Persecution Blog

Faithfully Following God’s Voice

Recently, a few of us from The Voice of the Martyrs had the pleasure of visiting a long-time VOM supporter. 100-year-old Edna Bealle has been supporting VOM for 25 years.

Edna had eyes that twinkled and a charming, crooked grin and a confidence that can only come from knowing you are well-acquainted with the King.

We wanted to honor Edna with our visit and hoped it would not affect her health, but she surprised us with her spry mental health and a heartfelt trust in the Lord. She truly lives out the words to the song, “Wherever He leads, I’ll go.”

We honored Edna that day with a signed print of a painting by Ron DiCianni called Safely Home. The image shows a tired traveler on his knees resting his weary, bruised body against the Savior while an angel stands to the side ready to give the white robe of welcome to the pilgrim.

As we unwrapped the gift, Edna’s eyes focused on the painting, and she faintly said, “That is beautiful!” She was visibly pleased.

Then she told us her story: she said that listening to the Lord’s voice always leads us home — in this life as well as to our eternal home. Though she’d gone to church all her life, it wasn’t until Edna was 59 years old that the message of the gospel became real to her. From then on, Edna determined to live her life fully for the Lord.

About 30 years, ago, she and her husband were living in Maryland. When her husband began having some health issues, they began to wonder if an assisted living facility might be the best option for them. She told her husband, “We have to sell the house. I can’t take care of you by myself anymore. The Word says, ‘The steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord,’ so let’s pray about this.”

A brochure arrived in the mail one day, from a facility in Oklahoma. In Edna’s mind, that was too far away. However, her husband kept coming back to the brochure. One day, he decided they would go for a visit. They agreed ahead of time that they would not make a decision during the visit. However, after a few days in Oklahoma, Edna’s husband surprised her when he asked the president of the facility, “Where do we sign?” The couple returned to Maryland to pack up their belongings and put their house up for sale.

One day the impact of the move hit Edna as she stood in front of the refrigerator. She prayed, “Lord, I don’t want to move to Oklahoma! I will miss my children!”

But she felt him say, “Go. You’ll see more of them if you go than if you stay.”

They obeyed, and just a few years later, one of their sons and his wife ended up moving to Oklahoma.

At one point, Edna received a VOM newsletter and was touched by the stories. The Lord spoke to her again and said, “I want you to give to this ministry.” She’s been faithfully giving ever since.

I asked Edna was made her so committed to sticking with VOM after so many years. She told me, “God is pleased with this ministry. I want to please Him and I want to be a part of whatever pleases Him!” She spoke with a twinkle in her eyes, I think, knowing that just like the painting, when Edna arrives at heaven’s gates, she will receive her eternal reward for her faithfulness.

It was such a blessing to visit with Edna, and such a privilege to be in the presence of one of God’s faithful servants. As she’s passed through life, she kept her eyes on the prize: her eternal reward, the “Well done, my good and faithful servant!” we all hope to hear when we get home. May it be so with every one of us.

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TM is a VOM staff member. She lived for many years in Malaysia and Indonesia before joining the staff at VOM.

Love Preaches to Muslims In Iran

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 and angry.

Listen as Nazanin shares the story of a policeman who picked up the phone in the home of a Christian he'd come to arrest--and how God used that phone call to plant the seeds of the gospel in his life!

Nazanin will give American Christians advice on how to reach Muslims in our country, and specific ways that we can pray for God's work in Iran. You'll be inspired by what God is doing in Iran, this week on VOM Radio.

Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the VOM Radio podcast on iTunes or Google Play Music.

Learning About Serving Persecuted Christians

The VOM mini-terms at Oklahoma Wesleyan University have been some of the best classes I have ever taken. Before going to VOM I did not want to hear about persecution because I did not know what to do with the information and I was confused by the testimonies that I heard. The mini-term class helped me to understand and pray for my persecuted brothers and sisters. I also better understood how to handle the persecution that is going on at my own back door by seeing the example of my persecuted family. Actually getting to serve at VOM, and getting to talk with the field representatives, helped me to understand the meaning of “remembering those in bonds” (Heb. 13:3).

For everything that was included in the tuition it was well-priced, especially if one is taking it for undergrad or graduate credit. Although the work was academically challenging, I appreciated being able to earn three credits in one week, with some pre- and post-course work.  The social dynamic was great too, as I got to interact with college-age students and adults from across the country and around the world, who could share out of their experiences in life. I have made lasting friendships with many of these people. Often Christians feel discouraged and alone in the churches that they are in and the mini-term is an excellent place to meet Christ-centered people and fellowship together and be encouraged that we are not alone in this journey. The professors are great to work with as they teach from the expertise and backgrounds that God has given them. Having the choice of taking the class for audit was also beneficial for people, like my mom, as she could come and learn from the lectures, participate in the activities, and fellowship with believers without needing to focus on an academic grade.

