Following Jesus—No Matter the Cost

At Nik Ripken Ministries, we continue to share what God has taught us through years of serving and learning alongside believers in some of the hardest places on earth. Recently, Nik and Ruth Ripken sat down with Baptist Press to reflect on lessons learned from decades of ministry—lessons about obedience, suffering, and the faithfulness of Jesus.

From our early days in Kentucky to years spent in Africa and the Middle East, our story has been shaped by both deep loss and deep joy. Through The Insanity of God and its companion resources, we’ve sought to tell not only our own story, but the stories of men and women who choose Jesus even when it costs them everything.

In the interview, Nik shared what we’ve heard again and again from believers in persecution:

“Do not give up in freedom what we never give up in persecution—and that is our witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

That is the challenge and invitation we continue to carry. Following Jesus will cost us something, but He is worth it.

We’ve also learned that the calling to go includes the calling to send. Families, churches, and friends who release loved ones to the nations participate in the same costly obedience. As Nik shared, “It’s in the nature of God to be both a sender and one who goes.”

Through our newest resource, Insanity Unleashed , we’re continuing to help the global Church learn from believers who have walked through persecution with courage and faith. Their testimonies remind us that the greatest tragedy is not suffering for Jesus—it is living without access to the Gospel at all.

As we reflect on this interview, our prayer is that the global Church would continue to stand together, sending, going, and witnessing—no matter the cost.

You can read the full Baptist Press article here .