In this extraordinary episode Reagan talks with Ryan Skoog who is an author and the founder and president of VENTURE, a nonprofit that works in the toughest places of the world, serving war refugees, trafficked people, oppressed children, and the unreached. Ryan shares personal stories about encountering benevolent angels, the demonic, miracles of God and the power of the Lord Jesus Christ that has transformed his life to reach the darkest places of the world.
Ryan co-authored the book, "Lead with Prayer" which has moved many around the world to use their faith in Christ to pray without ceasing for God's Kingdom to come to earth as it is in heaven. Ryan explains how the global church is exploding around the world even through persecution and intense evil and through the power of prayer people are encountering the love of Jesus as they get set free from the demonic chains of the enemy!
This conversation will inspire you to see prayer not as an afterthought, but as the central strategy of the Christian life.
Resources:
- More from the Revelations Podcast hosted by Reagan Kramer: Website | Instagram | Apple Podcast | Youtube
- Guest: Ryan Skoog, Co-Founder & President of Venture.org, Author of Lead with Prayer
- Ryan Skoog: https://www.leadwithprayer.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/ryanskoog/
This Episode is brought to you by Advanced Medicine AlternativesGet back to the active life you love through natural & regenerative musculoskeletal healing: https://www.georgekramermd.com/
Episode Highlights
(00:09) – Welcome & Introduction
Reagan introduces Ryan Skoog, co-founder and president of Venture.org, entrepreneur, author of Lead with Prayer, and father of three. Ryan shares about his family, including the adoption of their daughter from Myanmar.
(02:00) – Childhood Fear & Angel Encounter
Ryan recalls growing up with intense anxiety until a supernatural angelic visitation changed his life:
“I heard a voice say, I’m guarding your house. You don’t have to be afraid.”
That encounter set him on a path of boldness—leading him into war zones, Bible smuggling, and fearless ministry.
(04:30) – The Global Church Is Exploding
Ryan explains how the church is growing faster today than at any point in history, especially in places considered unsafe, unreached, and under-resourced.
Stories of persecution and martyrdom
Jesus film at 19,000 ft in the Himalayas
Miracles paralleling the Book of Acts
(07:30) – The Birth of Venture
How a cross-country bike ride with no money and no plan sparked a movement. What started as raising $16,000 turned into over $65 million raised, 15,000 house churches planted, and 87 million meals delivered to war refugees.
(10:30) – Learning from the Global Church
Ryan challenges Western believers to sit at the feet of persecuted Christians:
Joy in suffering
Radical obedience
Prayer as the first strategy, not the last resort
(12:30) – The Power of Prayer in Leadership
Ryan shares research revealing that many Western leaders pray less as they gain experience—contrary to Jesus’ example of withdrawing more often to be with the Father.
The book Lead with Prayer was born out of hundreds of interviews with global leaders whose prayer lives looked remarkably similar.
(15:00) – Mama Rose’s Story
One of the most moving testimonies: a woman whose home was bombed seven times, who stared down a cobra while bombs fell, and who now cares for thousands of orphans. Her prayer habit?
“I tithe my time—two and a half hours with Jesus every day.”
(17:30) – Prayer as Friendship with Jesus
From war zones to Wall Street, Ryan highlights how true prayer is rooted in relationship:
Francis Chan: walking with Jesus as a friend
A New York financier blocking time to “waste time with God”
Mother Teresa: “He just sits there with me.”
(19:16) – Walking with God Daily
Reagan reflects on her own prayer walks and how they mirror the global church’s simple yet profound practice of abiding in Christ.
20:59
Walking with God: A Return to Eden
Ryan reflects on Genesis and Acts 3, describing how sin interrupted our walk with God—and how Christ restores it.
“Repent and believe… so the cool of the day may return.”
21:35
Not a Prayer Time—A Crafted Day with God
Ryan shares how influential leaders don’t schedule a prayer time—they build a lifestyle of constant presence.
21:56
The Bell Tower Practice
Inspired by a 17th-century decree to ring church bells hourly, Ryan suggests creating your own daily reminders to stop and remember: God is with you.
22:30
Campfire with Jesus: Evening Reflection
Evening routines mirror Jesus and his disciples reviewing the day together. Ryan's family developed a practice of nightly communion.
23:14
Crisis & Nightmares: The Catalyst for Change
During COVID, Ryan’s business collapsed—and his daughter was tormented by terrifying nightmares connected to their ministry.
24:08
“You’ve Never Cried Alone”
Ryan recounts an emotional encounter with Jesus. He sees Christ weeping with him—a moment that reveals the deep empathy of God.
25:04
Communion as a Healing Practice
The family began taking communion nightly—and immediately saw a transformation. His daughter’s nightmares stopped.
25:43
Routine That Gives Life
Years later, the family still practices daily communion. Some nights feel routine, but most feel deeply meaningful and life-giving.
25:59 –
Walking with God in the Ordinary
Ryan describes using short prayers and spiritual prompts to invite Christ into every moment—whether going to the gym or driving to work.
“You’re not hanging the phone up—you’re still talking to God.”
