VOMRadio

CHINA: Prisoner’s Wife Speaks

January 06, 2017 17:59 - 28 minutes - 32.6 MB

Her husband is currently in prison in China. His legal work representing Christians and other oppressed people was considered a “threat” by China’s government, and today he’s serving a five-year prison sentence. But “Sister Wong” refuses to be silenced. This week on VOM Radio she shares her story, including how her husband advised her to pray when she was finally able to visit him in prison. His prayer request wasn’t for himself, but for the church in China. She also shares some of the passag...

Moving Moments of 2016: part 2

December 29, 2016 23:02 - 28 minutes - 32.6 MB

This week we continue looking back on some of the most impactful testimonies shared with us this year on VOM Radio. We’ll hear how God reached into the home of the police chief in a Southeast Asian village—even as the police chief was fighting against the gospel. We’ll hear from former prisoner Bob Fu what it means to a prisoner when he or she knows that Christians are praying for them. Sean will tell us how God used VOM to help save the life of an evangelist in Bangladesh after he was brutal...

Moving Moments of 2016: Part 1

December 23, 2016 00:00 - 28 minutes - 32.6 MB

This week we look back on some of the most impactful testimonies shared with us this year on VOM Radio. We’ll hear from Dale Rhoton of Operation Mobilization—one of the first Westerners to visit VOM’s founder, Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, after Richard’s release from prison in Romania. We’ll hear how God used a nameless woman walking along a road in Kenya to grab the heart of an American woman, Jami Staples, to reach Muslims for Christ. We’ll hear from Bob and Kasey, who left behind an American-...

Tibet: “I’m with You Always”

December 16, 2016 22:32 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

In one of the most-listened-to episodes of VOM Radio from 2016, “Sister Amber” shares how Christ was with her even as she was being tortured and abused in Tibet. After more than a decade in Tibet, Amber watched as God orchestrated a great ministry breakthrough: people who'd been totally closed to the gospel message were now asking to learn more about Jesus. But just days after that breakthrough Amber experienced persecution as police came pounding on her door. Listen as she tells the story, i...

North Korea: “No Room for Fear”

December 09, 2016 22:39 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

In one of the most-listened-to episodes of VOM Radio in 2016, Australian John Short shares the story of his detention in North Korea. He was repeatedly interrogated. He was forced to write a “confession” of his “crimes,” including the offense of wanting more North Koreans to follow Jesus. But if God called him today, Short would happily go back. Mr. Short shares this week on VOM Radio how God strengthened him during his captivity, the Scriptures and earthly examples that most encouraged him, ...

Turkey: Getting Past the Fear

December 02, 2016 22:38 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

“Pastor Tim” leads a church in Malatya, Turkey—a church which almost ten years ago saw three of its members martyred for their faith in Christ. This week we’ll hear how that loss affected the church and how God has moved in Malatya in exciting ways in the past 10 years. We’ll also hear an update on how one of the martyr’s families continues to serve the Lord in that city—and even to love the murderers. Tim will also update listeners on the overall situation for the church in Turkey, especiall...

Persecution: “Christ Meets Them There”

November 23, 2016 21:30 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

Dr. Sasan and Dr. Mehrdad are providing theological training for church leaders in Iran through PARS Theological Centre (http://www.parstheology.com/). It is a challenge even to connect with students in a closed Muslim nation, let alone train them up to lead churches and withstand persecution. Listen to hear some of the unique challenges of training leaders in the context of persecution, where Christians often wonder who they can trust. We’ll also look at some of the blessings that come to th...

Missions: “You Can Do This!”

November 18, 2016 22:59 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

“Steve” and “Mai” left behind the American Dream to serve God in Southeast Asia—a place Mai had left decades before as a refugee and said she’d never return to. But God began to call them, and Steve and Mai submitted to His will. It wasn’t easy, especially leaving children and grandchildren in the United States to move to Asia. But as God opened each new door, Steve and Mai said “yes” to His plan. God led them to set up a simple recording studio with used equipment they purchased on eBay. Ste...

