Summary

I share the painful yet transformative experience of losing my beloved wife Bonnie—who gave her life while serving as a nurse for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. In the midst of chaos and grief, I heard the Lord speak to me, planting a seed of forgiveness in my heart. That moment of divine intervention transformed my sorrow into a testimony of God’s unwavering faithfulness. Even as I faced the harsh reality of loss, I chose to forgive those responsible—a decision that has brought profound healing and continues to guide my ministry through Operation Mobilization.

 

Time Chapters

01:14 Bonnie’s Martyrdom
04:12 Taxi Money Panic
06:16 Soldiers’ Rescue
08:32 Divine Seed Spoken
10:07 Cross Image Revelation
12:09 Final Forgiveness Declared
—————– Source —————–

Last week we heard Gary Witherall talk about how God called him and his wife, Bonnie, to serve evangelizing Muslims in the Middle East. In this second part of our conversation, Gary describes the day his wife, Bonnie, was martyred in the clinic where she served Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. Gary talks about hearing God’s voice in that time of grief, and making a conscious choice to forgive his wife’s killers, something he says today is “the greatest gift I’ve ever given anybody.” You’ll also hear about how God has brought fruit from Gary and Bonnie’s sacrifice, and how God is still using Gary today to share His love around the world as he continues to serve with Operation Mobilization. You can learn more about Gary’s story by reading his book, Total Abandon.

Listen to The Voice of the Martyrs Radio online, find the nearest radio station airing VOM Radio, or subscribe to the podcast at www.VOMRadio.net.

Summary

I experienced a miraculous deliverance during a terrifying bus ride in Nigeria. When the Holy Spirit called out to me—urging, ‘Get off this bus right now!’—I obeyed despite the jeers and gunfire. In that split-second decision, I found refuge amid chaos, crawling under trees and through thick bushes while feeling God’s protection surround me. This experience, along with hearing how even former persecutors like Pastor Mohammed have embraced the gospel, has affirmed that my life is truly in God’s hands.

 

Time Chapters

01:28 Introduction Interview
11:35 Holy Spirit Bus Call
14:00 Crawling Under Trees
16:05 Running to Light
17:12 Wife Reunion
—————– Source —————–

Paul felt God speaking to him, and the message was clear: “Get off this bus. Right now!” Paul obeyed, and his obedience saved his life.

Jesus told His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Him. God still calls His children to the uncomfortable, and even the dangerous. Paul, who leads the work of Youth With a Mission (YWAM) in Nigeria, shares this week on VOM Radio how God called him to minister in a difficult and dangerous part of Nigeria—a place where Christian persecution is a constant reality. He’ll also share how God protected him as he answered God’s call—including getting him off of that bus.

Today, many of Paul’s coworkers in gospel work are former radical Muslim persecutors of Christians miraculously transformed by the love of Jesus.

We’ll also hear from Paul Childers, who leads YWAM’s University of the Nations in Kona, Hawaii. Childers offers an encouraging update on what God is doing around the world from his front-row seat to missions work in many nations. He’ll talk about a move of God that’s raising up a generation of people willing to truly take up their cross and follow God’s call to any place on earth, no matter how difficult or dangerous.

Paul Childers has been a guest before on VOM Radio. You can hear that interview here. You can also listen to our conversation with Loren Cunningham, the founder of YWAM.

Summary

In my testimony, I share the unique experience of being imprisoned in Sudan where, despite receiving a 12-year sentence, I found a profound joy in enduring persecution for Christ. Instead of falling into despair, I shed tears of joy—tears that affirmed my belief that suffering for the sake of Jesus is a divine privilege. Through continuous prayer, I discovered that every moment of hardship was an opportunity for spiritual renewal and a reminder of God’s unfailing love. My experience stands as a powerful challenge to believers: even amid severe adversity, God’s presence transforms our trials into testimony and compels us to pray for those who suffer.

