VOM Radio Interview Nik Ripken: Learning From Persecuted Christians: “Is Jesus for the tough places?”

🎧 Listen now: VOMRadio.net

At Nik Ripken Ministries, we have spent decades learning from believers in some of the hardest places on earth. These are men and women who follow Jesus at great personal cost—some in countries where owning a Bible can lead to prison, others where gathering with fellow believers is considered a crime.

Recently, Nik Ripken sat down with Voice of the Martyrs Radio to discuss a question that challenges us all:

Is Jesus for the tough places?

Learning from the Persecuted Church

When we hear stories of Christians suffering for their faith, we may be tempted to think, That could never happen here. But the reality is that the gospel has always thrived in difficult places. Jesus never promised His followers an easy road—He promised them Himself.

In the VOM Radio interview, Nik shares powerful testimonies from believers who refuse to deny Christ, even when faced with imprisonment, torture, or death. Their faith is not built on circumstances; it is anchored in the unshakable truth that Jesus is worth it.

What Persecuted Christians Teach Us

We often ask persecuted believers, How can we pray for you? Their response is humbling. They rarely ask for the persecution to stop. Instead, they ask for faithfulness—for the courage to continue proclaiming the name of Jesus, no matter the cost.

Their stories challenge us:

• Would we stand firm if our faith cost us everything?
• Do we believe Jesus is worth suffering for?
• Are we willing to take the gospel to hard places, even in our own communities?

The persecuted church doesn’t ask us to pity them. Instead, they invite us to live with the same boldness, wherever God has placed us.

How We Can Respond

The question is not just Is Jesus for the tough places?—it’s Are we willing to follow Him there?

Here’s how we can stand alongside our persecuted brothers and sisters:

1. Pray Intentionally – Pray not just for safety, but for strength and boldness for believers in hostile areas.
2. Learn from Their Witness – Read their stories, share their testimonies, and let their faith challenge our own. (The Insanity of God is a great place to start.)
3. Live Boldly – We may not face persecution, but we are called to be faithful in sharing Jesus, no matter the cost.

Listen to the Full Interview

Nik’s conversation with VOM Radio is a powerful reminder that the gospel is not just for safe places—it’s for the hardest places on earth.

🎧 Listen now: VOMRadio.net

At Nik Ripken Ministries, our mission is to equip and encourage believers to follow Jesus boldly—whether in freedom or persecution. Jesus is for the tough places. Are we willing to follow Him there?