On this episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Mike Brickley, CEO of Families Set Free—a ministry working to rescue Christian families trapped in bonded labor in Pakistan’s brick kilns. Mike shares how God led him from the world of Silicon Valley business to a calling that now brings freedom to thousands.

Together, they unpack the realities of modern-day slavery, the spiritual and systemic forces behind it, and how the gospel is making a tangible difference. You’ll hear stories of hope, transformation, and the power of ordinary people stepping into extraordinary obedience.

To learn more or to join this redemptive work, visit FamiliesSetFree.org.

Topics

• (00:29): Reflecting on service and sacrifice
• (03:03): Introducing Mike Brickley
• (03:58): Mike's background and faith journey
• (06:56): The plight of brick kiln workers in Pakistan
• (09:36): Rescue efforts and success stories
• (14:48): Daily life in the brick kilns
• (22:21): Modernizing brick kilns to end slavery
• (25:56): Rehabilitation and support for freed families
• (28:34): Challenges and future plans
• (30:56): Success stories of freed families
• (36:26): How to get involved and support

Resources

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Families Set Free
• What is biblical righteousness?
• Is the church serious about justice?
• What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness?

About Michael Brickley

Michael Brickley is the CEO of Families Set Free, a ministry dedicated to rescuing Christians trapped in brick-making slave camps in Pakistan. Over the last three years, the organization has rescued more than 7,000 individuals and started over 1,400 small businesses to help freed families achieve independence.

Through faith-filled determination and innovative strategies, Mike has helped eliminate over 90,000 years of combined slavery, restoring hope and dignity to countless families.

About Dr. Mark Turman

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

About Denison Forum

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.