“All Over the Muslim World”

November 11, 2016 22:59 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

Ali Sassi is a Tunisian man who always accepts a challenge. So when a Christian friend challenged him to demonstrate when and how the Bible had been changed (which nearly all Muslims believe has happened), Ali accepted the challenge. He figured he’d read the Bible for an evening and be able to demonstrate the changes. Instead he spent two years reading and studying, and at the end of that time he was convinced that the Bible had NOT been changed, and that Jesus IS the Son of God. His decision...

Hannelie: “Peace Came Over Me”

November 04, 2016 21:52 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

In the second half of our conversation, Hannelie Groenewald recalls the day her husband and two teen-aged children were killed by the Taliban in Afghanistan. She tells us which Psalm she read over and over again as she waited to hear whether her family was alive or dead, and the amazement of Afghans at her ability to forgive the Taliban murderers. Hannelie shares hard-earned truth with listeners who may be struggling to forgive someone who has wronged them, and talks about her future and G...

Hannelie: “God Prepared Me”

October 28, 2016 22:05 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

When Hannelie Groenewald and her family left their comfortable home in South Africa to serve on the front lines in Afghanistan, they knew the danger. But God’s call was clear, and they went in spite of the risk. Hannelie became not only wife and mom, but also teacher and doctor and cook in a country that isn’t known for welcoming foreigners—especially women. As time passed, God strengthened her faith, even if He didn’t answer all her questions or prayers. She didn’t know the extent of the sac...

Missions: “Are You Willing to Be Willing?”

October 21, 2016 22:03 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

“Bob” and “Kasey” were living the “American Dream.” Bob retired from a good job, but in retirement he began to experience what he calls a “Holy discontent.” He felt God calling him to lay everything on the altar. Bob and Kasey began to pray, committing themselves to do whatever God asked of them. Today they are ministering in Central Asia, training believers to dig deep into the Scripture and to reach more people for Christ. Yes, there have been sacrifices. But they say Jesus is worth every s...

Iran: “It’s Love that Preaches”

October 14, 2016 21:41 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

God is at work in Iran! Nazanin works in a call center for Mohabat TV, one of our VOM partners broadcasting the gospel into Iran and surrounding nations via satellite TV and internet. Each day Nazanin and her team take calls from inside Iran. Many are from Muslims who want to know more about Jesus and even commit their lives to following Him. Other callers are Muslims who want to argue against the Christian message or convert the call center workers back to Islam. Some are even threatening an...

Southeast Asia: Jesus Was with Me

October 07, 2016 21:51 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

Dr. Sid Webb and Dr. Jason Peters just returned from Southeast Asia, where they met with persecuted Christians in Vietnam and Laos. They heard first-hand about the persecution Christians in these nations face, and also saw how God is doing amazing things in that region. They’ll share how authorities in Laos prevent Christians from advancing in their education or getting jobs simply by refusing to stamp “the family book.” Hear about a secret Christian training center hiding in plain sight in V...

Muslim Ministry: “When We Pray”

September 30, 2016 21:17 - 28 minutes - 32.6 MB

“There is something astounding happening right now” in the Muslim world, says Jami Staples, Director of Women’s Training for Crescent Project (http://www.crescentproject.org). Muslims are coming to know Jesus Christ! Not just a few, but thousands! Listen this week as Jami shares the story of an American woman reaching out electronically to Muslim women living in a restricted nation. Hear how God is working among Muslims—even through the miraculous—and how Christians simply living out their li...

“Love Opens Every Door”

September 23, 2016 21:05 - 29 minutes - 33.6 MB

Jami Staples works with Crescent Project (http://www.crescentproject.org) to train American women to reach out to Muslims—right here in the US. Listen as she shares how God grabbed her heart for Muslim women, using a veiled woman whose name she’ll never know walking across an East-African roundabout. In just a moment, God changed Jami’s heart and life forever. What are the two themes Jami hears in every testimony of a Muslim woman coming to faith in Jesus? You’ll hear stories of women who eve...

