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Join this week as we continue to look back on some of the most moving moments of 2023 on The Voice of the Martyrs Radio: Brother Maksud became a Christian as a young man but was afraid to tell his parents. He expected his father might disown him but was shocked at his father's response. Pastor Hanna remembers when he learned that a member of his church, Rami Ayyad, had been martyred. He says our faith won't be tested when everything is going fine, but in difficult times. After Sister Jane's husband was martyred in the Middle East, she prayed God would raise him from the dead. God didn't answer that prayer—but used the sacrifice to build his Kingdom. Susanne Geske suddenly received public attention after her husband was murdered in Turkey. She used the opportunity to echo Christ's words from the cross: "Father, forgive them." Soon after Ronnie Smith was killed in Libya, his widow, Anita, had an opportunity to express God's forgiveness to his killers–in English and Arabic. (This interview with Anita was recorded as part of the Hearts of Fire Virtual Event. You can view the event—featuring four women who have suffered for their faith—online now for free.) When their parents were martyred serving the Lord in Uganda, Saul and Ezra Pett were angry with God. But in the years since God has brought healing and now the brothers are ministering in the very place where their parents were killed. As a young man, Brother Mansour made plans to burn down a church. Instead, he became a Christian trying to share God's Word with Iranians all over the world. Dr. Hormoz Shariat shares the story of a taxi driver in Iran who Jesus healed from cancer; today he shares his testimony with every passenger that gets into his taxi. John Samara shared a prayer request for his co-worker who'd been kidnapped by terrorists in the Middle East. God answered those prayers before his episode was aired on VOM Radio. Susi Childers told us the story of meeting Nigerian widows learning to forgive and pray for their persecutors. Listen to how Susi shared God's love for these women through jewelry. Brother Enfu told us how church leaders are still being trained in China, in spite of Communist Party restrictions, and gives us a specific way to pray. When VOM met Pastor Pan and members of the Mayflower Church, they had fled China and were seeking asylum in Thailand. Following the broadcast of that episode, church members were granted entry to the US. After hearing brief excerpts of these powerful interviews, you'll want to go back and listen to the entire conversations! Click the links below to listen online or find VOM Radio on your favorite podcast app. Brother Maksud, pastor who grew up in a Muslim family in Central Asia Pastor Hanna, Leader of Christian Mission to Gaza Sister Jane, whose husband was killed in the Middle East Susane Geske, martyr's widow still serving in Türkiye Anita Smith. Her husband, Ronnie, was martyred in Libya Saul and Ezra Pett, whose missionary parents were killed in Uganda Brother Mansour, Leader in the Iranian Bible Society Dr. Hormoz Shariat, President of Iran Alive Ministries John Samara, Founder and Executive Director of Ananias House Susi Childers, serving in Youth With A Mission (YWAM) through photography Brother Enfu, pastor of an underground Chinese church Pastor Pan, leader of the Mayflower Church, which fled China We are thankful to God for allowing VOM Radio to share these inspiring stories in 2023. We also THANK YOU for listening and praying for our persecuted family. Please share this episode with a Christian friend, and leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app to help other Christians find VOM Radio. During the month of December, when you make a donation to support persecuted Christians in China, Iran, Nigeria and other nations, you will receive a FREE 2024 VOM Prayer Calendar.

