Persecution Blog

Step Carefully

Each month VOM produces "The Jesus Freaks Minute," a daily radio-PSA that shares the stories of the persecuted church with Christian radio listeners all over the United States and around the world. Here's the script for one of the spots that will air this month, a spot entitled, STEP CAREFULLY:

[LYRICS:]  What will people think when they hear that I’m a Jesus Freak?  What will people do when they find that it’s true? 

[TOBYMAC:]  Hey, this is TobyMac with truth every Jesus Freak should hear from the Voice of the Martyrs.

[VOM:]   Decades ago, Richard Wurmbrand, the founder of The Voice of the Martyrs, watched a new crop of inmates arriving at a prison gate.

A murderer, sentenced-to-life, stood in chains also sizing up the new arrivals.  The criminal recognized one of the recently convicted men.  It was his son.  The younger man glared at his father, “Was it for this that you brought me into the world?”

The hardened criminal dropped his head.  He could not speak.

Wurmbrand summed up the lesson:  “Be careful of your steps. You will not be the only one to walk in them.”  For ways to follow the steps of Christ, go online to persecution.com.

[YOUR TURN:] Are there ways you are intentionally choosing steps that you hope your children will follow? Share how in the comments to this post.

Photo credit: Vintage beauty II - Radio by monogatari via Flickr. Used under Creative Commons license.

Bad For Good

Each month VOM produces "The Jesus Freaks Minute," a daily radio-PSA that shares the stories of the persecuted church with Christian radio listeners all over the United States and around the world. Here's the script for one of the spots that will air next month, a spot entitled Bad For Good.

 

[LYRICS:]  What will people think when they hear that I’m a Jesus Freak. What will people do when they find that it’s true. 

[TOBYMAC:]  Hey, this is TobyMac with truth every Jesus Freak should hear from The Voice of the Martyrs.

[ANNOUNCER:]   In Genesis, Chapter 50, Joseph told his brothers not to dwell on their past evil deeds. He said, “You meant to harm me, but God intended it for good.”

God’s ability to exchange evil for good is a common theme in scripture. Ruth is widowed, but she marries Boaz and becomes part of the messianic line. Stephen is stoned and fearful followers of Christ scatter, which spreads the gospel far and wide. Jesus is crucified, rescuing the world.

Today, The Voice of the Martyrs sees how persecuted Christians expect God to overturn the plans of Satan. Is that your attitude?  For more, go online to persecution.com.

 

Photo credit: Vintage beauty II - Radio by monogatari via Flickr. Used under Creative Commons license.

Jesus Freaks Radio: The End of Matthew

Each month VOM produces "The Jesus Freaks Minute," a daily radio-PSA that shares the stories of the persecuted church with Christian radio listeners all over the United States and around the world. Here's the script for one of the spots that will air next month, a spot entitled simply, Matthew.

[LYRICS:]  What will people think when they hear that I’m a Jesus Freak?  What will people do when they find that it’s true?

[TOBY MAC:]  Hey, this is TobyMac with truth every Jesus Freak should hear from the Voice of the Martyrs.

[VOICE OVER:]   We know the beginning of Matthew’s story.  Chapter two of Mark’s gospel describes how Jesus notices Levi sitting at the tax collector’s booth.  When Jesus says, “Follow me,” Levi  — soon to be called Matthew — follows immediately.  But do you know how his story ends?  After writing the gospel bearing his name, Matthew travels to Ethiopia teaching and performing miracles with the king’s approval.  But, in 66 AD, a heathen takes the throne.  King Hytacus has Matthew arrested, nailed to the dirt, and beheaded.  Another apostle who followed Jesus to the very end.  For more from VOM, go online to persecution.com.  

[YOUR TURN:] Did you know that history tells us that 11 of Jesus' 12 Apostles died a martyr's death? How does their example challenge you? Share in the comments to this post.

Photo credit: Vintage beauty II - Radio by monogatari via Flickr. Used under Creative Commons license.