Middle East: “We Have to Apply What Jesus Said”

September 16, 2016 22:17 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

“Brother Sam” is a gospel worker in the Middle East, where part of his ministry is reaching out with help to refugees displaced by ISIS from Iraq and Syria. By helping with practical needs—shelter, education, medical aid—Brother Sam and other Christians have the opportunity to share the gospel and introduce Muslim refugees to Jesus Christ. Such work comes with risk and threats, but Sam tells us that persecution creates “a healthy environment for the Lord to work.” And God is working! Listen t...

Middle East: “God Is Shaking Things Up”

September 09, 2016 21:49 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

“Brother James” works to reach Muslims and train believers to plant churches in the Middle East, a place where choosing to follow Christ comes with a high cost. This week he shares with us how God is shaking things up in that region—both inside the church and inside the hearts of Muslims—to spread the gospel and draw more Muslims to Christ. James will also share the challenges of his work, and how he and his Operation Mobilization coworkers identify those God is calling to the difficult, some...

China: We Are Light and Salt

September 02, 2016 19:25 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

Bob Fu is a former prisoner for Christ in China. He is also the founder and president of the China Aid Association and one of the most knowledgeable and widely-heard voices speaking out on behalf of persecuted Christians in China. This week Bob will share with us about an ongoing crackdown against Christians and churches in China, a crackdown that includes Christians in prison, church buildings destroyed and even Christian children prevented from pursuing their education. But Bob will share ...

Reaching Muslims: “Love Always takes the Initiative”

August 26, 2016 21:16 - 30 minutes - 36.2 MB

“Brother Mark” works among Christians in the Middle East and North Africa, training new believers and equipping them to reach out and win Muslims to Christ. This week he’ll share stories of what new believers face after leaving Islam—often starting with persecution from their own families. He’ll talk about witnessing to Muslims and equip listeners to answer some of the questions Muslims may ask about Christianity and the Bible. Finally, Mark will talk specifically about some of the nations of...

Laos: “I’m Willing to Die”

August 19, 2016 21:40 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

Her husband was the village police chief, the man responsible to make sure no more people in the village became Christians. And now she had chosen to follow Christ! Her husband pressured her to renounce her faith; then he beat her. Then he threatened her life. “I’m willing to die,” she answered. That’s just one of the stories you’ll hear this week from Brother Sionh, the voice of the Khmu Christian radio broadcast in Southeast Asia. He’ll also share the great need for leaders within the rapid...

Turkey: “This Is Our Reality”

August 12, 2016 16:45 - 30 minutes - 34.8 MB

Imagine seeing three of your best friends murdered for their faith in Christ. Brother Gokhan experienced that loss, living in Malatya where three Christians—all part of his church—were murdered. Today Gokhan is a part of Sat-7 TURK, sharing the gospel across the nation via satellite television. He tells us that risk is a part of sharing the gospel in Turkey. “We need to be sacrifice people,” he says. But he reminds us that the power to endure persecution doesn’t come from us, it comes from Go...

VOM Interns: “A Daily Choice”

August 05, 2016 15:11 - 28 minutes - 32.6 MB

Julia and Sam are two of the college students who served as interns this summer at VOM. Listen in as they share some of their experiences, and what they’ve learned—both professionally and spiritually—during their two months of service. How will they be different when they go back to their college campuses? What have their duties been at VOM, and what did they learn about VOM’s ministry that surprised them? We’ll also share details about VOM’s intern program for next year, and how to apply if ...

Eritrea: How Do We Understand the Cross?