Time Chapters

01:00 Prison Life & Tears
05:00 Reflecting on Persecution
10:00 Court Trial & Sentencing
15:00 Global Impact & Prayer
20:00 Release Hopes & Encouragement
—————– Source —————–

In Part 2 of our interview with Pastor Hassan Abduraheem Taour he shares how his heart remained upbeat, even as the judge pronounced him guilty and sentenced him to 12 years in prison. He’ll talk about how reading the Bible is different inside prison than when you’re free. Hassan says he experienced persecution as a blessing from God—a blessing that brought him to weep tears of joy. “It is really a privilege to be persecuted,” he says.

Your faith will be encouraged, and you’ll be challenged to pray for Sudan as you hear Pastor Hassan’s amazing testimony this week on VOM Radio.

Hear Part 1 of our conversation here.

Pastor Hassan was imprisoned with VOM’s Africa regional director, Petr Jasek. You can hear Petr’s side of the story here.

Summary

In my testimony, I share how my husband Andrew’s two-year imprisonment in Turkey became a defining moment of our faith. Despite continual advice for me to leave, I chose to remain by his side, putting my life at risk to support him. My journey with him was filled with struggle, doubt, and despair; yet through daily prayer and unwavering perseverance, I witnessed the power of God’s love and truth shine through even in the darkest moments. This experience not only restored our spirits but reinforced our calling to pray for persecuted believers. My story is a testament to the resilient hope found in Christ even amid adversity.

—————– Source —————–

In 2016, missionaries Norine Brunson and her husband, Pastor Andrew Brunson, were arrested in Turkey. Norine was released 12 days later, but Andrew remained in prison for two years. Norine remained in Turkey throughout his imprisonment to support Andrew and fight for his freedom.

Listen as Norine tells VOM Radio how she helped Andrew battle for his faith and freedom as she watched him suffer and as they both missed significant family events in the United States during Andrew’s imprisonment.

Hear Norine describe the lowest point in Andrew’s imprisonment and how she saw God bring good out of even the darkest days of Andrew’s discouragement and doubt.

Norine also shares with VOM Radio listeners how they can pray for the nation of Turkey as well as for the families of Christians imprisoned because of their faith in Christ.

Listen to the VOM Radio interview with Pastor Andrew Brunson here. You can purchase a copy of Andrew’s book, God’s Hostage, here (affiliate link).

Summary

I work with Voice of the Martyrs—a ministry dedicated to finding and telling the stories of modern-day Christians facing severe persecution worldwide. Over the years, I’ve come to be inspired by diverse testimonies: like the unforgettable account of a missionary whose martyrdom in New Guinea ignited my early passion for Christ; a resilient man from Laos, known as ‘brother fan,’ who led hundreds to the gospel; and the life-affirming experience of Sister Tong, who found unexpected joy and closeness to Jesus even during a harsh prison term in Turkey. I’ve also encountered stories of Turkish martyrs, whose sacrifice underscores the cost of following Christ. Every narrative reaffirms that God’s presence shines brightest in our darkest hours, urging us to pray fervently and spread His word. These experiences have reshaped my own faith and fueled my commitment to reach out—to be a conduit of hope and a witness for Christ, even when facing relentless opposition.

Time Chapters

01:05 Todd Intro & Sponsor
03:05 Stan Lee Dale Inspiration
05:30 Laos Conversion Story
08:58 Sister Tong’s Prison Testimony
14:30 Turkish Funeral Call
19:58 Prayers & Prison Letters
26:58 Global Persecution Reflection
34:58 Empowering Faith Action
40:58 Closing Call to Action
—————– Source —————–

Interview with Todd Nettleton

Todd Nettleton works for Voice of the Martyrs, finding and telling stories of modern-day Christians who are being persecuted and martyred throughout the world.

A widow in Turkey, a Chinese woman who was imprisoned for her faith in Christ, and a new believer in Laos who couldn’t wait to share his faith with others… These are just a handful of the persecuted Christians Todd has interacted with throughout his time with Voice of the Martyrs which have had a deep impact on his own faith.

