In one of the most-listened-to episodes of VOM Radio from 2016, "Sister Amber" shares how Christ was with her even as she was being tortured and abused in Tibet. After more than a decade in Tibet, Amber watched as God orchestrated a great ministry breakthrough: people who'd been totally closed to the gospel message were now asking to learn more about Jesus. But just days after that breakthrough Amber experienced persecution as police came pounding on her door. Listen as she tells the story, including how God ministered to her in the most painful moments of her suffering. You'll hear how God showed her that her persecution wasn't the end of the story. You'll also hear how God laid on the hearts of people around the world to pray for Amber, including one who drew a remarkably-accurate picture of Amber and the policemen in the interrogation room—and how God's plans included those policemen. Your faith will be challenged as you hear Amber's thoughts on what the New Testament calls the "honor" of being persecuted. Listen to the complete interview with Amber here: Part One & Part Two.

In one of the most-listened-to episodes of VOM Radio in 2016, Australian John Short shares the story of his detention in North Korea. He was repeatedly interrogated. He was forced to write a "confession" of his "crimes," including the offense of wanting more North Koreans to follow Jesus. But if God called him today, Short would happily go back. Mr. Short shares this week on VOM Radio how God strengthened him during his captivity, the Scriptures and earthly examples that most encouraged him, and how he managed to take a measure of control back from his captors — and even make them nervous. Mr. Short agreed to only two media interviews after his release; one of them was with The Voice of the Martyrs Radio Network. You can hear the second half of our conversation with Mr. Short in the episode "North Korea: Faith or Fear?"; also hear his wife, Karen, share about her experiences while he was detained in the episode "North Korea: 'I Simply Trusted the Lord.'"

Dr. Sasan and Dr. Mehrdad are providing theological training for church leaders in Iran through PARS Theological Centre. It is a challenge even to connect with students in a closed Muslim nation, let alone train them up to lead churches and withstand persecution. Listen to hear some of the unique challenges of training leaders in the context of persecution, where Christians often wonder who they can trust. We'll also look at some of the blessings that come to those willing to suffer rather than deny their faith in Christ, and how you can pray for the fast-growing church in Iran.

In the second half of our conversation, Hannelie Groenewald recalls the day her husband and two teen-aged children were killed by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

She tells us which Psalm she read over and over again as she waited to hear whether her family was alive or dead, and the amazement of Afghans at her ability to forgive the Taliban murderers. Hannelie shares hard-earned truth with listeners who may be struggling to forgive someone who has wronged them, and talks about her future and God's faithfulness as she is finding her footing after the loss of her family and seeking God's plan for her in the coming years.

She'll also equip us to pray more effectively for the nation of Afghanistan and for our Christian brothers and sisters there. You can watch a video telling the story of Hannelie and her family, which was produced by VOM for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

Please share this video with your church family or other Christian friends.

"There is something astounding happening right now" in the Muslim world, says Jami Staples, Director of Women's Training for Crescent Project. Muslims are coming to know Jesus Christ! Not just a few, but thousands! Listen this week as Jami shares the story of an American woman reaching out electronically to Muslim women living in a restricted nation. Hear how God is working among Muslims—even through the miraculous—and how Christians simply living out their lives and their love of Jesus can make a huge impact on Muslim friends looking on. We'll also hear how persecution is a reality for Muslim converts—even in free nations like the US or those in Western Europe—and a special call to reach out to refugees who've lost everything in their own country. Grow your heart for Muslims and lengthen your prayer list, this week on VOM Radio.

Jami Staples works with Crescent Project to train American women to reach out to Muslims—right here in the US. Listen as she shares how God grabbed her heart for Muslim women, using a veiled woman whose name she'll never know walking across an East-African roundabout. In just a moment, God changed Jami's heart and life forever. What are the two themes Jami hears in every testimony of a Muslim woman coming to faith in Jesus? You'll hear stories of women who even in recent months have opened their hearts to Jesus, and the price they must pay to follow Him—even in America. You'll be inspired to go deeper in your own faith and to look with love on Muslims in your community this week on VOM Radio.

Bob Fu is a former prisoner for Christ in China. He is also the founder and president of the China Aid Association and one of the most knowledgeable and widely-heard voices speaking out on behalf of persecuted Christians in China. This week Bob will share with us about an ongoing crackdown against Christians and churches in China, a crackdown that includes Christians in prison, church buildings destroyed and even Christian children prevented from pursuing their education. But Bob will share good news, too: in the midst of that persecution, God is at work. One fruit of the current campaign against the church is a newfound unity among believers from different backgrounds and denominations. Bob will also share an update about Gao Zhisheng, a Christian human rights attorney who has been terribly abused and persecuted, but has found God faithful even in the depths of human suffering. Finally, we'll hear an update on brand new developments in the case against Asia Bibi in Pakistan.

Click below to order a copy of Bob's outstanding book, "God's Double Agent."