I have been to six mini-terms and each time the course has impacted my life. I have learned about how to have a Biblical response to a secular government, how to understand Christian persecution through church history to the present, how to deal with stress, crisis, and cultural differences on the mission field, looking at pain, suffering, and persecution from God’s perspective, and learning different methods on how to articulate what I believe. Then I got to come back to the mini-term and serve as a teacher’s assistant for one of the classes that I had already taken in order to help other students through the journey that I had the blessing of taking. Besides earning college credit that I was able to transfer to my college, I also earned a certificate from OKWU in the study of persecuted church ministries after completing all the classes.

Whether speaking academically, spiritually or socially, I would highly recommend the mini-term to anyone interested in challenging themselves to identify with their persecuted brothers and sisters.

Written by Hanna S., graduate of the OKWU Mini-Term program from Missouri

You too can study and learn more about ministry to persecuted Christians through Oklahoma Wesleyan University mini-term courses, which include visits to VOM’s Ministry Center and interaction with VOM staff members. Apply now for this December's session, "Global Human Suffering." 

What If You Had Nothing

For more than two years, many ISIS victims have lived in dusty refugee centers without basic hygienic and medical necessities. Some live in tents, others in broken or makeshift buildings. Because of their forced relocation, these families often suffer injuries and unsanitary living conditions, but we have found a practical way to help during their time of great need. Imagine families like this receiving a care package from fellow Christians that included bandages, soap and other necessities. This is a concrete way we can serve our brothers and sisters.

The Voice of the Martyrs has collected more than 5,000 Family Med Packs this year to help meet the needs of Christians living in refugee camps in places like Iraq, Syria, Sudan and Nigeria, but the demand from the field is still great. Family Med Packs filled with simple items such as medical tape, gauze, soap, bandages and toothbrushes do more than meet physical needs. They serve as a tangible reminder to our persecuted brothers and sisters that they are not forgotten.

SEND A FAMILY MED PACK

Fleeing Christians have little time to gather supplies when they are forced from their homes by terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS). Some arrive at refugee camps with little more than the clothes on their backs.

When you provide a Family Med Pack, you are sending much-needed help to persecuted Christians in refugee centers. You can order bags to fill yourself or sponsor packs that VOM will fill for you. Show your love for the body of Christ to those who have sacrificed all to follow Him.

SPONSOR A FAMILY MED PACK

Hear a VOM Radio interview about delivering the first Family Med Packs to Christians in the Middle East.

VOM's Jason Peters on National Radio Program - Part 1

VOM’s Dr. Jason Peters appeared this week as a guest on The Dr. Meg Meeker Show on Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk. The discussion involved VOM’s book project, I Am N, and how Christians facing Islamic extremism are serving Christ boldly in hostile and restricted nations around the world. Here is part 1 of their discussion:

Listen to the program here.

Wonderful!

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? ....If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,’ even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” – Psalm 139: 7, 11-12

“Isn’t it wonderful?” The chapel speaker’s enthusiasm was infectious as he moved from one side of the stage to the other. He was excited about the work in his country, passionate about reaching the lost, and beaming with the joy of the Lord. If we did not hear his words, we might completely miss that he was talking about our persecuted brothers and sisters.

As we interns prepare to leave VOM, I worry that I will lose the enthusiasm I’ve picked up from being around believers who as fervent about serving the Lord as the chapel speaker. If my enthusiasm is for ministry itself, grounded on people with and for whom I work, then yes, it will fade. People will disappoint me and forget me. I will fail them and forget them. The positive outlook on life that this internship has helped me develop will die when I am separated from the people I have met at VOM. That is, it will if I base my enthusiasm on them.

If, however, I base my focus, energy, and confidence on Jesus, my enthusiasm may wane, but it will never die, as Christ never dies. The hope of a living Savior dispels fear of losing the intimacy with Him and the passion for Him that He has blessed me with this summer. Although I will leave VOM, my Savior is always with me. Since the only proximity and interaction necessary to continue my enthusiasm for Jesus comes from Jesus Himself, I will never lose it so long as I cling to Him.

We interns will return to our colleges after a summer that surpassed our expectations and hopes. We’ll leave the VOM office, but we will continue to approach the throne of God. The nearer we come, the greater He becomes. The joy of knowing Him increases as He draws us closer. Firmly grounded in Jesus Christ, we take with us the stories of our persecuted brothers and sisters, awe-inspiring evidence of the Lord dwelling among His people, to share who our God, Creator, Sustainer, Savior, and Friend truly is: He is our hope and He is our love.

And isn’t He wonderful?

–Soli Deo Gloria: glory to God alone.

