copy of the book which tells the story of Dan's experiences in Iran, Cell 58 (affiliate link), and learn more about his ministry, YWAM.

Dan Baumann was living in Central Asia when he and a friend decided to make a Christmas-break visit to Iran. They experienced the warm welcome of the Persian people and culture, right up to the point where they tried to cross the border and exit the country. Passports were confiscated, and Dan found himself in a jail cell, interrogated harshly and beaten regularly. Dan experienced the depth of depression in prison, even making a plan to "escape" a long prison sentence by taking his own life. But God was still there, and Dan found Him to be faithful to show His amazing love, even in prison. God also taught Dan a great deal about loving our enemies, a difficult challenge when your enemies are literally beating you each day. Hear about that life-changing lesson this week on VOM Radio, and be back next week to hear the conclusion of our interview with Dan Baumann. After you listen to this week's episode, order a copy of the book which tells the story of Dan's experiences in Iran, Cell 58 (affiliate link), and learn more about his ministry, YWAM.

"I was willing to die [for Christ]. But the only thing that happened to me was I got tortured for seven years...." Listen this week as Brad Phillips shares how he was inspired by these words of thankfulness from a bold Sudanese believer who suffered greatly for the gospel message. Brad leads Persecution Project Foundation, VOM's project partner serving Christians from Sudan. In Brad's years of ministry in Sudan, he's met countless brave Christians who have suffered for the gospel, and his own faith has been inspired by their faithfulness to Christ under extreme suffering. Brad will share some of their stories this week, as well as ways that The Voice of the Martyrs is standing with and supporting our brothers and sisters in Sudan. As Brad and Todd discuss this week, one of the ways you can help Christians in Sudan (and other nations) is by providing a VOM Action Pack.

One year ago Petr Jasek walked out of a Sudanese prison, a free man after 445 days as a prisoner of the government of Sudan. Listen as Petr—who served as VOM's regional director for ministry in Africa—shares what God has done and taught since Petr's release, including the release of the Sudanese men who were on trial with Petr and the emotion of being reunited with them. Listen also for further discussion of Petr's time in prison, how God moved and how Petr coped with the stress and the persecution he faced in the prison. Petr will also talk about how he and his family prepared ahead of time for the possibility of his arrest, and how his story has impacted Christians in his native Czech Republic. Right after his release, Petr shared the full story of his arrest and time in prison, including sharing his first prison cell with ISIS fighters. You can listen to those interviews here: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

Dan Brokke is the president of Bethany International (www.BethanyInternational.org), an organization with the goal of "Taking the church to where it is not, and helping others do the same." Listen as Dan shares how Bethany set the goal of engaging with 500 unreached, unengaged people groups by 2020. He'll share where they are in that process, and how the organization trains workers to go to the hard places of the earth and take the gospel places where people have never before heard the name of Jesus. He'll also share stories from some of the places where the gospel has broken out like a wildfire, with hundreds and even thousands of people making the decision to follow Christ. Finally, Dan will help us think about how to pray for workers going out to these fields—with prayer concepts right from the Scripture—and pray for other missionaries we know and support.

Dr. Hormoz Shariat, the president and founder of Iran Alive Ministries, has been called "The Billy Graham of Iran" by author Joel Rosenberg. Millions of Iranians refer to Shariat as, "my pastor" as he speaks to them in their living rooms each evening through satellite television. In recent months, protests broke out all over Iran; people marched in the streets against their Islamic government. Dr. Hormoz will help us understand what the protests mean, and he'll share how he encouraged Christians in Iran to use the protests as an opportunity to share the gospel, and how they saw new hearts come to Christ. Gain a better understanding of the nation of Iran, and specific ways that you can pray for Christian believers and Muslims there, this week on VOM Radio.

Tom and JoAnn Doyle have been married almost 38 years, and God has used their marriage to draw others to Christ in the United States and even in the Middle East. Listen in as they share how they've seen God use their marriage. They'll tell you what Muslims see as different about a Christian marriage and how they have worked to balance God's call to ministry and marriage in order to be successful at both. Tom and JoAnn will also share some real-life examples of how they've dealt with conflict, and give specific advice for different stages of your marriage. As we approach Valentine's Day next week, spend a half hour thinking about marriage as ministry, and pray that God will use your marriage to bring others to Christ.