July 29, 2016 19:59 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

Dr. Berhane spent 11 months in prison for his Christian faith and work; he watched friends and fellow prisoners led away to execution. But he also saw God’s hand at work as fellow prisoners accepted the gospel message and turned their hearts toward Christ. Dr. Berhane tells us what God taught him through dark days of suffering and how he prepared himself to face persecution. Finally, he’ll update listeners on the current situation for believers in Eritrea and share specific ways to pray for t...

Iran: “We Have a Big Family”

July 15, 2016 22:16 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

What does it mean for Christians in prison to get letters from Christians around the world? It means that they are part of a family, and they are not forgotten. In Part 2 of our interview with Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh they share more of the story of how God used them inside Iran's notorious Evin Prison, where they spent 259 days. Listen as they share the heartbreak of seeing children born in prison and later taken from their mothers. Maryam and Marziyeh share how their t...

Iran: “In Love with Jesus”

July 08, 2016 21:52 - 28 minutes - 36.2 MB

Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh were bold evangelists in Iran, sharing their faith and distributing Bibles in that Islamic nation. Their evangelism work caught the attention of the authorities, and the two women ended up in Iran’s notorious Evin Prison, where they spent 259 days. But even in prison, Maryam and Marziyeh saw God’s hand at work, providing for them and allowing them to be witnesses for Him. “We experienced in prison how we should trust God and how we should trust H...

Richard Wurmbrand: Prison Preaching

July 01, 2016 21:03 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

Merv Knight is one of the longest-serving members of VOM’s worldwide family, having met VOM founder Richard Wurmbrand on the first day of August in 1969. Merv shares this week stories of the Wurmbrands, how they ministered both under persecution and after coming to the free world, and some of the challenges they faced launching a ministry to serve persecuted believers around the world. Merv also shares testimonies from some of the many persecuted Christians he’s met during more than 45 years ...

Middle East: Gospel Hunger

June 24, 2016 20:56 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

VOM Radio host Todd Nettleton recently travelled to meet with persecuted Christians in the Middle East. This week he shares highlights from the trip and stories of some of the Christians that he had a chance to meet, including a former prisoner in Iran, a pastor working with refugees from Iraq and Syria and a Turkish believer who shared the challenges of raising children in an overwhelmingly-Islamic culture. Todd and Dr. Jason Peters also discuss the importance of praying for Muslims during R...

Cuba: Help Us Remain Faithful

June 17, 2016 21:26 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

The United States and Cuba have diplomatic relations after more than 50 years of animosity. President Obama recently visited Cuba. But has anything changed for the church or for Cuban Christians? Pastor “Jose” is a Cuban church leader, and he’ll share this week a reminder that Cuba is still a communist nation and that our Christian brothers and sisters there are still persecuted. But Jose also has exciting news: Cuba’s Christians are not afraid of the government or persecution and they are bo...

Muslim Refugees: Gospel Opportunity

June 10, 2016 22:05 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

“John” and “Mary” are working among Muslim immigrants and refugees in Europe, sharing the love of Jesus with people from a particular nation. Their work includes contacts with both long-term European residents and new refugees fleeing the crisis in the Middle East; each group requires different approaches when presenting the gospel. Listen as John and Mary share stories from their work—including the unique way God prepared Mary as a teen-ager to work among Muslims—and some common characterist...

Missions: His Love Compels Us

May 27, 2016 15:59 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

“Brother John” helps lead the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. He has served as a missionary in Muslim nations, and today is involved in recruiting and sending mission workers to the hardest and most unreached places in the world. Listen as Brother John shares the challenge of sending workers into harm’s way, what motivates him to keep sending even after some workers are martyred, and the joy of seeing God move in Muslim nations. John also shares thoughts on how...

Bangladesh: A Living Testimony

May 13, 2016 18:38 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

Brother Sean oversees VOM’s work in South Asia. As he prepared for a recent trip to Bangladesh, word came that a pastor there had just been martyred for his Christian witness. Listen as Sean discusses his thoughts as he went to meet members of that pastor’s family and the challenges they and other families of martyrs still face each day. You’ll also be encouraged and amazed by the story of “Stephen;” he was shot in the face, stabbed and had his throat slit, but survived to continue preaching ...

