Persecution Blog

Top 8 in 16: #6

In the remaining days of 2016 we'll look back on the most-viewed posts on Persecution Blog in 2016, including a post that is more than 10 years old but is still one of the most-read posts on the blog! Today we look at #6, sharing two different responses from readers to this year's IDOP story:

"What They did Was Unconscionable"

By now you know of VOM’s 2017 IDOP video called Hannelie and have read the October newsletter with her story.

A couple of weeks ago, Andrea H. wrote to us after she read the story in the newsletter:

Hello. I am stunned by this month's cover story of Hannelie and am particularly interested if there are others who are utterly in shock that these two people would endanger their children. I believe what they did is unconscionable; if they were in the United States, they would have had their children removed from their custody. How dare these people put those vulnerable kids in harm’s way. I'm absolutely blown away by this irresponsible act, as well as your tacit approval of all of it.

What did you think? Did you feel the same way Andrea did? Did Hannelie and her husband make an irresponsible choice regarding their children?

On the other hand, Bob S. wrote us this note:

When my wife and I watched the DVD Hannelie, I got depressed. I realized that in my quiet time or during a good sermon or rousing Christian song, I was like Peter and ready to “risk my life for Jesus,” but when faced with a situation like distributing Bibles as a Gideon in Chicago–the murder capital of America for over two years–I was chicken at the thought of what might happen.

Well, yesterday, I went into Chicago with other Gideons in a pretty safe neighborhood and all I suffered was indifference at the offer of a free Bible–plus many were open to accepting the Lord. Pray that Friday I will be a credit to His name and be willing to endure whatever may come when we venture into a place a lot less threatening than the people you support.

Sincerely in His service,

Bob S.

P.S. Keep sending out testimonies like Hannelie.

Bob had a completely opposite response to Hannelie’s story. Her story inspired him to take more risks in sharing the gospel, even in a dangerous part of America. Is it foolish of Bob to take that risk? Please join us in praying for Bob as he shares Christ through the Chicago area, and that his work will result in much fruit.

I’ve written before about trying to bring my young children up by praying for our persecuted family and with the knowledge that persecution could come to us. And if the Lord calls us to Afghanistan, to Saudi Arabia, to North Korea, I would take them with me. Jesus promised us persecution. He said that his message would divide families, and he said that no sacrifice was too great for him.

What about you? Are there some sacrifices that are too great?

Dory P. grew up the daughter of missionaries in Ecuador, met her husband while working with another mission organization, and now lives in Oklahoma. Their family of four shares seven passports. Dory helps tell the stories of the persecuted through VOM's newsletter, and her husband serves with VOM's international department.

 

By now you know of VOM’s 2017 IDOP video called Hannelie and have read the October newsletter with her story.

A couple of weeks ago, Andrea H. wrote to us after she read the story in the newsletter:

Hello. I am stunned by this month's cover story of Hannelie and am particularly interested if there are others who are utterly in shock that these two people would endanger their children. I believe what they did is unconscionable; if they were in the United States, they would have had their children removed from their custody. How dare these people put those vulnerable kids in harm’s way. I'm absolutely blown away by this irresponsible act, as well as your tacit approval of all of it.

What did you think? Did you feel the same way Andrea did? Did Hannelie and her husband make an irresponsible choice regarding their children?

On the other hand, Bob S. wrote us this note:

When my wife and I watched the DVD Hannelie, I got depressed. I realized that in my quiet time or during a good sermon or rousing Christian song, I was like Peter and ready to “risk my life for Jesus,” but when faced with a situation like distributing Bibles as a Gideon in Chicago–the murder capital of America for over two years–I was chicken at the thought of what might happen.

Well, yesterday, I went into Chicago with other Gideons in a pretty safe neighborhood and all I suffered was indifference at the offer of a free Bible–plus many were open to accepting the Lord. Pray that Friday I will be a credit to His name and be willing to endure whatever may come when we venture into a place a lot less threatening than the people you support.

Sincerely in His service,

Bob S.

P.S. Keep sending out testimonies like Hannelie.

Bob had a completely opposite response to Hannelie’s story. Her story inspired him to take more risks in sharing the gospel, even in a dangerous part of America. Is it foolish of Bob to take that risk? Please join us in praying for Bob as he shares Christ through the Chicago area, and that his work will result in much fruit.

I’ve written before about trying to bring my young children up by praying for our persecuted family and with the knowledge that persecution could come to us. And if the Lord calls us to Afghanistan, to Saudi Arabia, to North Korea, I would take them with me. Jesus promised us persecution. He said that his message would divide families, and he said that no sacrifice was too great for him.

What about you? Are there some sacrifices that are too great?

Dory P. grew up the daughter of missionaries in Ecuador, met her husband while working with another mission organization, and now lives in Oklahoma. Their family of four shares seven passports. Dory helps tell the stories of the persecuted through VOM's newsletter, and her husband serves with VOM's international department.