John Grooters is the director of a new movie portraying the story of VOM's founders, Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, the story told by Richard in his best-selling book, Tortured For Christ. Listen this week 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 and how He led John to just the right song for the film—a song written by a Christian cellmate of Richard Wurmbrand in prison! You'll hear how Richard's faith has 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. Learn more about the film, and order the DVD, at www.TorturedForChrist.com, and hear VOM Radio host, Todd Nettleton, as a guest on John's podcast, "No Shame," by clicking here.

Join us this week as we get to know Cole Richards, who has served more than a decade with The Voice of the Martyrs and in January, 2018, stepped into the role as President and CEO of the organization. Cole will share about how God called him to missions work and share about some of the persecuted Christians he's met who have inspired his own faith walk, and how VOM plays a unique role within the wider missions community. Cole will also give listeners an early look at some of the exciting opportunities VOM will pursue in the coming year, including a new book and movie telling the story of Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM's founders, and an important effort to bless and minister to more than 1,000 widows in Nigeria. Cole opens up about the impact he hopes the stories of our persecuted brothers and sisters will have on American Christians—including VOM Radio listeners—to inspire them to live more boldly for Christ right where they are. Finally, he'll share advice on how to pray for persecuted Christians, including how he makes his prayers for our persecuted family personal. If you live in the United States and do not receive VOM's free monthly newsletter, sign up here. 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.

For years, Helen Berhane read Scriptures about forgiving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us. But during long months as a prisoner in Eritrea—including long stretches locked in a metal shipping container—Helen got to see those Scriptures come to life in her own spirit and actions. In this second half of our conversation, she shares how she found that in the fires of intense persecution she was able to forgive and even love her persecutors. She'll also share what it meant to know that other Christians around the world were praying for her and writing letters on her behalf, and how God's Word powerfully impacted her as she read it while in prison. After hearing how much Christians writing letters made a difference for Helen, you'll want to write letters to Christians currently in prison in Eritrea. Finally, Helen will encourage us with ways we can pray for Eritrea—both for our brothers and sisters in prison there and for government leaders in the country who are persecuting our Christian family. If you missed Part 1 of our conversation with Helen, you can listen to it here.

Helen Berhane was a well-known worship leader and gospel singer in the churches of Eritrea when the government outlawed evangelical churches. In one week these churches went from meeting openly in large public services to being underground, meeting in homes and hiding from police. In the midst of that crackdown, Helen was arrested, beaten and put in prison. Listen as Helen shares how she prepared her heart, ahead of time, for the days when she would face persecution. She'll talk about the Scriptures she drew strength from, and how she was able to keep singing praise to God, even as her suffering increased. Listen to how she experienced God's amazing presence, even locked inside a metal shipping container for many months. Listen also to Part 2 of our conversation with Helen.

Jim Dau served at VOM for 18 years, including in recent years as VOM's President and CEO. Join VOM Radio this week to hear about Jim's recent visit to persecuted Christians in Myanmar (Burma), including a family that faced intense persecution just days after coming to faith in Christ. Jim will also look back on some of the Christians that impacted him during his service at VOM, and some of the spiritual qualities he's seen in these brothers and sisters that inspired his own faith. He'll share how he prays for our persecuted family members, and how he and his wife, Peggy, have been intentional to share the stories of persecuted Christians with their grandchildren to inspire their commitment to Christ, using VOM resources like The Torchlighters and I Am N videos. If you live in the U.S. and do not receive VOM's free monthly newsletter, sign up at persecution.com.

