Insights
Nik Ripken Blog
Four Ways Christian Women Can Overcome Fear and Befriend Muslim Women
In this special episode from the Our Urban Voices podcast, Ruth Ripken draws from 35+ years of mission experience to share four ways…
Disciples Don't Choose You
Nik Ripken examines the true nature of biblical discipleship, reflecting on how Jesus chose disciples, lived in community, and raised up…
Meet, Greet, and Eat
In preparation for Ramadan, Nik Ripken shares practical tools and insights from over three decades on the mission field to help believers…
Forsaken: Matthew 27:45-46
During a recent talk at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Nik Ripken preached from Matthew 27, addressing the hardships faced by…
Talking Someone Out of Becoming a Christian
Nik Ripken reflects on his meaningful interactions with college students, sharing a story about a Muslim-background student and the…
Spiritual Déjà vu
Nik Ripken shares a previously untold story from persecuted believers, highlighting how persecution is a present and active reality. He…
5 Guys In The Desert
Nik Ripken recounts a miraculous encounter from his time in the Ogaden region of the Ethiopian desert, sharing a powerful story of hope and…
Where Are They Now?
Nik Ripken reflects on his harrowing encounter with the terrorist group al-Ittihad during his years in Somalia, where he faced starving…
REWIND: Somebody's Coming
While taking a short break from new episodes, we’re revisiting our most listened-to episode of all time, Somebody's Coming. In this…
REWIND: Lies Lies More Lies
As we take a short break from new episodes, we’re revisiting our most listened-to episode of 2023, Lies, Lies, and More Lies. In this…
"I Beg of You Christmas"
As Christmas and New Year approach, Nik Ripken reflects on a cultural faux pas from his time in Malawi, using it to examine the materialism…
His Grace is Sufficient
Ruth Ripken shares a raw and heartfelt account of her and Nik’s journey through pain and suffering over recent years. She reflects on God’s…
Do I Fight Back?
Nik Ripken transports listeners to the bush of Sudan to reflect on Jesus' command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute…
Is He Worth It?
Nik Ripken and Anthony join Erskin to share the behind-the-scenes story of their powerful new song, Is He Worth It, inspired by the movie…
Totally Rethinking Missions
Nik Ripken reflects on 37 years of overseas work, questioning past approaches and emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the "HOW" of…
Redefining Christmas (Part 2)
Nik Ripken and Anthony Ball explore the Christmas story through the lens of believers in persecution, challenging listeners to rethink…
The Israeli and Palestinian Conflict: A Call for a Biblical Response
Nik Ripken addresses the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with a Christ-centered perspective, urging believers to approach the issue with love,…
Redefining Christmas
Nik Ripken begins a multi-part series exploring the Christmas story through the lens of persecution, highlighting how the wise men’s…
Who Are You Fighting Over?
Nik Ripken reflects on his time with persecuted believers in China, revealing their unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel despite the…
Trauma and Soul Care: Part Two
Nik and Ruth Ripken share practical advice for supporting missionaries serving in the hardest places, emphasizing the need for balance,…
Trauma and Soul Care: Part One
After witnessing immense tragedy in Somalia, Nik and Ruth Ripken developed practices for counseling missionaries serving in extreme…
Trauma and Tragedy on the Mission Field
In this deeply personal episode, Nik Ripken reflects on his journey through trauma, health crises, and confronting deeply ingrained racism…
It's Time
Nik and Ruth Ripken share their journey of discerning the pivotal moments when "it's time" to fully surrender to God's calling. Through…
How to Pray for the Persecuted
Supporting persecuted believers begins with prayer, a powerful way to offer hope and assurance to those enduring hardship for their faith.…