Weekend Devotional: A Child of God in a House of Communism

A Teenager’s Manifesto

Rose would have been destined for Communist indoctrination and atheism had it not been for her grandmother’s influence. She followed in the footsteps of her grandmother, who took a risk to share Christ with her. Rose decided to take the same risk with those at her boarding school, sharing and sowing the Word of God: I was born in a Communist home where no one could even mention the word “God.” My parents are atheists. My father is in the Cuban Communist Party leadership. My mother is secretary of the Committee for the Defense of the Revolution. You might say my home is a nest for communism. However, my grandmother loves God and taught me about the Lord. She sowed the seeds of God’s Word into me. On several occasions I tried to go to church with her, but my parents did not allow it. One day, I received the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior. My life started to change. Even the way I dressed changed. My mother did not accept it. She never beat me before, but now she often does. When my father learned that I was a Christian, he told me to choose God or him. I chose God because I have understood that he is the only one worth living for. Now, even though I am only 14, I have to study far away from my home. When I first came to this place, I was the only Christian, but I have sown God’s Word and now there are four of us. We meet under a tree — hidden — to share God’s Word. We keep sowing and waiting, believing that soon we will be many. Rose discovered, like many Cuban teenagers living under communism, that faith in Christ comes with consequences. But she believes, despite the odds, that some of the seeds she is sowing will fall on responsive soil. In whose life will you sow the seeds of God’s Word and wait for a harvest? “As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” —Matthew 13:23 Learn more about communism in this month’s featured resource, Karl Marx and the Satanic Roots of Communism, written by VOM founder Richard Wurmbrand, free with a gift. Read More

The Voice of the Martyrs - Partner in the Gospel with Front-Line Workers

The Frontlines of Ministry

Working in hostile areas and restricted nations can be lonely and difficult. It’s vital that front-line workers know their brothers and sisters in Christ are partnering with them in prayer and investing in God’s work alongside them. We want to tell you about Gonzalo and Edilma, front-line workers in Colombia. In 2016, Gonzalo and Edilma moved to plant a new church in one of Colombia’s “red zones,” violent areas that are controlled by militant groups and are dangerous for Christians. Gonzalo had grown up in red zones, working on coca fields run by Marxist guerrilla groups and right-wing paramilitaries. But after his life was transformed through putting his faith in Christ, he and his wife willingly returned to a guerrilla-controlled red zone — this time as ministers of the gospel. “God is faithful,” Gonzalo said. “He opened this door for us, … and we have seen the miracles God has done with these families. More people are coming and adding to the numbers. How have we seen God work? In the transformation of families through the Word. These families have changed, been restored. God has given us families, entire families, that have converted.” Support Front-Line Workers Those who have been restored and converted include some from the enemy camp — former guerrillas who had become disillusioned with the violence but were still rejected by their community because of their former affiliation with guerrilla groups. “They are rejected by others in the community, but we show them love,” Gonzalo said. That love, however, is seen as a threat by guerrillas who control the area. Christian workers in Colombia’s red zones face surveillance, kidnapping, assault, torture and murder by guerrillas as they advance the gospel. One of Gonzalo’s fellow church leaders was kidnapped and chained by the neck for four days during his captivity. Gonzalo is routinely watched, followed and questioned. And in early 2024, a local guerrilla commander gathered townspeople for a meeting and told them that church services were prohibited. “Sometimes we think we would be better off going somewhere else,” Edilma said, “but then we think of the souls that are in need. There are people who need Christ. Christ is the one who heals their heart, and we are there to reach them.”

Continuing the Ministry

With support from the global body of Christ, including Christians like you, Gonzalo and Edilma have been equipped with portable ministry tools to facilitate their work in the red zones. Amid the ongoing threat of violence, the couple requests prayer that the Lord will continue to give them passion for the ministry. We invite you to partner in the gospel with our brothers and sisters in Christ through your prayers and gifts. Your gift to support front-line workers will equip front-line workers like Gonzalo and Edilma with tools, training and encouragement to advance the gospel in the world’s most dangerous places to be a Christian. Partner with Them

The Voice of the Martyrs - Who was the real man behind Valentine's Day?