Kenya: Churches Coping With Terror

Recently a team from VOM's sister mission in Holland, SDOK, visited northern Kenya. While there, they visited a church in Garissa that was the sight of an attack by radical Muslims in 2012. Here is their video report from the church:

Second Part of Harvest Show Interview

VOM's Todd Nettleton was a guest for two days last week on The Harvest Show, broadcast around the world by LeSEA Broadcasting. We shared the first portion of his interview on the blog last week. Click below to watch the second day of his interview:

Listen to Todd's interview with Hannelie Groenewald at www.VOMRadio.net. 

"What They did Was Unconscionable"

By now you know of VOM’s 2017 IDOP video called Hannelie and have read the October newsletter with her story.

A couple of weeks ago, Andrea H. wrote to us after she read the story in the newsletter:

Hello. I am stunned by this month's cover story of Hannelie and am particularly interested if there are others who are utterly in shock that these two people would endanger their children. I believe what they did is unconscionable; if they were in the United States, they would have had their children removed from their custody. How dare these people put those vulnerable kids in harm’s way. I'm absolutely blown away by this irresponsible act, as well as your tacit approval of all of it.

What did you think? Did you feel the same way Andrea did? Did Hannelie and her husband make an irresponsible choice regarding their children?

On the other hand, Bob S. wrote us this note:

When my wife and I watched the DVD Hannelie, I got depressed. I realized that in my quiet time or during a good sermon or rousing Christian song, I was like Peter and ready to “risk my life for Jesus,” but when faced with a situation like distributing Bibles as a Gideon in Chicago–the murder capital of America for over two years–I was chicken at the thought of what might happen.

Well, yesterday, I went into Chicago with other Gideons in a pretty safe neighborhood and all I suffered was indifference at the offer of a free Bible–plus many were open to accepting the Lord. Pray that Friday I will be a credit to His name and be willing to endure whatever may come when we venture into a place a lot less threatening than the people you support.

Sincerely in His service,

Bob S.

P.S. Keep sending out testimonies like Hannelie.

Bob had a completely opposite response to Hannelie’s story. Her story inspired him to take more risks in sharing the gospel, even in a dangerous part of America. Is it foolish of Bob to take that risk? Please join us in praying for Bob as he shares Christ through the Chicago area, and that his work will result in much fruit.

I’ve written before about trying to bring my young children up by praying for our persecuted family and with the knowledge that persecution could come to us. And if the Lord calls us to Afghanistan, to Saudi Arabia, to North Korea, I would take them with me. Jesus promised us persecution. He said that his message would divide families, and he said that no sacrifice was too great for him.

What about you? Are there some sacrifices that are too great?

Dory P. grew up the daughter of missionaries in Ecuador, met her husband while working with another mission organization, and now lives in Oklahoma. Their family of four shares seven passports. Dory helps tell the stories of the persecuted through VOM's newsletter, and her husband serves with VOM's international department.

IDOP Video Available

Nov. 6, 2016, is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). VOM invites you to request your free IDOP video, Hannelie, on DVD or by direct download.

When Hannelie and her family left their comfortable home in South Africa to serve on the front lines in Afghanistan, they knew the risks. But they wouldn’t deny God’s call. This year’s IDOP video from VOM retells her family’s story of faithfulness and sacrifice amid those hostile to Christ.

 

Hannelie’s inspiring testimony challenges each of us to consider what we are willing to risk to share His love in an increasingly hostile world.

VOM is offering unique resources for you to share with your church or group. Request your free DVD to share with your pastor, your church, your Sunday School class or your small group today!

Torchlighters: Not Just For Kids

Torchlighters DVDs, produced by Christian History Institute and The Voice of the Martyrs, introduce today’s kids to the lives of heroes of our faith. The DVDs’ animated 30-minute features teach children the true stories of bold believers who came before us.

But did you know that the DVDs also include feature-length documentaries about the heroes?

The newest Torchlighters DVD, The Martin Luther Story, has been released just in time for the 500^th anniversary of Luther’s 95 theses. The animated segment, teacher’s guide, and student handouts on the DVD help teachers and parents explain the story behind the Protestant Reformation.

The 90-minute documentary on the DVD, Luther — His Life, His Path, His Legacy, includes informative interviews with historians and scenery from the region where Luther lived, interspersed with clips from the movie Luther.

The documentary with the Torchlighters Corrie ten Boom Story DVD includes World War II film footage, a demonstration inside Corrie’s house of how the “hiding place” sheltered Jewish guests, audio clips of Corrie speaking, and interviews with Corrie’s assistant.

The Samuel Morris Story is the true account of a young African “missionary to North America.” The accompanying documentary tells the story of Morris’s remarkable journey from Africa to New York, and how he led many Americans to Christ before his death in 1893 at the age of 20.