Rightly Handling the Word of Truth

Each month VOM produces "The Jesus Freaks Minute," a daily radio-PSA that shares the stories of the persecuted church with Christian radio listeners all over the United States and around the world. Here's the script for one of the spots that will air next month, a spot entitled New Year Resolve:

[LYRICS:]  What will people think when they hear that I’m a Jesus Freak.  What will people do when they find that it’s true. 

[TOBYMAC:]  Hey, this is TobyMac with truth every Jesus Freak should hear from the Voice of the Martyrs.

[TODD:]  With the New Year, many of our neighbors will make bold resolutions such as “eat healthy,” “get out of debt,” or “quit smoking.”  All worthy goals.

But what might be a worthwhile resolution for those who claim Christ as savior?

Consider Second Timothy, chapter two, verse 15:  “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”  That kind of resolve is seen every day around the world by The Voice of the Martyrs.  Christian workers standing before God. Unashamed.  And speaking truth.

For examples, go online to persecution.com.

[YOUR TURN:] What are your New Year resolutions? What are you doing to prepare yourself to "rightly handle the word of truth" in 2015? Share your thoughts in the comments to this post.

Photo credit: Old Radio Player by terry Cheah via Flickr. Used under Creative Commons license.

God's Handiwork

Each month VOM produces "The Jesus Freaks Minute," a daily radio-PSA that shares the stories of the persecuted church with Christian radio listeners all over the United States and around the world. Here's the script for one of the spots that will air next month, a spot entitled God's Handiwork:

[LYRICS:]  What will people think when they hear that I’m a Jesus Freak.  What will people do when they find that it’s true?

[MICHAEL TAIT:]  Hey, this is Michael Tait with truth every Jesus Freak should hear from The Voice of the Martyrs.

[TODD:] Richard Wurmbrand, founder of The Voice of the Martyrs, shared a memorable image to explain why we can trust God’s perspective:  Imagine a boy sitting on a small stool and looking up at his mother's embroidery.

From that point of view, he sees a confusing zigzag of knots and loose threads. Then his mother tilts the embroidery hoop so he can see and appreciate the beautiful design.

In the same way, Pastor Wurmbrand said, we “must stop looking at the wrong side of things and lift our hearts” to heaven.  Then we can look down and see God’s perfect design for our lives.

For more on how to gain a heavenly perspective, go online to persecution.com.

[YOUR TURN:] In the comments to this post, share about a time God changed your perspective and allowed you to see how "knots and loose threads" was really part of His perfect plan for you.

Photo credit: Photo by Andrew Walsh via Flickr. Used under Creative Commons license.

Jesus Freaks: Put To The Test

Each month VOM produces "The Jesus Freaks Minute," a daily radio-PSA that shares the stories of the persecuted church with Christian radio listeners all over the United States and around the world. Here's the script for one of the spots that will air next month, a spot entitled Put To The Test:

 [LYRICS:] What will people think when they hear that I’m a Jesus Freak? What will people do when they find out it’s true?

[TOBYMAC:] Hey, this is TobyMac with truth every Jesus Freak should hear from The Voice of the Martyrs.

[VOM:] Saying you trust Jesus is one thing. But have you ever really been tested? C.S. Lewis wrote, “You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth of falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you. It is easy to say you believe a rope to be strong and sound as long as you are merely using it ot cord a box. But suppose you had to hang by that rope over a precipice. Wouldn’t you then first discover how much you really trusted it?”

Today, the faith of Christians living in restricted nations is continually put to the test. What about you? For more challenges from The Voice of the Martyrs, go to Persecution.com.

[YOUR TURN:] How has your faith in Christ been put to the test? Share your story in the comments to this post.

Photo credit: Vintage beauty II - Radio by monogatari via Flickr. Used under Creative Commons license.

Jesus Freaks: Andronicus

Each month VOM produces "The Jesus Freaks Minute," a daily radio-PSA that shares the stories of the persecuted church with Christian radio listeners all over the United States and around the world. Here's the script for one of the spots that will air next month, a spot entitled ANDRONICUS:

[LYRICS:]  What will people think when they hear that I’m a Jesus Freak.  What will people do when they find that it’s true.  

