VOM Radio

What do our brothers and sisters in Central Asia face in walking out their faith in Christ? A hard path filled with loss and persecution—but also a path filled with joy! Aaron Miller oversees VOM’s work there, and he’s just back from meeting with and hearing the testimonies of our persecuted family there about how God’s Kingdom is advancing even in small steps, one conversation or one taxi ride at a time.

Listen to hear specific types of persecution that Christians in Central Asia face, and ways VOM is standing with them—and in some cases has stood with them for years.

You’ll meet Rebekah, whose husband was martyred for his faith years ago, and who now says that the hard path of losing her husband has opened the door for even greater ministry in her nation—especially to women who’ve experienced loss and hardship.

One of those Rebekah is ministering to is Rachel. Listen to hear why getting a driver’s license was a major accomplishment for Rachel—and how it is already improving her, and Rebekah’s, ability to minister for Christ.

Lydia is the widow of a pastor. Her family is trying to get her to marry a Muslim man. it's an offer she has repeatedly refused, even though in her culture it is very difficult for a single mother. Listen to hear specific ways you can pray for Lydia and her children—and what the support of Christians around the world has meant to her.

Hear the story of a second-grade boy boldly sharing about Jesus with classmates and friends—even though he lives in a restricted nation where such talk can lead to trouble.

You’ll hear about Caleb, who was so convicted after he came to faith in Christ that it changed the way he did his work—which ultimately cost him his job as a policeman. Listen to hear how God continues to meet his family’s needs, and how God let VOM play a role in their story—at exactly the right time.

Your faith will be encouraged and you’ll be equipped to pray for our brothers and sisters in Central Asia this week on VOM Radio.

Brad Phillips shares an update on the current situation for Christians in Sudan, including persecution of Nuba Christians along the border with South Sudan. You’ll be inspired by the story of Morris, who paid the fine demanded from the Muslim who attacked his daughter. Morris saw an opportunity for the gospel instead of taking an opportunity for revenge or anger.

You’ll be challenged as you hear how the gospel is advancing in Sudan in spite of persecution and threats, and equipped to pray for our Sudanese family members as they boldly share the gospel.

You can hear Phillips’ previous visit on VOM Radio here.

Hear VOM staff member Petr Jasek share about his 14 months in prison in Sudan here.

In the midst of his persecution, Dmitry “David” Shestakov remembered Christ on the cross, and determined in his heart that if Christ suffered willingly, David also would persevere through his time of suffering.

As a young man, David was a criminal and a drug user. His mother’s desperate prayer—even though she was an atheist—led to Shestakov surrendering his life to Christ. Once surrendered, he immediately began to tell others about Jesus. He knew, early on, that such witness would be costly.

Listen to hear how God used letters written by VOM readers on www.PrisonerAlert.com to bless and protect David while he was in prison in Uzbekistan—even saving him from being beaten by guards. You’ll also hear how the Uzbek government tried to add years to his sentence, but God miraculously moved and David was released, as he says, “like a Scripture came to life.”

David will also help us pray for Christians currently in prison, and for their family members.

Joe Handley leads Asian Access, a ministry to train and equip church leaders—including many working in countries where Christians face persecution for their faith.

Listen as Joe shares the process used to train leaders, and the special challenges of raising up leaders prepared to endure and thrive in spite of persecution and hostility. Joe will also talk about how the principles taught translate across cultural boundaries from country to country, equipping leaders to boldly follow Christ and serve His people. Finally, Joe will equip us to pray for these leaders, as well as the ministry of Asian Access.

Don’t forget: the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is coming up November 4. Get free resources from VOM to help your church pray.