MovingMomentsof2017Part2 by The Voice of the Martyrs

This week we begin a look back at some of the most memorable moments on VOM Radio in 2017. Hear Petr Jasek share how, after he was arrested in Sudan and put into a prison cell, he realized God had been preparing him for that moment, and had even shown him the prison cell door in a dream. Brother David will share how when police showed up to arrest him in Turkey, he was excited that God must have big plans for ministry in store. Dr. Andrew says when he was arrested, he was terrified. Being afraid isn't the problem, he says, as long as you aren't controlled by that fear but instead are controlled by the reality of Who God is. David Shestakov shares what it meant to receive letters from Christians around the world while he was imprisoned in Uzbekistan. And finally we'll share a miracle story of a Bible delivery to Christians inside Syria—a story that will inspire you with how God's hand is still at work in the Middle East today. Use the search feature at www.VOMRadio.net to hear the entire conversations with each of these guests.

Loren Cunningham, the founder of Youth With a Mission (https://ywam.org/), is back with us this week on VOM Radio, fresh off of a visit to the nation of Nigeria. Listen as he shares why Nigeria is such a strategic nation in reaching Africa for Christ. God is working to bring people to Christ in Nigeria—including militants violently opposed to the gospel—and He's using YWAM workers in powerful ways to build His Kingdom in that nation. Cunningham will also share advice for those seeking God's will for their lives, advice that grows out of his decades of working with God around the world and sending out more than five million gospel workers. Finally, he'll equip listeners with specific ways to pray for Nigeria right now. You can hear Loren's previous conversations with VOM Radio https://secure.persecution.com/radio/default.aspx?pdid=6834 and https://secure.persecution.com/radio/default.aspx?pdid=6837. And order a copy of Loren's latest book, End Bible Poverty Now http://amzn.to/2yteYnl (affiliate link).

Edward Ayub is back to continue our conversation about gospel work and persecution in Bangladesh. Listen as he shares about a training center where Christians, Muslims and followers of other faiths come together to study the different religions. Edward shares how some Muslims who come to the center find that Jesus offers answers to questions of their heart that Islam has no answers for. He also gives advice for American Christians who want to reach out to Muslims, saying that Muslims appreciate a direct approach that openly presents the gospel. Finally, he equips listeners to pray effectively for Bangladesh and the church there. You can give online to help support front-line gospel workers in Bangladesh and other nations where they face persecution for sharing the gospel. If you missed the first half of our interview with Edward, you can listen to it here.

Edward Ayub grew up in a Muslim family, and aspired to be "one of the best Muslims." When a Christian came to witness to Ayub during the Ramadan fast, Ayub was deeply offended. He gathered some friends and beat the Christian badly. When the Christian came back days later, Ayub was sure he was seeking revenge. Instead, that Christian forgave his attackers and continued to befriend Ayub. That response—forgiveness—forced Ayub to look more deeply at the teachings of Islam, and he found that the gospel of Christ answered questions Islam had no answer for. When Ayub chose to leave Islam behind and follow Christ, his village and even his own family turned against him. Listen to his amazing story, and hear how Christians in Bangladesh are facing persecution today, this week on VOM Radio. For more inspiring stories of brothers and sisters who are willing to face persecution rather than turn their back on Christ, subscribe to VOM's free monthly newsletter at persecution.com

Cuban pastors go to church each week knowing government spies are planted among their congregation, people wanting to collect evidence to get the pastor arrested. It's just one of many ways the Cuban government brings constant pressure against the church. Listen in as Jonathan Ekman, VOM's Vice President for International Ministry, shares stories from a recent visit to Cuba and the believers he met there and how they inspired his faith. Believers in Cuba willingly pay a high price for following Christ and building His church—a price that extends to their children as well. You'll be inspired by their faithfulness, and inspired to pray for Christians in Cuba by this conversation. You can give online to support VOM's work in Cuba and other nations through a gift to support Front Line Ministry at https://vomradio.net/donate.

