Episode 71 :: Todd Nettleton with Voice of the Martyrs :: Stories of the Persecuted Church, Suffering, and the Beauty of the Gospel

Today, I'm chatting with Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs. Todd is the host of Voice of the Martyrs radio, which shares stories of persecuted Christians all around the world. 2020 marked 20 years since VOM released their book Jesus Freaks: Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus, the Ultimate Jesus Freaks.

Today, I’m chatting with Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs. Todd is the host of Voice of the Martyrs radio, which shares stories of persecuted Christians all around the world. 2020 marked 20 years since VOM released their book Jesus Freaks: Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus, the Ultimate Jesus Freaks. This modern book of martyrs pays tribute to the persecution and sacrifices that our brothers and sisters in Christ have faced and made for centuries, and now they are releasing an updated version! Todd also shares his story of growing up as the son of missionaries in New Guinea, and how God used that opportunity to shape him for his role at Voice of the Martyrs.

You guys the work of VOM is absolutely incredible, and Todd shares how it got started, the work they continue to do now, and that they share these stories of facing persecution around the world in order to garner sympathy, but to share how God is moving in and through what they are experiencing.It shows how sold out for Jesus these true Jesus freaks are, where they are willing to carry their cross and follow Christ because God has used persecution, isolation and suffering to grow the Church and reconcile broken things and people to Himself.

We also wade some murky waters about how Americans in particular view persecution, how it is different than experiencing suffering, and how unfortunately blind we can be to the activity of God because so much of our needs are accessible and easily addressable. No part of that is to shame anyone, but I think there is much for each of us to learn from our brothers and sisters that don’t get the opportunity to live in such a way, and how their love for God and their faith can and should impact the way we live.And y’all, be sure and MAKE IT TO THE END for a job dropping story. Shew. It's so powerful.

Listen, I know that these first days of 2021 have been more loaded than Todd or I could have ever dreamed possible when we talked in October, but do you know who knew? God knew. No matter where you, what you’re experiencing, you are a part of the family of God. Keep the eternal perspective, God is always working, and sometimes we see Him most powerfully when it seems like things are falling apart. And. The more outside forces push us, the more we we turn to Christ and cling to Him, and that is the most precious gift of all. You matter, friend. Your story matters.

Sponsor Info: Tony Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty
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Resources:
-The Voice of the Martyrs’ Jesus Freaks book (the first one!)

-”Jesus Freaks” by D.C. Talk

-Papua, New Guinea

-Jesus Film Project

-leper colony in Senegal

-the founders of VOM - Pastor Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand

-Sissy Goff and her drama meter

-The Islamic Republic of Iran and the growth of the Church

-Dr. Michael Heiser’s episode with us

-Hannelie Groenewald, the loss of her family