Show notes and more: https://compelledpodcast.com/25-voice-for-the-martyrs-todd-nettleton/

++++++++++++

Compelled is a weekly podcast with unique stories from the Kingdom of God, told by the people Compelled to live for Him.

These Christian testimonies are raw, true, and powerful. They feature guests from all across the world sharing true stories about how God has transformed their lives. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened.

Support the podcast and listen to episodes 1 week early! https://compelledpodcast.com/become-a-member/?ref=youtube-notes

Tell your friends about Compelled and get swag! https://compelledpodcast.com/share-youtube-notes

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/compelled/id1412479643?ls=1&mt=2

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0OlVOnNAWUGWDs9eWhxWDO?si=hdzHYMTHQ1iFJjjvDAYkKg&nd=1

Subscribe on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21wZWxsZWQubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M

Summary

I share the harsh reality that each year in Pakistan around 1000 Christian girls and women are kidnapped and forcibly married to Muslim men. The victims, ranging from 12 to 25 years old, endure brutal abuse and forced conversion, with families left helpless as local authorities and police collude with kidnappers. I visited one community where a young girl’s suffering and prolonged isolation in her village moved me deeply, urging us to pray for these persecuted believers so that God’s justice, mercy, and transformative love may prevail.

Time Chapters

01:25 Victim’s Abusive Ordeal
02:26 Authorities Fail to Rescue
—————– Source —————–

Around 1000 Christian girls and women are abducted in Pakistan every year. They are forced to marry Muslim men. These victims are aged between 12 to 25 years. But what amazes us is that never a Christian man has gone through such scenario that he was inspired by Islam and embraced it and right after accepting Islam he was helped my Muslim people by handing their daughter, sister or any Muslim women to him so he can marry her and start a new life. But this only happens with the Christian girls that these girls were influenced by Islam and now they are married to Muslim men.

The real numbers of victims are probably more than we can imagine as there are many cases which are not reported to media and police because many victim families lack the financial resources or due to the fear of influential Muslims many cases are not brought forward.

Protecting Persecuted Christians
www.protectingpersecutedchristians.org

#ChristianPersecutionPakistan #forcedconversion #forcedmarriage #ChristianGirlsPakistan

Summary

I grew up feeling utterly abandoned and rejected. My childhood in a Romanian orphanage was marked by deep pain—being left alone, neglected, and even abused by those who were supposed to care for me. I remember the days when my own mother, overwhelmed by her troubles, even tried to end my life by jumping from a tree. Later, I was placed in the care of a relative who showed little love, and the isolation and abuse only deepened my despair. Then, a turning point came when I visited a nearby church. For the first time in years, I experienced genuine warmth and acceptance. The love of the Christian community healed my wounded heart and restored my sense of worth. Today, I testify that God’s everlasting love and mercy brought transformation to my life—even from the depths of pain, He gave me hope. I urge anyone feeling lost or abandoned not to give up, because God’s love is real and He has a purpose for you.

Time Chapters

01:04 Suffering & Rejection
04:08 Finding Church Refuge
06:03 Embracing God’s Love
—————– Source —————–

🟡 * About this story*
Catalin’s childhood was dominated by his time in a Romanian orphanage after his mother abandoned him. Life as an orphan was often cruel. After some time, Catalin met his mother, and she shared with him how she had attempted to end his life by jumping from a tree. Catalin suffered greatly, knowing he had been rejected. Sometime later, child services placed him in the custody of his auntie, and he discovered that she was an unloving and uncaring woman who neglected Catalin. But a turning point came when he visited a nearby Church, where he felt God’s love through the Christian believers who warmly accepted him. God was healing his heart and God was transforming his life.

Catalin assures others that God’s deep, everlasting love also holds a purpose for them. Seek God, and do not give up.

🟡 ** About this channel **
Barnabas Aid is an international aid agency that provides hope and aid for suffering Christians. It aims to support Christian communities, churches, and individuals worldwide who face persecution and discrimination because of their Christian faith. In this way, we witness the love of Christ and build His Kingdom.
Learn more: https://www.barnabasaid.org.