The family in Myanmar had recently come to Christ when they were called to the monastery to stand before the entire community and a gathering of Buddhist monks. The monks explained that there was no room for Christians in that area. If the family wouldn't denounce their new faith and return to Buddhism, then their safety couldn't be guaranteed. Boldly, the family said that, whatever the cost, they would keep following Jesus. Within 48 hours, the high cost of their stand for Christ became clear. Listen as Brother John shares this amazing story and more stories of how God is at work in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). John will also share how "Tortured For Christ," written by VOM's founder, Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, inspired him in his walk of faith and in his ministry for the Lord. Your faith will be inspired as you hear how Christians in Myanmar are advancing the gospel in spite of opposition. (You can give online to VOM's Front-Line Ministry Fund, which provides financial help for Front Line gospel workers like John and those he leads, including things like pigs and motorcycles that he talks about in this episode.)

North Korea is heavily featured in current news, especially as U.S. President Donald Trump visits Asia. This week on VOM Radio we'll look behind the headlines with Dr. Eric Foley, the President of VOM-Korea who oversees VOM work to encourage Christians inside North Korea and to reach North Koreans with the gospel message of Christ—North Koreans living inside North Korea and those living in other nations. Why does Dr. Foley consider North Korea to be the most religious nation on earth? What has changed in recent months that has dramatically cut the flow of North Korean people across the border into China? And how are North Koreans responding to the gospel message of salvation through Christ instead of the propaganda of the brutal Kim regime? You'll have greater understanding and greater ability to pray effectively for North Korea after this week's episode of VOM Radio. Learn more about the history of the church in North Korea by reading RESTRICTED NATIONS: North Korea, written by VOM Radio host, Todd Nettleton.

Our guest this week says there is a special spiritual window open right now in a place you might not expect: The Islamic Republic of Iran. "Ali" is a gospel worker in that country with amazing testimonies of how God is at work inside Iran right now, showing off His power and bringing Iranians into fellowship with Jesus. Ali will challenge us with the difference between a convert and a disciple and share stories of how Christ is making disciples—followers willing to face persecution—inside Iran. You'll be inspired and challenged to take small steps of obedience in your own faith walk. Ali will also share ways American Christians can reach out to Muslims right here in our country. Learn more about Ali's ministry at http://catalyticministries.com.

YWAM Frontier Missions (www.YWAMFM.com) is sending gospel workers to unreached peoples around the world, including many nations where Christians are persecuted for their faith. Listen as leaders from YWAM discuss the places where they see God working mightily today, and describe how they train church planters to thrive in hostile regions. They'll talk about the most important quality they look for in gospel workers, a tenacity that will hang onto their faith and their calling in spite of hardship or persecution. Brian and Louise Hogan will share some of their story of planting a church in Mongolia (you can hear their full story here and here), and how that shapes the way they train church planters today. Kevin (who previously appeared on VOM Radio here) will share about how gospel workers take the training YWAM gives them and translate it into their specific cultural setting to meet the needs of the people where God has called them. (This extended online episode contains bonus portions of our interview that did not air as part of the radio broadcast version of this week's episode.)

Dr. Carl Moeller is the CEO of Biblica: The International Bible Society, helping deliver God's Word to people all over the world. Biblica is one of the organizations VOM partners with in delivering the Scriptures into hostile and restricted nations. Listen in as Dr. Moeller discusses Bible delivery into countries where Christians are persecuted, what it means to Christians in those countries to have their own copy of God's Word, and the ways that persecuted Christians have inspired him to take his own walk of faith with Christ to a deeper level.

"Whenever I read the Scripture, it's full of persecution." For Dr. Berhane, a Christian from Eritrea, persecution is not only in Scripture, it's also a part of his personal story. 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. Listen as he shares about how prison guards would come and read the names of prisoners to be executed that day, with each prisoner wondering if that day was the day their name would be on the list. Yet in the midst of suffering and executions, Dr. Berhane says he experienced an inner peace through the presence of Jesus Christ. Today, he is a voice for persecuted Christians in Eritrea, and says there is more freedom for Christians to worship inside Eritrean prisons than there is for Christians outside of prison. Be inspired as he shares his own story, and equips us to pray for Christians currently imprisoned in Eritrea, this week on VOM Radio.