Join this week in looking back on some of the most moving moments on The Voice of the Martyrs Radio in 2023: Brother James, interrogated in the Middle East, shares how he overcomes fear and gives an example of God's deliverance. Richard and Jeannette remember the day 25 Chinese police raided their apartment, and how the Lord was with them through their suffering. Carter Gates tells the story of a pastor who was martyred in Laos. A pastor in the Arabian Peninsula tells his congregation to "be at peace," even as terrorists with guns raid their service. Jonathan Ekman shares the supernatural result. Aaron Miller tells of visiting persecuted Christians in North Africa and intentionally being present with brothers and sisters who have gone through traumatic persecution experiences. Dr. Eric Foley says the church in North Korea is continuing to grow—in spite of being in one of the most restricted nations on earth. Fouad Masri shares how Muslims are more open to the gospel than ever before and a how the Lord had gone before him to prepare for an encounter with a Muslim on an airplane. Brother Shakir, a gospel worker in North Africa, tells the power of suffering for Christ. Also recorded on the road in North Africa, Pastor Joe shared a story of a couple who each accepted Christ without the other knowing—until they were invited to the same Christian meeting! Ben and Kimberly, serving Christ in South Asia, have seen what the Lord has done to bring His Kingdom on earth in the very place where they prayed for God's church to be built. After hearing these brief excerpts, you'll want to go back and listen to the entire conversations. Click on the links below to listen in your favorite podcast app or visit VOMRadio.net. Brother James, a faithful gospel worker in the Middle East Richard and Jeannette, interrogated in China while serving Christ Carter Gates, VOM's Asia Pacific Regional Leader Jonathan Ekman, VOM's Chief of International Ministry Strategy and Partnerships Aaron Miller, VOM's VP of International Ministry Dr. Eric Foley, Founder and President of VOM Korea Fouad Masri, Founder and President of Crescent Project Brother Shakir, serving in North Africa and preparing believers for persecution Pastor Joe, a gospel worker in North Africa Ben and Kimberly, serving Christ in South Asia We thank the Lord for allowing VOM Radio to share these amazing stories of the power of the gospel and God's peace in the midst of persecution throughout 2023. We also THANK YOU for listening and praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters in hostile nations and restricted areas. During the month of December, when you make a donation to support persecuted Christians in China, Iran, Nigeria and other nations, you will receive a FREE 2024 VOM Prayer Calendar. If you haven't already, please subscribe to the podcast and share VOM Radio with Christian friends who would also be encouraged by these testimonies!

"We are ready and prepared to be imprisoned. We are not afraid of being imprisoned. But we are afraid of losing the fear of the Lord." —House Church leaders in China Bob Fu, founder, and president of ChinaAid, is regularly in contact with Christians all over China. He says that, in an era of harsh government restrictions and a complete lack of religious freedom, churches are still being planted and leaders continue to baptize new believers in China. Author of God's Double Agent, Bob sheds light China's new "patriotic education" law instigated earlier this year by Xi Jinping and the Communist Party – including its mandate for Chinese living overseas. He will also discuss protests that broke out across Chinese universities early in 2023 as young people displayed their discontent with the government. Communist Party leaders continue to sweep their Christian persecution under the rug, categorizing the arrest of pastors and Christians as "illegal business activity" or financial fraud rather than violating religious regulations. As the government continues its tight reign over technology, they have removed Bible apps to eliminate access to God's Word. In spite of these efforts, ministries including The Voice of the Martyrs continue to deliver Bibles into the hands of Chinese believers. Listen as Bob shares updates on Pastor Wang Yi, serving a 9-year prison sentence, and Pastor Pan, who recently moved to America with his Mayflower Church congregation. Bob will also share a letter from Pastor John Cao, serving a 7-year sentence in prison, in which he writes, "Please rejoice for me. Jesus has died on the cross for me. It is my utter joy to be imprisoned for my Lord." As you pray for Chinese Christians like Pastor Wang Yi, John Cao, and others who are imprisoned, ask the Lord to sustain them through the Holy Spirit. Pray for their persecutors to find hope in Jesus. As they go through intense persecution, pray they would continue to fear the Lord above everything. Listen to Bob Fu's previous conversations on VOM Radio. During the month of December, when you make a donation to support persecuted Christians in China and other nations, you will receive a FREE 2024 VOM Prayer Calendar. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast. Or you can listen each week—and get daily reminders to pray for persecuted Christians—in the VOM App for your smartphone or tablet.

Discover how Christians in China, Myanmar, and other restricted nations are finding unique ways to gather for worship under the radar of authorities. Learn about outdoor church meetings in public parks disguised as workouts, a young Christian imprisoned in Myanmar now sharing the gospel, and the adaptability of the church in China. Explore the importance of preparation for persecution, the significance of fellowship and training, and the challenges faced by A3 in equipping leaders.