J.G. Spires is a college student studying English and Broadcast Media on the east coast. She grew up in a Christian family and came into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ while in middle school. Over the years, the Lord has developed in her a passion for His people and His Word. Her goal is to write for the edification of the Church and the evangelization of the lost. She loves being outside, writing fictional short stories and serving the Church.

First Loved

“We love because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 (ESV)

Why do I love Jesus? As we interns volunteered at a VOM Advance conference this past weekend, an idea struck me that has become one more reason why I love the Savior.

What does “first loved” that John discusses look like? During the first session of the conference, a story about Muslim who heard the gospel especially caught my attention. Not knowing Christian expressions like hallelujah, the man proclaimed, “Allahu akbar! [God is great]” He startled the congregation, as the Arabic phrase is used by suicide bombers just before detonation. But the Lord startled me with a thought: regardless of the man’s limited knowledge, Jesus knew and loved his heart.

Jesus knows the hearts of His people and the hearts hardened against Him. He is not threatened by human ferocity or resistance. Humans fight Him, curse Him, mock Him, hate Him, and butcher His children with actions and words, yet He loves us. The man who can forgive one who persecutes His children certain does love. Though I’d just get angry at evil people, Jesus is so merciful and loving that He woos them.

His mercy and forgiveness don’t come from a lack of caring for His children. In fact, out of the extravagance of His care does He deliver justice while showing mercy by being the payment for all who call on His Name.

At the conference, I realized that I love Jesus Christ because He loves sinners—not sin, but the people He created. From His broken body pours the precious substance all so desperately need: God's eternal love. As I love Him, I, a sinner, simply return what He has given me through the cross. The love I have for Jesus is a droplet from the deluge of His own love. That is how Jesus “first loved” me.

J.G. Spires is a college student studying English and Broadcast Media on the east coast. She grew up in a Christian family and came into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ while in middle school. Over the years, the Lord has developed in her a passion for His people and His Word. Her goal is to write for the edification of the Church and the evangelization of the lost. She loves being outside, writing fictional short stories and serving the Church.

Front Line Workers Need Your Prayer

“When you face persecution day in and day out, you get discouraged and you can withdraw. There is nowhere where it is easy to preach the gospel.”

–“Rajul,” a VOM-supported front-line worker

Front-line workers accept persecution as part of sharing about Jesus and planting churches. Many have been beaten and arrested for showing the Jesus film or distributing Christian literature.

You can encourage them in God’s work through prayer. Adopting a front-line worker is a promise to pray. You will receive a card with a worker’s name and photo. Your daily prayers will encourage and empower their local ministry.

Rajul oversees a network of more than 5,700 pastors who have shared the gospel in more than 20,000 villages across India. With your support, VOM provides training, evangelistic materials and transportation to better equip many dedicated to advancing God’s kingdom.

“To know so many people are praying for us, and that The Voice of the Martyrs gives us Bibles and support to help us advance the gospel, we are enormously encouraged.”

–“Rajul”

Sign up online to adopt a front-line worker by committing to pray for them for one year.

VOM Interns Share Their Experience

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 God is nudging you toward service as an intern at VOM.

 

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VOM Funds Church Training in Niger

The Voice of the Martyrs recently sponsored 12 conferences in eight regions in Niger, giving 120 churches training and resources to respond to persecution and spread the gospel.

Niger, which is 94 percent Muslim and less than 1 percent Christian, has recently seen an increase in persecution. The conferences, part of a church mobilization program, were conducted in June and addressed equipping church leaders to face persecution, women’s discipleship, strategies for church leadership and ministry, training trainers on story telling for evangelism, educating Christian youth on how to live as Christ followers in an Islamic society, and how to develop discipleship curriculum for local churches.

The conferences took place in Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Maradi, Niamey, Tahoua, Tillabéri and Zinder. In Zinder, the first city attacked January 16 and 17, 2015, 66 pastors and their wives traveled more than 600 miles to attend the conferences.

On Jan. 16, following the publication of a cartoon on the cover of a satirical French magazine that depicted the Prophet Muhammad crying, Muslim protests erupted in French-speaking Niger. Ten people were killed, more than 170 were injured and more than 70 churches were destroyed, along with several Christian schools and organizations.

Following the June conferences, attendees said the conferences had a positive influence on them. Many shared that the training will improve their church planting and evangelism efforts, as well as how they respond to further persecution. The conferences helped them better understand how to be the church in an Islamic country.

Some conferences were delayed by everything from presidential elections to attacks by Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram. Event organizers also overcame issues of security and transportation to ensure the conferences took place.

In Niger, VOM has provided transportation to pastors and aid distribution to churches. We also assisted pastors and churches affected by the January 2015 attacks by providing emergency aid and replacing motorcycles for pastors and church equipment lost in fires.

You can support training for pastors and other Christian workers on the front-lines of some of the most difficult nations on earth.

This story first appeared on www.Persecution.com.