Pakistan: When You Carry a Cross

May 06, 2016 16:25 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

Brother “Samuel” leads a media ministry in Pakistan, reaching out to Muslims with the gospel of Christ. It isn’t always a popular message: Samuel has been threatened, his staff has been beaten and his office has been attacked. Charges under Pakistan’s blasphemy law are a constant threat. But God is at work! Muslims are accessing ministry resources and meeting Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Listen as Samuel shares the challenges of serving Christ in Pakistan—“anything can happen at any time”—an...

Martyr’s Widow: Grace to Forgive

April 29, 2016 16:37 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

Semse Aydin’s husband, Necati, was one of three Christian men martyred for their faith and ministry in Turkey. The next day, on national TV in Turkey, Semse offered forgiveness to her husband’s killers, along with the widow of one of the other martyrs. Listen this week as she shares how the Holy Spirit enabled her to forgive, and how God has sustained her and her two children since she gave Necati to Jesus. You’ll also hear how Necati dealt with family members who were still Muslims, and how ...

Iran: “Let the World Know”

April 22, 2016 21:32 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

The Islamic Republic of Iran is the home of the fastest-growing church in the world. Thousands of Muslims there are choosing to follow Christ. Dr. Mike Ansari leads a movement called Heart 4 Iran, a movement to reach more Iranians with the gospel message of Christ’s love. Mike was born into an Iranian Muslim family, but his mother came to faith in Christ and was radically transformed, ultimately changing her entire family. Today Dr. Ansari broadcasts the gospel message into Iran, where people...

Tibet: “I Never Felt Jesus So Close”

April 15, 2016 19:04 - 30 minutes - 36.3 MB

This week Sister “Amber” shares the rest of the story of her imprisonment and torture in Tibet, including how God ministered to her in the hardest moments of her suffering. You’ll hear how she was eventually released, and the way God showed her that her persecution wasn’t the end of the story. You’ll also hear how God laid on the hearts of people around the world to pray for Amber, including one who drew a picture of Amber and the policemen in the interrogation room. Months later, when Amber ...

Tibet: “I Could Only Rely on Jesus”

April 07, 2016 21:27 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

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 pe...

“The Insanity of God”

April 01, 2016 15:52 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

Nik and Ruth Ripken went to Africa as missionaries. They experienced great works of God, and also great hardship and loss. Malaria almost killed them. Four Christian friends were killed on one day in Somalia. Their 16-year-old son died suddenly. Amidst such loss and suffering, they wondered, “Is Jesus for the tough places?” Seeking an answer, Nik and Ruth travelled the world to sit down with Christians faithfully enduring persecution. They went not as teachers but as students, asking simply t...

North Korea: “I Simply Trusted the Lord”

March 24, 2016 22:08 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

The last two weeks on VOM Radio we’ve heard from John Short, the Australian Christian detained in North Korea in 2014 after leaving gospel tracts outside a Buddhist temple. This week we hear another side of the story, from John’s wife, Karen, who was at home in Hong Kong dealing with the media, praying for her husband and receiving encouragement from all over the world. Listen in as Karen shares: How God ministered to her during John’s detention How she and John stayed connected through...

North Korea: Faith or Fear?

March 18, 2016 16:51 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

Australian John Short was detained inside North Korea after leaving gospel tracts near a Buddhist temple. He was facing years in prison—but he wasn’t afraid. “Fear and faith cannot exist within my heart at the same time,” he says. In this second part of our conversation with Mr. Short, he shares how he prayed—out loud—throughout his captivity, how his captors responded to his faith and how his “letter of confession” and eventual release came about. He’ll also share how, upon landing ba...