For ten years, Shakir heard his Christian friend and his Muslim friend discuss, debate and argue about their different faiths. Shakir tried to ignore their discussion; he didn't want to get involved. After all those years, Shakir was shocked when his Muslim friend told him that he had become a Christian. Shakir urged him to reconsider and return to Islam—but as his friend shared about the things that led him to follow Christ, Shakir himself began to consider that Jesus might indeed be the Way, the Truth and the Light. Brother Shakir struggled to grasp the idea that God would come in flesh, show himself and save from sin. Comparing the principles of Islam against the Bible revealed the character of God to Shakir and the truth of God's Word. Seeing in the Bible Christ's personal display of God's love ultimately led Shakir to follow Christ. "That day I was saved," Shakir said, "I was free, and I was really happy and filled with the Holy Spirit." Just like Shakir tried to sway his Muslim friend back to Islam, friends and family tried to convince him to renounce his faith. The most difficult pressure came from Shakir's own mother. Shakir remembers her demanding, "Me or Christ. You have to choose." Shakir did not deny Jesus. Today, Shakir knows those he witnesses to and leads to Christ will face trials. New believers are encouraged by hearing the experiences of persecuted Christians like Shakir; their stories prepare young-in-faith Christians to stand up under pressure and persecution. Shakir also shares how we can pray for the church in North Africa, and for his family and ministry. During the month of December, when you make a donation to support persecuted Christians like Shakir, you will receive a FREE 2024 VOM Prayer Calendar. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcastOr you can listen each week—and get daily reminders to pray for persecuted Christians—in the VOM App for your smartphone or tablet.

Pastor Raymond Koh, forcibly abducted and missing for 7 years. His wife, Susanna, shares the emotional journey and her relentless pursuit for justice. Despite threats, Raymond remained devoted to his faith. The family's unwavering faith has allowed them to forgive the kidnappers. A discussion on the abduction, investigation updates, and hopes under the new government. Susanna's traumatic experience at the police station and her search for answers. Finding strength and hope in the Bible amidst suffering.

Susi Childers has served with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) for more than two decades, using her photography skills to open doors to communicate the love of Christ to people all over the world. Listen this week as Susi describes the impact of Loren Cunningham, YWAM's founder who recently graduated to heaven, on her life and on encouraging her to use her gifts more fully to further the gospel. She'll also share some of the personal qualities that made Loren such an impactful and visionary leader. Susi will also share highlights from a recent trip to Nigeria, where she ministered to widows of Christians killed in northern Nigeria by Boko Haram or by Islamist militants from within the Fulani tribe. With more than 223 million people, Nigeria is the most populous country on the African continent. It is also a young country: 70% of the people are under 30. Susi believes that reaching the people of Nigeria with the gospel can be a key to reaching millions more all across the African continent. A YWAM training school in southern Nigeria is a refuge for widows and orphans, providing them with a place to heal, as well as six months of training and discipleship. Many of the widows desire to go back to northern Nigeria, in spite of the loss they suffered there, to advance the gospel and live out their faith in Christ. With her camera in hand, Susi went to visit and meet the widows and their children. Night after night, she awakened to hear singing and found, in the wee hours of the morning, these women gathered to read the Bible and pray for their persecutors. "It was a holy place," Susi said. "God hears the suffering of each individual day and night. He's challenging us to carry a little piece of His heart." Listen as Susi shares how God led her to take donated jewelry with her on this visit to Nigeria, and how God used that jewelry to remind these widows of His abiding love for them. Susi and her husband, Paul, have both previously been guests on VOM Radio. Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the podcastOr you can listen each week—and get daily reminders to pray for persecuted Christians—in the VOM App for your smartphone or tablet. You can give online to support VOM's ministry to the persecuted church here.