[TOBYMAC:]  Hey, this is TobyMac with truth every Jesus Freak should hear from the Voice of the Martyrs.

[VOM:]  When you make a pledge, do you follow through?  Is your word a solemn vow?

In 303 A.D., Andronicus was whipped, tortured, and thrown to wild beasts.  This is the vow he made and kept to the governor at Cilicia: “Do your worst.  I am a Christian.  Christ is my help and supporter, and thus armed I will never serve your gods nor do I fear your authority or that of your master, the Emperor.  Commence your torments … and make use of every means your malignity can invent, and you shall find in the end that I am not to be shaken from my resolution.”

For more solemn vows from real martyrs, go online to persecution.com.

Source: Jesus Freaks, Page 146

Jesus Freaks: How NOT to Pray

Each month VOM produces "The Jesus Freaks Minute," a daily radio-PSA that shares the stories of the persecuted church with Christian radio listeners all over the United States and around the world. Here's the script for one of the spots that aired this month, a spot entitled DON'T PRAY:

[LYRICS:]  What will people think when they hear that I’m a Jesus Freak?  What will people do when they find that it’s true?

[TOBYMAC:]  Hey, this is TobyMac with  truth every Jesus Freak should hear from the Voice of the Martyrs.

[VOM:]  Jesus taught us to pray.  But he also taught us how not to pray.  In Matthew, Jesus said, “don’t pray on street corners so you can be seen by others.”  And also, “do not use meaningless repetition” as the heathen do.

The Voice of the Martyrs has also heard from persecuted pastors around the world of ways not to pray.  A pastor in Israel said, “Don’t pray for my protection; [instead] pray that I will understand what God is trying to teach me.”

A Vietnamese pastor said, “Don’t pray that our border will be opened.  Pray that heaven will be opened.”  For more on making your prayers powerful, go online to persecution.com.

Please share in the comments where you've heard the Jesus Freaks Minute radio broadcasts.

Jesus Freaks: Prepare For Battle

Each month VOM produces "The Jesus Freaks Minute," a daily radio-PSA that shares the stories of the persecuted church with Christian radio listeners all over the United States and around the world. Here's the script for one of the spots that will air next month, a spot entitled Prepare for Battle:

[LYRICS:]  What will people think when they hear that I’m a Jesus Freak.  What will people do when they find that it’s true.

[TOBYMAC:]  Hey, this is TobyMac with truth every Jesus Freak should hear from the Voice of the Martyrs.

[VOM:]  You know the scripture passage that challenges believers to resist the enemy by putting on the full armor of God:  the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and Sword of the Spirit.

But the very next verse doesn’t instruct you to charge into battle.

Instead Ephesians 6:18 says  -- quote – “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

Did you hear that?  We are to prepare for battle and then pray.  For more on prayer – including how to get your own 2014 VOM Prayer Calendar -- go to persecution.com.

Write: "Jesus Loves Them"

Each month VOM produces "The Jesus Freaks Minute," a daily radio-PSA that shares the stories of the persecuted church with Christian radio listeners all over the United States and around the world. Here's the script for one of the spots that will air next month, a spot entitled Wurmbrand on Forgiveness:

[LYRICS:]  What will people think when they hear that I’m a Jesus Freak? What will people do when they find that it’s true?

[TOBY MAC:]  Hey, this is TobyMac with  truth every Jesus Freak should hear from the Voice of the Martyrs:

[TODD:]  Richard Wurmbrand, founder of The Voice of the Martyrs, saw the martyrdom of many Christians in Kenya in the late 60s. He quotes one wife standing near the grave of her husband.  She said, “My husband asked me to tell all his murderers that he goes to heaven loving everybody whole-heartedly.  He has forgiven all, because Jesus loves them.”

Inspired by that widow, Wurmbrand suggested we all make a “written list of all who have ever wronged you.  Write over it in large letters, ‘Jesus loves them.’  Then burn the list and forgive them once and forever.”

[YOUR TURN:] How do you forgive when it seems impossible to do so? How hard is it to see those who've wronged you through the lens of Jesus' love for them?