Jesus warned his disciples, ‘If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.’ Throughout history persecution has taken many different forms and come from a variety of sources. At this particular moment in time, in many parts of the world the growth of radicalised Islam is one pressing threat against God’s people.

On today’s podcast we talk to Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali former Bishop of Rochester and President of the Oxford Centre for Training, Research, Advocacy and Dialogue. Bishop Michael has written several books on the theme of Christianity’s interface with Islam, and he speaks regularly at conferences on the subject.

Listen in as we discuss his own background in Islamic culture, his thoughts on the recent growth of radical Islam, the current situation for Christians in Pakistan, and the concerning new wave of violence against Christians in parts of Africa.

Whilst no system of government is perfect, we can be thankful for the political and religious freedoms we currently enjoy in the United Kingdom. And we can be thankful for elected representatives who are willing to use their voice to speak up for justice and ensure that issues like religious persecution are heard about and debated.

On today’s podcast, guest host Kenneth speaks to Jim Shannon, MP for Strangford and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief at Westminster. 

Listen in as they talk about what motivated Jim to get involved in politics, his concern for religious freedom in the world today, and the progress of implementing the recommendations outlined in the Bishop of Truro’s important 2019 report on the global persecution of Christians. 

Mentioning the country of North Korea can provoke both intrigue and horror in our minds. So much of what goes on there is hidden from us. But we know enough to understand that it is a place of extreme repression and suffering, especially for Christians. And yet in this unlikely place there is an unquenchable thirst for the word of God and the church is growing.

On today’s podcast hear from Release International partner Pastor Eric Foley from Voice of the Martyrs Korea. Listen in as we talk about some of the myths surrounding Christian practice in North Korea, the current controversy over Bible distribution into the country, the creative ways in which this is being countered, and the remarkable enduring faith of our Christian family. Prepare to have some of your current conceptions stretched and challenged.

Over 20 million people in the UK regularly give their time as volunteers in various sectors and organisations. Release International benefits hugely from the contributions of our team of dedicated volunteers. Whether it’s speaking in churches, organising a prayer group, fundraising or sharing information, volunteering is one key way to stand with our persecuted brothers and sisters.

Hear from Release International’s volunteer co-ordinator Andrew Wilmshurst, and Release volunteers Annette, Simon and Suzanne, share about their passion and life-shaping experiences as volunteers with Release.

Last year on the podcast we spoke to Release International partner Hassan John about the problems of violence and unrest in West Africa. On today’s podcast we are going to take a closer look at one specific country in that region: Burkina Faso. 

You may not know much about Burkina Faso, but recently the actions of violent militant groups have made it a very difficult place for Christians to live. Our brothers and sisters there are being targeted, displaced and killed because of their Christian faith.

We will hear from Susanna who works for Release International’s sister ministry, Voice of the Martyrs, Poland. We’ll talk about the general situation in Burkina Faso, some specific ways in which Christians have been impacted, and the projects that Release International is helping to fund that bring practical help to families and communities.

In his well-known words at the end of Matthew 28 Jesus tells his disciples to go and make disciples. Clearly discipleship is going to be central in the Kingdom of God. But what is it - and how are we to understand discipleship in a culture which so highly values the idea of charting your own individual course in the world?

Today’s podcast features Release workers Kenneth and Stephen. Hear them discuss Release International’s new Bible study resource All for Jesus. This course has been designed to help Christians in the UK to come to a better biblical understanding of discipleship - by looking at it through the lens of persecution.

You can order copies of All for Jesus online at releaseinternational.org/shop.

What do you know about Iran? It is an Islamic Republic with strict religious laws. It is a country which is often in the news because of confrontation with the West. But it is also a place where God is working, and where His church is growing. 

Today’s podcast features Release International partner Lazarus Yeghnazar from 222 Ministries. Hear him talk about the surprising growth of the church in Iran and among the Farsi speaking world, how the authorities have responded and how persecution has increased. He enthusiastically expresses the great passion that Iranian Christians have for the Lord and how this challenges our own understanding of what it means to follow Jesus.

Lazarus will be joining us again for a series of live online events from Monday 8th March. This will be an opportunity to hear more about Iran and the specific projects Release International is helping to support. It will also be an opportunity to put your own questions to Lazarus. For more details and to register for those events go to releaseinternational.org/events

2020 was a year like no other and one that many of us would probably rather forget. The pandemic continues to be at the forefront of our nation’s news coverage but it is not the only story in 2021. This year Christians across the world will continue to face persecution. From Africa to South East Asia our brothers and sisters in Christ will be violently opposed because of their faith and their stories must also hold our attention. 

On this month’s podcast guest host Kenneth Harrod speaks to Release workers Tom and Jack about Release International’s 2021 Persecution Trends report. They talk about the pressures Christians are likely to face in several key areas this year, and also discuss how the report can help individuals and churches to be better informed and to pray. 

You can read the full Persecution Trends report online at: https://bit.ly/38i951I

Earlier this year on the podcast we spoke to Release International’s associate ministry worker Petr Jasek. We talked about his experience of spending 445 days in a Sudanese prison and the impact this had on his faith. We also chatted about the launch of his book Imprisoned with Isis which tells his story. Now Release International is excited to be working with a London based theatre company to produce and tour a new dynamic production of Petr’s story across the UK in 2021.

On today’s podcast guest host James talks to Artless Theatre Company directors Jon and Chris. They chat about what inspired them to take on this project and how their material is developing.

Stephen is well known as the first Christian martyr. His story is recorded in the New Testament in Acts chapters 6&7. But why exactly did Stephen die, and what does it mean to be a Christian martyr?

On today’s podcast host Sarah is talking to Release workers Kenneth and James. They'll be discussing the story of Stephen in detail and thinking about how it can help us relate to our brothers and sisters across the world today who face the very real possibility of being killed because of their faith.