TuYang, a 32-year-old tribal Christian in Laos, remains firm in his faith despite persecution from his family and village. When his older brother, a police officer, found out that TuYang and his wife had come to faith in Christ in 2021, he became angry and began a campaign of persecution. He encouraged his extended family and the village to cut off TuYang, his wife and their children. Even so, TuYang and his wife have brought nine families to Christ.
Founded by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, The Voice of the Martyrs has been dedicated to assisting persecuted Christians worldwide since 1967—through practical and spiritual assistance and leading other members of the body of Christ into fellowship with them. Voice of the Martyrs Radio is the weekly radio outreach of the ministry. Host Todd Nettleton interviews courageous Christians in countries where the gospel is opposed or banned altogether. These brave believers share their stories of how lives are being changed around the world.
Founded by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, The Voice of the Martyrs has been dedicated to assisting persecuted Christians worldwide since 1967—through practical and spiritual assistance and leading other members of the body of Christ into fellowship with them. Voice of the Martyrs Radio is the weekly radio outreach of the ministry. Host Todd Nettleton interviews courageous Christians in countries where the gospel is opposed or banned altogether. These brave believers share their stories of how lives are being changed around the world.
In April, we asked VOM Radio listeners to sponsor Bible delivery to Christians living in restricted nations and hostile areas. This week, Ty Scott, VOM’s Regional Leader for East and Southern Africa, tells us about the work and effort involved in actually placing Bibles into the hands of Christians living in cities and villages in Sudan, Tanzania, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Statistically, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Tanzania are majority-Christian nations. Yet each has communities where almost every person is a Muslim. How is the gospel spreading in such places? And how are new followers of Christ treated by their families and the wider Islamic community? Ty will share about family persecution in Comoros, a country we’ve never discussed on VOM Radio, where Christians comprise only tenths of a percent of the population. Listen as Ty and VOM Radio Host, Todd Nettleton, discuss places where ethnic identity and Islam are completely intertwined. As gospel workers share the hope of Christ in those places, they don’t ask people to leave their ethnicity but to fulfill what God would have them be. Hear the amazing testimony of a young man who brought his father, an imam (Islamic prayer leader), to faith in Christ, and how the gospel brought many into Christ’s kingdom through his father’s witness. Ty will also share specific ways you can pray for Christians in eastern and southern Africa. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as providing free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.
Hussein finds strength in community with other Christians after familial rejection for his faith. Hussein came to faith in Christ 20 years ago after experiencing him in a dream and was soon baptized. Since then, Hussein has faced opposition for his Christian faith. He was kicked out of his village, his property was taken from him and his wife left him. He has also been ridiculed by his family and isolated from his children, all of which negatively impacted Hussein's wellbeing. "The rejection and discrimination Hussein went through resulted in some level of trauma and depression in his life," his pastor said.
Wahid was persecuted by his family to the point of mental instability but still seeks Christ. A former Muslim, Wahid had a cousin who became a follower of Christ and shared the gospel with him. On hearing the gospel explained, Wahid became convinced of its truth and placed his trust in Christ. But when Wahid's family discovered his conversion, they locked him inside an unused tomb, causing him to lose his sanity. When he emerged, they forced him to deny Christ, which he did and afterwards fell into a coma-like state.
Waqas, a Christian who worked at a paper factory, was attacked at work for refusing to reject Christ. When a Muslim supervisor asked him to renounce his faith and embrace Islam as the "true religion," Waqas responded, "I do not need to change my religion. I have the living God." Waqas was told that if he converted, his life would be easier, but his mother encouraged him to stand firm. "You have Jesus, who is the truth and the life. Therefore, do not worry and just focus on your work," she said.
In a community-based culture like Afghanistan, it’s difficult to hide one’s faith. When an Afghan commits to following Christ, it’s not long until those around him or her notice a difference. This creates an opportunity for gospel witness. Or for Christian persecution. Author John Weaver, long-time gospel worker in Afghanistan, joins VOM Radio this week to update listeners on that nation and how Christians are faring since the Taliban retook control of the government in 2021. John explains how a new Christian’s family and tribal background often influence what type of persecution they face, and how their persecutors may come from multiple levels: their own family members, tribal leaders and/or the Taliban government. Despite these challenges for believers, ministry, evangelism and discipleship are still happening in Afghanistan—and among Afghans all around the world. Through careful, prayerful conversations Afghan Christians are planting gospel seeds, always aware that every person they share with could become their brother in Christ, or their persecutor. Pray Afghan Christians have wisdom and discernment about these conversations and whom they can trust to share their love for Jesus.