Learning from the Persecuted: A Conversation with VOM Radio

At Nik Ripken Ministries, we exist to serve the body of Christ by sharing the stories and wisdom of persecuted believers around the world. We’re always grateful when others help share this mission—and this week, we’re especially honored to have Nik and Ruth Ripken interviewed and featured on VOM Radio from The Voice of the Martyrs.

In this special episode, they join VOM Radio to reflect on the decades they spent sitting with faithful followers of Jesus in the world’s most hostile and restricted regions. But make no mistake: They didn’t go to teach. They went to learn.

A Global Classroom of Faith

Over the years, the Ripkens have conducted more than 650 interviews with persecuted Christians in over 70 countries. What they discovered shaped the core of The Insanity of God. And now those life-changing insights have been distilled into a brand-new video resource: Insanity Unleashed.

In the VOM Radio interview, Nik and Ruth share powerful stories from their travels and offer reflections that remind us: We are one global body of Christ. The prayers of believers under persecution—fervent, faithful, and often offered in the face of suffering—have deeply humbled us. And they continue to inspire us to live boldly for Jesus wherever He has placed us.

From Sheep Among Sheep to Sheep Among Wolves

One striking theme in the conversation is how the Church must move beyond preparing pastors and teachers to minister only within the Church. As Nik says during the interview:

“Many American seminaries and Bible colleges train you up to be sheep among sheep. We are teaching Christians how to be sheep among wolves.” (Matthew 10:16)

Insanity Unleashed was created with a purpose: to raise up evangelists and church planters who are prepared to bring the gospel to the unreached, not just minister to the already-reached.

Lessons for the Long Haul

Ministry is not a sprint—it’s a marathon. And as Nik and Ruth emphasize, one of the greatest lessons from the persecuted Church is the importance of daily engagement with God’s Word and Scripture memorization. These disciplines aren’t optional for those facing persecution. They are essential for survival and spiritual resilience.

As you listen to the full VOM Radio episode, we pray you are encouraged and challenged to live a faith that endures and to remember your brothers and sisters around the world who pay a high cost for their allegiance to Christ.

🎧 Listen to the full interview on VOM Radio
📽️ Explore the Insanity Unleashed video series
📘 Get your copy of The Insanity of God

Join the Global Prayer Movement

Let this interview be a turning point—not just a story you hear, but a spark that fuels your own calling to be a witness for Christ, no matter the cost.