The Real Story of Valentine

Valentine’s Day is celebrated every February 14, but why? Many who buy sentimental cards and candy hearts as expressions of love are unaware that there was a man named Valentine. Who was the man behind this holiday that has become known for Cupid, chocolate, roses and love notes saying, “Be My Valentine”? You can read his true story in Valentine: God’s Courageous Evangelist, a full-color illustrated book that will inspire your children through Valentine’s bold witness for Christ. Beneath the cards and candy lies the story of a courageous evangelist named Valentine, who defied an imperial order prohibiting marriage. The emperor needed all young men to enlist in Rome’s military, so he forbade them from getting married. When Valentine was caught performing weddings in secret, he was arrested and brought before the emperor, where he saw an opportunity to share the gospel. Receive the full-color storybook of Valentine: God’s Courageous Evangelist FREE with any gift (while supplies last). Get Your Book

Listen Daily to VOM's New Podcast — Extreme Devotion

Extreme Inspiration from Persecuted Christians

The crucifixion of 26 Christians on November 23, 1596, marked the beginning of a period of intense persecution for Christians in Japan. One of the convicts found guilty of following Christ was named Ibaragi Kun. Seeing how young Kun was, an official took him aside and urged him to recant his faith to save his life. What Kun said next shocked the officer. You can listen to the full story today on the Extreme Devotion podcast. In an age of extremes, you can find faith, strength, encouragement and hope through stories of believers who have boldly witnessed for Christ in the face of persecution. Subscribe now to the Extreme Devotion podcast and be inspired daily by their stories. Listen Now

The Voice of the Martyrs - LISTEN: Worshiping with Nigerian Widows: "Standing on Holy Ground"

“I had to slip off my shoes … It was such a holy moment.”

In this special episode of VOM Radio, Aaron Miller, who leads VOM’s international work to serve persecuted Christians, looks back on VOM’s work in 2024 and looks ahead to places where VOM will have more opportunity to serve persecuted Christians in 2025. Looking back on 2024, Aaron recounts a “holy moment” early one morning as he followed the sounds of worship to a chapel filled with Christian widows in Nigeria. They were at that location as part of a ministry effort to help them heal and prepare them for life without their husbands. But that early morning time of worship and intercession wasn’t part of the program. It wasn’t on the schedule. It was simply a spontaneous gathering to call out to God and to bask in his presence. “One of the most beautiful things was these women praying together,” Aaron says. “Holding hands … arm around another sister, praying together that morning. One of the topics that came up was pray for those who have persecuted us, pray for forgiveness, pray for the salvation of those who had attacked them and who had caused great harm to their families. And they prayed so fervently! So passionately … that is why I had to slip my shoes off.” Listen now to hear Aaron share this experience. He also gives an update on Christians in Syria and how you can pray for VOM’s work serving persecuted Christians in 2025. Listen to VOM Radio Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Listen Online

LIBYA: “Stay here. I will protect you.”

The security situation in Libya was breaking down. More terrorist activity and more attacks occurred every week. Almost all foreign workers were leaving the country. But God told Nagy and Hope to stay there along with their young children. God reminded them that he had called them there and clearly told them that he would protect them. Listen now to hear how God kept his word to Nagy and Hope, providing for their needs even as the country’s economy was collapsing. God provided for and protected not only Nagy and Hope but the Muslims around them as well, leading several to ask about their God and to see his hand at work. Be inspired by the faithfulness of God, who meets every need as we follow his call. Listen to VOM Radio Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Listen Online

The Voice of the Martyrs - You Can Help Nigerian Christian Widows and Their Children

You can help Nigerian Christian widows and their children.

Attacks by Boko Haram and militant Fulani Muslims have widowed more than 10,000 of our Christian sisters in northern Nigeria in the past 20 years, and widows who left Islam to follow Christ are often refused help by Muslim family members. Many are mothers with no formal education or employable skills. They struggle to feed their families after their husbands are killed. Their children grow up without their fathers, sometimes experiencing persecution themselves. Stand with Them Regina’s husband, a Nigerian missionary, was shot to death in front of her by Islamic militants who then beat her and her two-year-old son, Joshua, whom she was carrying on her back. They survived, but Regina has been grieving the loss of her husband ever since his murder. She has three children, the oldest of which is 10. Asabe, another Christian widow, lost her husband in 2020 in a bombing by Boko Haram. After her husband’s death, his Muslim brother threw Asabe and her child out of the home. Even after experiencing persecution and rejection for Christ, Asabe said, “I learned forgiveness toward everyone who has hurt me.” We invite you to stand with our Nigerian sisters in Christ whose husbands have been killed for their faith. Your help also shows their children that they are loved and cared for by the global body of Christ. You can assist with necessities like food, clothing, shelter and children’s school fees. Your gift will also provide help such as vocational training for widows to help them support their families, as well as spiritual and emotional encouragement following their loss. I Will Help

The Voice of the Martyrs - Join in Fellowship with Nigerian Christian Widows

Fellowship with Nigerian Christian Widows

In northeastern Nigeria, Christians are attacked and killed by Islamic extremist groups like Boko Haram and militant Fulani Muslims. Many Nigerian women who follow Christ have lost their husbands to these attacks against Christians. Overcoming grief and fear, some courageous widows return to their home villages and serve as evangelists in their communities, desiring that others know the God who has restored their souls. You can help support our Nigerian sisters in Christ whose husbands have been killed in Islamist attacks. Through your gifts and prayers, you are entering into fellowship with our persecuted sisters in Christ, reminding them that they are a vital and loved part of the global body of Christ. Thank you for serving them by helping provide for their spiritual and physical needs. Special Offer: Receive a free Global Prayer Guide with any gift! Join in Fellowship

The Voice of the Martyrs - Share God's Love with Nigerian Christian Widows Like Gwom

You Can Help Nigerian Christian Widows

Life is a constant struggle for our persecuted Christian family in northeastern Nigeria. Thousands have been displaced, and nearly all Christians have lost family members or friends in Islamist attacks. Many pastors have been forced to leave the region, and others who stayed have paid the ultimate price for the sake of the gospel, leaving behind many widows like Gwom. Gwom’s husband, a pastor, was killed on May 3, 2015, after he and several other men traveled to a neighboring village to help victims of an attack by militant Fulani Muslims. The men traveling with Gwom’s husband as well as 17 men from the village were also murdered, presumably by the militants. Gwom doesn’t know how her husband died or where he is buried, but today she wants others to know the God who has restored her soul. “I want people to know that God is a merciful God,” Gwom said. “He knows us and our destiny. He does things in a way that man cannot understand unless you give your life to him.” You have an opportunity to stand with our Nigerian sisters in Christ like Gwom whose husbands have been killed for their faith. Your gift will encourage them and let them know they are loved and cared for by the global body of Christ. I Stand With Them

The Voice of the Martyrs - Pray Daily for Persecuted Christians with This Special Offer

Pray for Persecuted Christians with The One Year Pray for the Persecuted Bible

Prayer is the first request of our Christian brothers and sisters who are persecuted for their faith. This year, you can pray for specific requests and needs from persecuted Christians with The One Year Pray for the Persecuted Bible. This special edition of The One Year Bible includes unique daily prayer prompts from our brothers and sisters in Christ and provides the structure to help you read the entire Bible in one year as you lift up those in hostile areas and restricted nations in prayer to God. Special Offer: You can receive a copy of The One Year Pray for the Persecuted Bible for free with any gift this month. You will learn about and pray for Christians like Ladi, who was driven from her home by gunfire. Read More

The Voice of the Martyrs - Martyr Anniversary: Remembering Five Martyred Missionaries

Remembering Jim Elliot

On this day in 1956, missionaries Jim Elliot, Pete Fleming, Ed McCully, Nate Saint and Roger Youderian were violently killed by the Waodani tribe in Ecuador. The five men had spent months contacting the Waodanis through flyovers and gift exchanges. Though the tribe had a history of violent encounters with outsiders, the men had decided they’d established a degree of mutual trust that would support direct contact. At first, their cautious optimism was rewarded by a visit from three Waodanis without incident, but days later, they would have a violent encounter. Read More

The Voice of the Martyrs - You can help Nigerian Christian widows like Rebeccah

Stand with Nigerian Widows

Nearly all Christians in northeastern Nigeria have lost family members or friends in attacks by Boko Haram or militant Fulani Muslims that have left many widowed and orphaned. Often without formal education or employable skills, many of our Nigerian sisters in Christ struggle to feed their families after their husbands die. And while a deceased husband’s family is culturally expected to care for his widow, some families refuse to care for Christian widows, especially those who left Islam to follow Christ. Stand With Them Rebeccah’s husband was shot to death by Boko Haram militants as he walked to church one day in 2014. Rebeccah said her faith wavered after her husband’s murder, but after receiving months of instruction from God’s Word and processing her pain with other Christians, her faith has been restored. “I want people to know that our God does not leave his children. He loves them,” she said. We invite you to stand with our Nigerian sisters in Christ whose husbands have been killed for their faith. Your gift will remind them that they are a vital and loved part of the global body of Christ. It will also help provide spiritual and emotional encouragement following trauma and loss financial assistance for daily needs such as food, clothing and shelter support for children’s school fees vocational training to help them support their families I Will Help

The Voice of the Martyrs - Nigerian Widows Forgive Their Husbands' Killers

Forgiving Their Husbands’ Killers

In northern Nigeria, Boko Haram and militant Fulani Muslims wage an ongoing war to drive out any Christians that remain and establish an independent Islamist nation. At great risk, pastors in northern Nigeria remain bold witnesses for Christ. Many have been killed in attacks by Islamists, leaving their wives and children in great need and with broken hearts. Regina is one of these women. Her husband, Danbaki, had moved their family to a remote area in northwestern Nigeria to preach the gospel. On June 14, 2022, Islamic militants attacked their village and murdered twelve people. While trying to escape, Danbaki and his family were captured. When the militants questioned Danbaki, he admitted that he was a missionary, even though he knew he might be killed for his Christian work. Danbaki committed himself to God and was shot to death in front of Regina. Then Regina and her two-year-old son, Joshua, whom she was carrying on her back, were beaten. They survived, but with great loss. “Anytime I remember, it is so painful,” Regina said. “Even when you forgive, it is not easy to forget. God is still working on my heart.” Regina was invited to join other Christian widows from villages in northern Nigeria to receive spiritual and emotional encouragement from highly trained staff to help them recover from the trauma of persecution. They arrived with broken hearts; then, the healing began. Read More

The Voice of the Martyrs - Tools for Fellowship in 2025

Happy New Year! I am so thankful you have chosen to be in fellowship with our persecuted Christian family during the past year. Your prayers, actions and gifts on behalf of our brothers and sisters in hostile areas and restricted nations have made a difference! Our family members have been encouraged. They have been helped. They have been equipped to continue advancing the gospel even in the face of opposition and persecution. As we begin a new year, I would like to share with you three tools to help you walk in fellowship with our persecuted family throughout 2025. A New Podcast The Extreme Devotion podcast launched this morning. Each day in 2025, you can listen to hear a Bible verse, the story of a persecuted Christian and a reflection prompt — all in less than five minutes. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. The VOM App for your smartphone Our app includes a daily prayer request for persecuted Christians, weekly VOM Radio episodes, e-books, audiobooks and two full-length feature films, all for FREE! The 2025 VOM Global Prayer Guide Learn more about the countries where Christians are persecuted and the specific ways you can pray for them throughout the year. Access the Prayer Guide online or make any gift and receive your printed copy. God is going to do amazing things in the coming 12 months! Muslims will meet Jesus. Persecutors will come to faith in Christ. Pastors will turn jail cells into evangelism centers. And our persecuted brothers and sisters will experience God’s love and care for them through your prayers and gifts. I encourage you to join in on what God will do in hostile areas and restricted nations this year! Praying with you, Todd Nettleton Host, VOM Radio

The Voice of the Martyrs - Season of Hope Brings More Persecution

Christmas Season Brings More Persecution

Christmas and other Christian holidays can be an especially difficult time for persecuted Christians in hostile areas and restricted nations. Persecution often increases during a season set aside for celebrating the birth of our Savior. In Burkina Faso, Islamic militants attacked a Christian family the day after Christmas in 2022. The attackers shot into the family’s home, killing four young people and injuring two others before setting the house on fire. They also stole motorcycles and burned those they did not take. The hope of Christ brings comfort in times of loss and suffering. As our brothers and sisters around the world endure persecution for their faith, we can let them know they are loved and cared for by the global body of Christ. Your support sustains them in their suffering and encourages them to stand firm in their faith. As the end of the year draws near, we invite you to remember our persecuted brothers and sisters who follow Christ at great personal cost. Your year-end gift will be used to meet the needs of persecuted Christians and let them know they are not forgotten. In addition, it will help provide a voice for them among the global body of Christ. Thank you for praying for and supporting our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ! I Want to Help

The Voice of the Martyrs - Do you know the real story of Saint Nicholas?

Saint Nicholas — A Faithful Witness

Throughout history, many legends about Saint Nicholas have circulated around the world, bringing us the character we know today as Santa Claus. But who was the man behind the fictional character of Santa Claus? Nicholas was born in the third century in the Roman Empire’s province of Lycia in modern Turkiye (Turkey). According to tradition, he was a man full of generosity and conviction. He was born to wealthy parents who left him their fortune when they died. Instead of squandering his inheritance on himself, he used it to help those in need. He even exposed a corrupt government official who hoarded grain to push its price higher. While many have preserved stories of Nicholas’ righteous acts, few know of his sufferings for Christ. Sometime after the Roman emperor Diocletian took power in A.D. 284, he instigated a horrific persecution of Christians. Nicholas was imprisoned for refusing to deny Jesus as God. According to Eusebius’ Church History, an edict ordered all church leaders arrested. Prisons were so full of Christians that there was no room for actual criminals. Diocletian destroyed churches and burned Scriptures, and the killing of Christians became a form of entertainment for the Romans. Diocletian aimed to finish off the church for good, but the courage of believers martyred for their witness had caused many others to place their faith in Christ. Having failed, Diocletian abdicated the throne in A.D. 305. According to one source, he returned home to be a cabbage farmer. Nicholas was released from prison and is believed to have died around A.D. 343, on December 6, a date that is celebrated today as “Saint Nicholas Day” in nations such as Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands. You can read or listen to the story of Saint Nicholas in God’s Courageous Gift-Giver for FREE on the VOM App. Download the App

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The Voice of the Martyrs - What is our antidote to fear?

God’s faithfulness is an antidote to fear. He always keeps his promises — and he has made promises to you. He’s promised that nothing can shake you from his hands and heart. He’s promised that through the sacrifice of Christ, your sins are forgiven. He’s promised to make a place for you in heaven. He’s promised to be with you now and forever. Many promises are never kept, but God stands alone in this: He has never made a promise he has not fulfilled. His faithfulness is ironclad. You can count on him — always. Throughout history, Christians who faced death because of their faith in Christ bear witness to God’s faithfulness. In the daily devotional Whom Shall I Fear?, we invite you to engage with 366 Bible passages, like Psalm 46:1–2 on Day 338, that will help you and your loved ones overcome fear while serving as Christ’s witnesses. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea. —Psalm 46:1–2 I Want to Learn More The 366 Bible passages are categorized into 12 sections, such as “God’s Faithfulness: Our Antidote to Fear.” Each section will help you focus on God’s nature and character while receiving inspiration from VOM founders Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand and our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. Each daily entry includes a passage of Scripture, followed by a prayer, reflection, question, call to action or brief story to help you connect the Scripture to your own life. Included throughout the book are longer stories about our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters and how they exemplify each section topic. Whom Shall I Fear? invites you to encounter God’s Word daily and be assured that this day, and every day, God will meet you at the point of your fear. Encounter God’s Word

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