🟡 ** Barnabas Aid Projects **
Did you know? When you specify any project that helps our Christian brothers and sisters, 100% of your donation will go to that project.

🟡 ** About Barnabas Stories **
Barnabas Aid seeks to tell stories that speak to the needs of suffering and persecuted Christians and encourage our worldwide Church family. Watch exclusive content at https://www.barnabasaid.org

🟡 ** About .gives **
.gives is your opportunity to share your food with hungry believers worldwide. It’s like a local food bank, but it’s international, and it’s for poor and persecuted Christians
Get Involved: https://www.barnabas.gives

🟡 Recommend Videos/Playlists:
🎥VIDEO: Why help persecuted Christians? | Barnabas Aid | • Why help persecuted Christians? | Bar…
🎥VIDEO: Olivia – The Plight of Santal Christians in Bangladesh | • This Christian persecution will leave…
🎥VIDEO: This is why we care about persecuted Christians |
• This is why we care about persecuted …
🎥 LIST: Single playlist: Why Barnabas Aid? | • Why Barnabas Aid?
🎥 LIST: .gives – A project of Barnabas Aid | • .gives – A project of Barnabas Aid

🟡 Connect with Us
Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/barnabasaidofficial/
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BarnabasAidOfficial/
Follow us on X: / barnabas_aid
Website: www.barnabasaid.org

#christian #faith #orphan

Summary

My name is Manuela. I was forced to flee my home in Northern Iraq at a very young age because of the terror unleashed by ISIS. With my mother, Maram, we escaped our country and found refuge in Jordan where caring Christian churches opened their doors to us. The brutality we endured—from beatings and torture to unspeakable acts designed to break our spirit—seemed endless. Yet, through every horrific ordeal, it was God’s Word that sustained me, His mercy that renewed my hope, and His grace that gave me the strength to survive. Despite the overwhelming fear and suffering, I stand as a testimony to His love and faithfulness. I urge you, please pray for us and help support those in desperate need. God is the source of our strength and hope in these dark times.

—————– Source —————–

🟡 * About this story*
“Manuela – The terror of ISIS” is a moving short documentary following the journey of Manuela and her mother, Mariam; both Iraqi believers who escape the hostile presence of Islamic extremists. Fleeing to Jordan, they encounter the generosity of the churches who welcome them with open arms.
1️⃣Subscribe for more stories

🟡 ** About this channel **
Barnabas Aid works to provide hope and aid for suffering Christians. Barnabas Aid is an international aid agency that aims to support Christian communities, churches and individuals around the world who face persecution and discrimination because of their faith. In this way we witness to the love of Christ and build His Kingdom.
2️⃣Learn more: https://www.barnabasaid.org

🟡 ** Barnabas Aid Projects **
Did you know? When you specify any project, 100% of your donation will go to that project.

🟡 ** About Barnabas+ **
Barnabas Aid has also launched a free streaming service with Barnabas+, which provides uplifting and inspiring Christian content.
3️⃣Watch exclusive content at https://www.barnabasplus.tv

🟡 ** About .gives **
.gives is your opportunity to share your food with hungry believers worldwide. It’s like a local food bank, but it’s international, and it’s for poor and persecuted Christians
4️⃣Get Involved: https://www.barnabas.gives

🟡 Recommend Videos/Playlists:
🎥VIDEO: Why help persecuted Christians? | Barnabas Aid |

• Why help persecuted Christians? | Bar…
🎥VIDEO: Olivia – The Plight of Santal Christians in Bangladesh |

• This Christian persecution will leave…
🎥VIDEO: Dudu’s Dream |

• Dudu’s Dream: This Zimbabwean girl wi…
🎥 LIST: Single playlist: Why Barnabas Aid? |

• Why Barnabas Aid?
🎥 LIST: .gives – A project of Barnabas Aid |

• .gives – A project of Barnabas Aid

🟡 ** Barnabas Aid Socials **
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/BarnabasAidOfficial/
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/barnabasaidofficial/
TWITTER/X / barnabas_aid