Torchlighters DVDs are available at vombooks.com. Teasers for the DVDs and downloadable lesson plans can be found at torchlighters.org and kidsofcourage.com.

You’re never too old to be inspired!

(Note: Please preview Torchlighters animated features and documentaries before sharing them with children.)

VOM’s Kids of Courage resources help parents and educators teach children ages 5 to 13 about persecuted Christians. The resources provide opportunities for children to serve and pray for their suffering brothers and sisters around the world.

Praying for Muslims: Tom Doyle

Earlier this month Muslims around the world finished their celebration of Ramadan, the holiest month on the Islamic calendar.

During the final 10 days of Ramadan, The Voice of the Martyrs was one of the ministries involved in a world-wide effort to encourage Christians to pray specifically for a move of God’s spirit to draw Muslims to Jesus Christ during Ramadan. The effort was coordinated by author Tom Doyle and our friends at CBN News, and featured a Facebook Live prayer meeting each evening at 8:38 (EDT) for the last 10 days of Ramadan.

The videos posted have now been watched more than half a million times! Only in eternity will we know how many prayers have been encouraged by this effort, or how many Muslims responded to Christ’s call as a direct result of this prayer effort.

Ramadan has ended, but there is never a bad time to pray for Muslims to come to know Jesus. On the blog we’ll be sharing videos from all of the speakers who were part of this special effort. May each one remind you to continue to pray for Muslims, not only during Ramadan but throughout the year. Tonight's prayer leader is Tom Doyle, author of the book, Killing Christians.

 

You can also hear Tom Doyle's interview with The Voice of the Martyrs Radio here and here.

Praying for Muslims: Hazem Farraj

Earlier this month Muslims around the world finished their celebration of Ramadan, the holiest month on the Islamic calendar.

During the final 10 days of Ramadan, The Voice of the Martyrs was one of the ministries involved in a world-wide effort to encourage Christians to pray specifically for a move of God’s spirit to draw Muslims to Jesus Christ during Ramadan. The effort was coordinated by author Tom Doyle and our friends at CBN News, and featured a Facebook Live prayer meeting each evening at 8:38 (EDT) for the last 10 days of Ramadan.

The videos posted have now been watched more than half a million times! Only in eternity will we know how many prayers have been encouraged by this effort, or how many Muslims responded to Christ’s call as a direct result of this prayer effort.

Ramadan has ended, but there is never a bad time to pray for Muslims to come to know Jesus. On the blog we’ll be sharing videos from all of the speakers who were part of this special effort. May each one remind you to continue to pray for Muslims, not only during Ramadan but throughout the year. In today's video, ex-Muslim Hazem Farraj shares his POWERFUL testimony, reveals the truth about ISIS, and explains why Americans MUST pray for Muslims.

 

 

Praying for Muslims: Fouad Masri

Earlier this month Muslims around the world finished their celebration of Ramadan, the holiest month on the Islamic calendar.

During the final 10 days of Ramadan, The Voice of the Martyrs was one of the ministries involved in a world-wide effort to encourage Christians to pray specifically for a move of God’s spirit to draw Muslims to Jesus Christ during Ramadan. The effort was coordinated by author Tom Doyle and our friends at CBN News, and featured a Facebook Live prayer meeting each evening at 8:38 (EDT) for the last 10 days of Ramadan.

The videos posted have now been watched more than half a million times! Only in eternity will we know how many prayers have been encouraged by this effort, or how many Muslims responded to Christ’s call as a direct result of this prayer effort.

Ramadan has ended, but there is never a bad time to pray for Muslims to come to know Jesus. On the blog we’ll be sharing videos from all of the speakers who were part of this special effort. May each one remind you to continue to pray for Muslims, not only during Ramadan but throughout the year. Today's prayer leader is Fouad Masri, the founder and leader of The Crescent Project.

 

 

 

Praying for Muslims: George Thomas

Earlier this month Muslims around the world finished their celebration of Ramadan, the holiest month on the Islamic calendar.

During the final 10 days of Ramadan, The Voice of the Martyrs was one of the ministries involved in a world-wide effort to encourage Christians to pray specifically for a move of God’s spirit to draw Muslims to Jesus Christ during Ramadan. The effort was coordinated by author Tom Doyle and our friends at CBN News, and featured a Facebook Live prayer meeting each evening at 8:38 (EDT) for the last 10 days of Ramadan.

The videos posted have now been watched more than half a million times! Only in eternity will we know how many prayers have been encouraged by this effort, or how many Muslims responded to Christ’s call as a direct result of this prayer effort.

Ramadan has ended, but there is never a bad time to pray for Muslims to come to know Jesus. On the blog we’ll be sharing videos from all of the speakers who were part of this special effort. May each one remind you to continue to pray for Muslims, not only during Ramadan but throughout the year. Today we'll share the video from CBN News anchor George Thomas: