Man of God
Nik tells of a father in Russia who spent 17 years in prison. During this first part of the story Nik tells how the father went from reading the Scriptures with his family to having over 50 people gather in his house for worship.
Don’t Take My Joy
Nik continues his journey through Eastern Europe by recalling the story of a pastor whose father was held in prison. Nik is challenged by this pastor as he retells the story of visiting his father at a labor camp. However, Nik is most challenged after two days of interviews as the pastor talks about the joy he experienced through persecution.
First Class
Nik recalls the longest, most uncomfortable flight of his life. He describes his “first class” seat on a flight in the former Soviet Union.
Where Did You Learn to Die?
Nik continues his travels through the former Soviet Union to speak with believers who have gone through persecution. He is encountered by stories of fathers preparing their families before they are sent to prison and families who are willing to starve to death for the cross. Nik then travels to a country where he can find no persecution. He then searches to discover the reason.
The Sun Rises in the East
Nik remembers the first trip of his pilgrimage that led him to 72 countries to interview over 600 believers. His first trip takes him to the former Soviet Union and the Bible comes to life.
Is Jesus Who He Says He Is?
Nik describes how he and Ruth went about preparing to travel to areas of persecution to learn how the church not only survives but thrives under persecution.
A Scar Only Heaven Can Heal
Nik shares where he was emotionally and spiritually at the end of their time in Somalia after burying their son, experiencing the death of a parent, and traveling and and out of Somalia.
Are We Willing to Die for Jesus?
Nik talks about a frank discussion he and Ruth had with their children concerning the cost of doing work in Somalia.
They’re Killing Everything I Love
Nik talks about a security briefing where a European man runs in weeping and crying out “They are killing everything I love.” Nik continunes to talk about how the number of known believers in Somalia was reduced from 150 when they arrived to 4 by the time they left.
Bum
Nik tells two stories about Bum, a volunteer from North Carolina, who helped at food distribution centers in Somalia. In the first story, Bum diffuses a potential volatile situation with humor and in the second, sees the lostness that is surrounding them everyday.