Arrested in North Korea

March 11, 2016 20:36 - 28 minutes - 32.6 MB

Australian John Short was taken prisoner in North Korea. He was repeatedly interrogated. He was forced to write a “confession” of his “crimes,” including the offense of wanting more North Koreans to follow Jesus. But if God asked him today, Short would happily go back to "the hermit kingdom." Short shares with VOM Radio how God strengthened him during his captivity, the Scriptures and earthly examples that most encouraged him, and how he managed to take a measure of control back from his c...

I Am N

March 04, 2016 22:32 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

Cole Richards and Jason Peters served as executive editors for a new project from The Voice of the Martyrs: I Am N: Inspiring Stories of Christians Facing Islamic Extremists. This week on VOM Radio they share with us some of the powerful stories of these believers and their faithfulness, and the themes of their stories—Sacrifice, Courage, Joy, Perseverance, Forgiveness and Faithfulness—that inspire each of us in our own walk with Christ. Habila forgave Boko Haram fighters that shot him in the...

Turkey: “Prepare Our Hearts”

February 26, 2016 22:34 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

“Lance” is a gospel worker in the nation of Turkey, a nation where 99.8% of the almost-80-million people are Muslims. This week on VOM Radio, Lance shares some of the challenges he faced in moving to a Muslim nation, building relationships and reaching out with the gospel. Lance also helps train students and others to impact the Muslim world for Christ, and he’ll share some of the most important qualities needed to work effectively among Muslims. He’ll also encourage listeners with ways we ca...

China: Persecution “Part of the Package”

February 19, 2016 23:10 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

For Christians in China, persecution is just “part of the package” for those who follow Christ. Dory, part of VOM’s newsletter staff, just returned from China, where she met Christians who face arrest and imprisonment for following Jesus Christ. In fact, one of her meetings with a pastor had to be cancelled because the pastor was arrested before she could meet him. Dory found Christians who are not surprised by suffering, and in fact prepare to face it. She’ll share about her visit to China a...

Dale Rhoton: “God Is Able to Triumph”

February 12, 2016 22:40 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

How would you respond to the person who betrayed you to the authorities, leading to 14 years in prison? Richard Wurmbrand’s response was simple: “We all make mistakes.” Dale Rhoton, co-founder of Operation Mobilization, joins us again this week on VOM Radio to share about his visits with VOM founders Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, including a walk with Richard when they met the man who had betrayed Richard, leading to his arrest. Dale also shares thoughts and advice for those sensing a call to...

Dale Rhoton: “Total Commitment to Jesus”

February 05, 2016 22:57 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

As a young man, Dale Rhoton was invited to join a prayer meeting to ask God to move across the nations. The young man that invited him was George Verwer; later the two would help send thousands of young people into gospel work around the world through Operation Mobilization (OM), the ministry they founded. On one trip taking Christian literature from Europe to the Middle East, Dale and his team stopped in to visit a Romanian pastor who’d just been released from prison: Richard Wurmbrand. Dale...

Iraq: Strongholds Being Shaken

January 29, 2016 21:51 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

Dr. Jason Peters and VOM Radio host Todd Nettleton just returned from meeting Christians and delivering aid in northern Iraq. This week they’ll share about the Christians they met, many of whom have been displaced by the advance of ISIS over the past 18 months. They’ll also talk about some of the ways VOM is helping these Christians, including the launch of a new effort inviting American believers to prepare a medical first-aid kit to give to these displaced Christians. They’ll share other wa...

China: Prison Prayers

January 22, 2016 16:06 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

For the first few days after Bob Fu was arrested for his Christian work in China, his prayers were pretty simple: “Lord, get me out of here!” He even prayed that God would punish his interrogators for persecuting God’s children! But as days passed, Bob saw that God had a ministry for him in prison, and his prayers changed. Instead of praying only to be released, he asked God to USE HIM while he was in prison. And God answered his prayer. Today Bob is the president of the China Aid Association...

Earthly Suffering, Eternal Fruit

January 15, 2016 16:57 - 28 minutes - 34 MB

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

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