In this episode of the Release International Voice podcast, Tom Hardie continues his conversation with Sharif*, a former radicalised Muslim from a family of imams who encountered Christ while in prison.

We rejoin the story after his conversion, when Sharif was given an additional year behind bars on a charge of blasphemy, a sentence he calls 'the best year of my life.' From there, he describes the devastating fallout: his family’s fury at his decision to follow Jesus, the burning of his documents, his disowning, the loss of inheritance, and even a fatwa permitting his killing. The threats that followed forced him into a life of constant movement.

Despite this, Sharif was later sent as a missionary to a Muslim-majority island, where he witnessed extraordinary provision and spiritual harvest in the face of persistent persecution.

He also reflects on the tension between Indonesia’s constitutional protections for religious freedom and the harsh realities on the ground - village-level hostility, church closures and burnings, and ongoing legal pressure through hate-speech accusations.

Sharif closes by urging believers to pray for revival, courage, and steadfastness for those enduring persecution today.

*name changed for security reason 

Born into a family of imams and radicalised in the Muslim Brotherhood, Sharif never imagined he would meet Jesus in a solitary prison cell. In Part 1 of this two‑part conversation, he shares how jihad, political activism, and imprionment led him to a series of mysterious encounters and a long, painful journey through the Qur’an that ended at the feet of Christ.

Singing for the Suffering: Aimee Thompson's Journey & Album for Release International

In this episode of Release International's Voice podcast, host Kenneth welcomes Aimee Thompson, a 26-year-old musician and student from Northern Ireland. Amy shares her unique journey of faith, influenced by her upbringing as a minister's daughter, and how her isolated time in London strengthened her relationship with Jesus. She discusses her new collection of Christian songs, the inspiration behind them, and her goal of using her musical talents to support Release International. Amy's story includes her experiences studying music, a pivotal year of illness that deepened her faith, and her recent project to raise funds for persecuted Christians. Tune in to hear clips from Amy's album and learn how you can support her efforts.

You can purchase Aimee’s CD here: https://releaseinternational.org/product/gods-pov/

Arrested in Turkey and imprisoned for two years, missionary Andrew Brunson faced isolation, despair, and what felt like the silence of God. In this powerful conversation, he opens up about the spiritual crisis that shook his faith — and how that silence became the doorway to deeper intimacy with God.

Andrew also reflects on the political and religious forces behind his imprisonment, why he believes pressure on Christians is rising in the West, and how believers can prepare their hearts for testing times ahead.

👉 Listen to this gripping testimony of suffering, perseverance, and unshakable faith — a story that reminds us God’s silence is never His absence.

In this episode we speak to Release International’s Charlie Frank, after his first visit to Nigeria. Listen as he shares about his first impressions of the country, about preparing himself to hear distressing stories, and about the encouragements of meeting both Release International partners and Christians who have suffered—and who are persevering in their faith.

What does it mean to believe in the providence of God when facing persecution?

In this deeply moving and theologically rich discussion, author Kenneth Harrod is joined by John Stevens (National Director, FIEC) and Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi (Release International partner in Nigeria) to explore the themes of his new book, Providence and Persecution. Hosted by Paul Robinson, CEO of Release International, the panel reflects on how God's sovereignty speaks into the harsh realities of suffering and persecution across the world today.

🔍 Topics include:

What is providence, really?

Wrestling with the question: Is God in control when evil happens?

How the gospel flourishes through persecution

Stories of faith and courage from Nigeria to the 16th-century martyrs

Why we need a bigger view of God

How prayer is an act of faith under sovereign providence

🎙 Meet the Panel:

Kenneth Harrod – Head of Theology and Media at Release International, author of Providence and Persecution

John Stevens – National Director of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC)

Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi – Release International partner and gospel leader in Nigeria

📖 About the Book
Providence and Persecution is a timely exploration of how God's sovereign care sustains his people even through hardship and violence. Written for every Christian who wants to grow a faith that endures, this book offers both theological depth and pastoral care.

📚 Get your copy: https://releaseinternational.org/prod...

🙏 Support persecuted Christians: https://releaseinternational.org/give/

💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts
Leave a comment, share your reflections, or let us know how this conversation impacted you.

🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future webinars and interviews from Release International.

In this podcast episode, Kenneth and Jack discuss Armenia's history, recent conflicts, and the state of Christianity in the country. Armenia, the first nation to adopt Christianity in the 4th century, has faced significant challenges, including a genocide during WWI and recent conflicts with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. These conflicts have led to the displacement of over 100,000 Armenians. The Armenian Apostolic Church, which comprises 95% of the population, is largely nominal due to historical oppression. Jack emphasizes the need for prayer for peace, revival, and resources for the church in Armenia, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical threats and the desire for a deeper faith among Armenians.

The brutal killing of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two young sons shocked the world. It also spotlighted the reality of a militant Hindu nationalism in India. Following the recent release from prison of one of Graham’s killers, we speak to a senior church leader in India, Bishop Joseph D’Souza, about the events of that night in 1999; of the nature of Hindu nationalism; and of the morale of the Church in India today.

In this episode, Release International staff member Stephen McIlroy shares insights from his recent visit to Malaysia.

• Discover how God is the true missionary, revealing Himself through dreams and visions.
• Learn about the realities of faith under pressure 
• Join us in praying for the church in Malaysia.

In this edition of Release International’s Voice podcast we’re speaking to Release International CEO, Paul Robinson. The annual Persecution Trends Report is the report of Release International’s partners on the ground: their summary of what has been happening to Christians in their country. Listen as Paul highlights some of the countries mentioned in this year’s report—and tells us how we can read and use it.