Listen as Pastor Joe shares the struggles many new Christians in North Africa face when they believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Yet, people in the region are coming to Christ like never before! Christians in North Africa often pay a huge price for following Christ. They are rejected by family, lose jobs and face other forms of persecution when they tell others of their faith in Jesus. Many of these persecuted Christians don't know how each day will end. They rely on the Lord for strength and hope, despite their fear. Listen as Pastor Joe shares the story of a young woman in his congregation who was overjoyed to share her new faith with her family. But when she did, she was beaten and thrown into the streets. Her own mother told her, "I would rather know that my daughter became a prostitute than a Christian." Pastor Joe encourages listeners to not flee from danger and potentially miss blessings and service that God has planned for us. He reminds us that Jesus came to earth knowing He would suffer. He says that, as a Christian, we should also know that persecution will come. Hear the story of one young man who encouraged other believers until the final moments of his life. In addition, Joe shares of a married couple who kept their faith a secret from each other—until they ran into each other at a Christian meeting! Pray God would call believers in North Africa to stay in their communities and serve. Pray Pastor Joe and his family will remain faithful to the Lord and His calling on their lives and for continued protection over their ministry. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcastOr you can listen each week—and get daily reminders to pray for persecuted Christians—in the VOM App for your smartphone or tablet. You can give online to support VOM's ministry to the persecuted church here.

"I could've lived and worked in that country my whole life and not seen the fruit that we are seeing now." That fruit was planted in sacrifice. From the time she was a little girl, Jane wanted to live overseas to spread the gospel. When she met her husband, he had the same missions mindset and a heart for Muslims after he was impacted by 9/11. Jane says her husband enjoyed living in the Middle East, immersing himself in the culture and, most importantly, living his dream of witnessing to people who'd never heard about Jesus. Listen as Jane remembers the day her husband was killed, and how she prayed immediately afterwards. "God used His grace to sustain me through that time," she says. "He really brought me through those initial days." Jane will share how they worked to disciple Muslims even before they became believers in Jesus—demonstrating with their lives what it looks like to follow Him. Jane sees how God used their family's sacrifice to advance His kingdom. "God used my husband's death to catapult His plans and purposes for that nation and the people there." As ordinary people who loved the Lord and lived out God's calling for their life, Jane says being obedient and knowing you're in God's will is the greatest joy you can experience. She's had times of wrestling with her loss and asking God why but says one way she works through those times is to focus, with her children, on things they can be thankful for. This weekend features a special opportunity to pray for our persecuted family as we commemorate the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians. Churches around the world will mark a special emphasis on praying for persecuted Christians. Take time to pray with your church, family, or Christian friends. Pray our persecuted brothers and sisters remain firm during trials, have opportunities to own their own Bible, and continue to share the gospel no matter the cost. You can download free IDOP resources at www.VOMRadio.net/IDOP to be inspired and find specific ways you can pray. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast. Or listen each week—and get daily prayer reminders—in the VOM App for your smartphone or tablet.

Brother Bob has been connected to gospel work in North Africa for more than 20 years. He says government persecution of Christians in the region tends to come in cycles, but pressure and persecution of Christians by their own family members is common. But even in the midst of family persecution, Christians have a chance to demonstrate the reality of the gospel. "If believers persevere and continue to be a light," Bob says, "most of the time their family eventually accepts them. And in many cases, others in the family come to know Christ." Listen for the story of how a Muslim wife showed great displeasure after her husband accepted Christ—but was eventually won over by the consistent, Christ-like love he showed her. Local people in North Africa have many fears: bad omens, the fear of spirits, or fear of the future. The absence of fear is one of the marks of Christians in the region and often draws others to learn more about Christ. After working among Muslims for more than two decades, Bob says Christians who love and listen are more effective in sharing the gospel than those who criticize Islam or start a religious debate. He points to the model of Jesus' interaction with the woman at the well. Bob will share how he prepares new believers to spread the truth of Christ, to walk alongside others in their difficulties and to withstand persecution when it comes. Listen as Bob gives practical ways we can be like Christ and tells how our persecuted brothers and sisters are living that out. Bob will also equip us to pray for Christians in North Africa. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast. Or listen each week—and get daily prayer reminders—in the VOM App for your smartphone or tablet.