Petr Jasek, VOM's Africa Regional Director, was visiting persecuted Christians in Sudan and assessing how VOM could best help believers there. But instead of flying home from the trip, he was detained at the airport in Khartoum. Listen as Petr shares highlights from his story, which is also told in the October issue—the 50th Anniversary Edition—of VOM's free monthly newsletter. Listen as Petr shares about his first night in a jail cell, how God had uniquely prepared him with a dream and how he discovered that his cell mates were radical Muslim ISIS fighters. Hear how God used a Sudanese guard to save Petr's life, and how God revealed that He had a purpose for Petr's imprisonment, a purpose so great that Petr stopped praying for his release. Petr also shares how he learned to wait upon the Lord during 445 days in prison, and how he experienced God's deepest peace in the times of his most intense persecution. To hear Petr share the entire story of his arrest, imprisonment and eventual release, click here.

What might God do if you made the commitment to pray every day for a specific country? What doors might He open? Two decades ago Peter Smith and his wife were challenged to adopt a country and specifically pray every day for God's Spirit to move in that country. The country God led them to was the Islamic Republic of Iran. Listen to hear how Peter and his wife began to pray, how God opened the door for him to visit Iran, and how his family has reached out to Persian people living in the United States. In the 20 years since Peter and his family began to pray, God has opened amazing doors for them to impact Iranian people for Christ. As you listen this week, you'll be challenged to make the same decision Peter and his family made all those years ago: to adopt a country and specifically pray every day for the people in that country. Who knows the doors God will open in your life to minister for Him to the people you're praying for?

The first time "Brother Dan" travelled to India was on a mission trip 25 years ago. With one visit to this vast country, he was hooked! Six years ago, Dan moved to India full time, working to share the gospel and strengthen the church. Listen this week as Dan shares how God is at work in India, including performing miracles that show He is more powerful than any of the millions of gods Hindus follow. Dan will also share some of the challenges our Indian brothers and sisters are facing, and what persecution looks like for an Indian who leaves Hinduism to follow Jesus. Finally, he'll equip each of us with ways we can pray for Indian Christians, and for their nation.

When "Brother David" told his Tibetan Buddhist family that he had left Buddhism and was following Jesus Christ, they kicked him out of the family. They wouldn't even let him take his suitcase with him! But God provided for David, not only to survive but to attend Bible school and become a bold evangelist and church leader. Listen as David shares his story, and how God has allowed him to minister over the years, including sending a Bible to the Dalai Lama. Hear how he is training evangelists to work all over South Asia and discipling more Christians to spread the gospel message of Jesus' love. He'll also share how you can help lead Buddhists to Jesus, and help you pray effectively for Christians in Tibet and the surrounding nations. (If you missed Part 1 of our conversation with David, listen to it here.)

"Brother David" was born into a Tibetan Buddhist family. He was even chosen for special training by the Dalai Lama. Yet even as he learned more about Buddhism, he was filled with darkness and says he was a man who "never had peace." But he saw something different—light—in his roommate, a man he didn't know at that time was a Christian. David asked him why he was different. Before that conversation, David had never heard the word Christian, and had no idea who Jesus was. Invited to a Christian meeting, David committed to following Jesus Christ and his life was forever changed. Listen as David shares his amazing testimony of coming to know Christ, how he grew deeper in his Christian walk, and how his community and even his own family responded to his decision to follow Jesus Christ.

Just weeks after coming to faith in Christ, Pastor Pierre read Richard Wurmbrand's book, Tortured for Christ. The book helped him understand, even as a young Christian, that following Christ "is not a cheap path." Today, Pierre is a pastor and church leader in Lebanon, a nation facing the challenge of caring for two million refugees from neighboring Syria. Listen as Pastor Pierre shares about his own walk of faith, why he and his wife chose to name their daughter after a martyr, and how Christians in Lebanon are responding to the flood of Muslim refugees in their nation. Pastor Pierre will also talk about witnessing to Muslims, and he'll share how he has found that blessings come out of persecution. Learn more about Bonnie Witherall, the martyr for whom Pastor Pierre and his wife named their daughter, in FOXE: Voices of the Martyrs, and in this interview with her husband, Gary.