#christiantestimony #faith #persecutedchurch #persecutedchristians #jesus #jesuschrist

©️ Barnabas Aid 2023. All right reserved

Summary

My name is Pastor Andrew Rizzonienko. I come from Kharkiv, Ukraine, and I serve as a pastor in a Baptist church. When the war broke out, I was away on a mission in the U.S., and I returned to find my home in ruins. My family and many others became refugees. I stayed in a refugee home in Romania, supported by Barnabas, while enduring the heartbreak of separation and uncertainty. Despite our dire circumstances—fleeing war, facing the unknown at the border, and the struggle of surviving each day—I testify that God’s mercy and sustaining grace have been our strength. I call upon you to pray for our people, for mercy to be poured out on all who are suffering, and for God’s unending love to bring hope even in the darkest times.

—————– Source —————–

🟡 ** About this story **
Thank you for allowing us to take help to our Christian brothers and sisters in Eastern Europe and all those fleeing from Ukraine. Hear Pastor Andrew’s story, originally from Kharkiv, Ukraine, as he shares his testimony from a refugee home supported by Barnabas.

🟡 ** About this channel **
Barnabas Aid works to provide hope and aid for suffering Christians. Barnabas Aid is an international aid agency that aims to support Christian communities, churches and individuals around the world who face persecution and discrimination because of their faith. In this way we witness to the love of Christ and build His Kingdom.
2️⃣Learn more: https://www.barnabasaid.org

🟡 ** Barnabas Aid Projects **
Did you know? When you specify any project, 100% of your donation will go to that project. If you donate to our general fund, up to 12% of every financial donation is used to support the work of Barnabas Aid.

🟡 ** About Barnabas+ **
Barnabas Aid has also launched a free streaming service with Barnabas+, which provides uplifting and inspiring Christian content.
3️⃣Watch exclusive content at https://www.barnabasplus.tv

🟡 ** About .gives **
.gives is your opportunity to share your food with hungry believers worldwide. It’s like a local food bank, but it’s international, and it’s for poor and persecuted Christians
4️⃣Get Involved: https://www.barnabas.gives

🟡 Recommend Videos/Playlists:
🎥VIDEO: Why help persecuted Christians? | Barnabas Aid |

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        🎥 LIST: Single playlist: Why Barnabas Aid? | https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLYv6uW2adq4YDUpcUlOy-TuTSFZyohS9
        🎥 LIST: .gives – A project of Barnabas Aid | https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLYv6uW2adq6Sp_HqIXZI9d3ORYkatjUV&si=_2EQ9tJkviYNeigj

        🟡 ** Barnabas Aid Socials **
        FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/BarnabasAidOfficial/
        INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/barnabasaidofficial/
        TWITTER/X / barnabas_aid

        #christianmotivation #jesus #Ukraine #Refugees #faith

        Summary

        I endured unspeakable cruelty at the hands of the Chinese authorities because of my faith in Jesus. I was viciously flogged, beaten, and tortured using methods so brutal they broke my body and spirit. Every lash, every chain and every cruel twist was designed to force me to betray my beliefs, yet I clung to God’s word even when I could barely stand. In the depths of despair—when my very life and freedom were threatened—I found hope in the promise of Almighty God. Even as I was left with lasting physical injuries and the constant fear of re-arrest by the CCP, I testify that God’s sustaining power gave me the courage to survive and to bear witness. My story is not just about suffering but about how, in the midst of torture and persecution, God’s truth and mercy provided strength to continue and transformed my pain into a testimony of endurance and faith.

        Time Chapters

         
        02:04 Brutal Interrogation & Injuries
        04:00 Despair & Collapse
        —————– Source —————–

        Her faith in the Lord Jesus began in 1987, and she accepted the kingdom gospel of Almighty God in 1999. While preaching the gospel in 2005, she was arrested by the Chinese police. During her incarceration, she was tortured with various means including whipping, handcuffs with teeth, doing half squats, punches, kicks, etc. As a result, she was completely unable to take care of herself. Eventually, it was God’s words that gave her the faith to survive …

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