26:25
Listening to the Holy Spirit in Daily Life
Ryan shares how a subtle nudge from God to take a different highway on-ramp led to rescuing a man in desperate need during freezing weather.
“He actually cared what on-ramp you go on.”
27:42
Pulse 100: Raising Bold Voices
An invitation to young leaders: Join Pulse 100, a year-long mentorship and training journey for those called to share Jesus boldly.
🔗 pulse.org/pulse100
28:25
Jesus Weeps With Us
The host reflects on a past ministry experience where someone saw Jesus weeping with a rape survivor—prompting a powerful conversation on the mystery of suffering and Christ’s compassion.
“Jesus is weeping with you. He continually intercedes for us.”
29:32
Breakthrough After the Valley
Ryan recounts how their company not only survived their COVID-era crisis, but experienced record-breaking growth. Still, he emphasizes:
“His presence meant more than the miracles.”
29:50
Psalm 23: From “He” to “You”
A reflection on the shift in Psalm 23—God goes from third-person (“He”) to intimate second-person (“You”) when we walk through the valley.
“It’s in the valley that Jesus goes from ‘the Lord’ to ‘You are with me.’”
30:28
Adoption, War, and Jesus’ Presence
Ryan shares the harrowing story of adopting a girl whose father was tortured in Myanmar. After surviving unimaginable trauma, she experienced a healing vision of Jesus telling her:
“You’re safe now.”
31:55
From Night Terrors to Peace
Since that moment with Jesus, she has not had a single night terror. Though still healing, the transformation began in one moment of divine presence.
32:18
God's Special Grace for the Vulnerable
Ryan and the host reflect on how children—especially those with special needs or trauma—often experience heaven in unique, personal ways.
“Why would we think otherwise? Our God is so good.”
32:35 –
Presence vs. Miracle
Not every story ends in a miracle, but every prayer is answered—whether through healing or holy presence.
“We don’t get to pick, but He always answers.”
33:22
Karma vs. the Gospel: Identity and Worth in Nepal
Ryan explains how Hindu and Buddhist worldviews contribute to generational oppression and trafficking—especially among the Badi people in Nepal, known nationally as “the trafficked caste.”
“Until the gospel comes in and transforms their identity… they believe they deserve to be abused.”
34:48
The Gospel is Exploding
Despite deep-rooted oppression, the gospel is transforming hearts around the world. One academic missions expert summed it up:
“Jesus is crushing it.”
35:26
A Family of Entrepreneurs and Intercessors
Ryan tells the incredible story of how his father turned down a major corporate deal after prayer—only to see that company declare bankruptcy six months later.
“One hour of prayer saved 10 years of work.”
36:47
When Prayer Doesn’t Make Sense (But You Obey Anyway)
Even when the Spirit’s answer seems illogical, obedience is the path of wisdom and safety.
37:06
Redefining Blessing: American vs. Jesus-Style
After writing that 2020 would be a “year of blessing,” Ryan wrestles with the disconnect between suffering and God's promise—until the Beatitudes reveal a better definition.
“I had the American definition of blessing. I needed the Jesus definition.”
38:13
When Partners Are Imprisoned or Martyred
Heart-wrenching updates from global partners, some of whom are jailed or martyred for sharing the gospel.
“We created a separate fund for the widows of martyred and imprisoned partners.”
38:46
Their Prayer: Let the Gospel Go Fast
Despite persecution, these leaders pray not for safety but for speed—that the good news would spread rapidly.
39:07
Who's Praying for Your Neighbor?
Convicting reflection: Do you pray daily, by name, for your neighbors to meet Jesus? Ryan shares how this simple practice sparked several salvations around his block.
“Your neighbor might have no one praying for them. You could be the one.”
40:02
Stop Selling, Start Loving
The global church models evangelism not as performance or pressure, but as presence, prayer, and love.
“In America, we don’t pray as much and feel like we need to be salesmen.”
40:36 — Neuroscience and Prayer Habits
Research shows: 20 minutes of prayer a day for 8 weeks can literally rewire your brain—reducing fear, anxiety, and increasing joy and openness.
“Our bodies are wired to fight prayer. We have to train them.”
41:49 — Free Prayer Tools
Ryan mentions free downloadable prayer habit cards at LeadWithPrayer.com, designed to help individuals, families, and ministries build consistent, life-giving prayer rhythms.
42:21 — Global Stories and Miracles
This book isn’t just theory—it’s filled with real testimonies from global leaders: miraculous healings, dreams, salvations, and what happens when people pray first.
43:06 — Fighting for His Daughter in Prayer
Ryan shares a personal, vulnerable story of laying face-down outside his daughter’s room for months, praying for breakthrough.
“I don’t know why it took so long—but there is a war.”
43:45 — Spiritual Battles Are Real
A chilling moment of spiritual connection: a church planter in Nepal has identical nightmares to Ryan’s daughter—confirming they were fighting the same battle from across the world.
“We were fighting together.”
45:10 — Teaching Kids About Suffering and Power in Christ
How do we help our children walk through hardship without losing hope? How do we teach them to stand in their God-given authority?
46:22 — With Him, Either Way
Whether through cancer, trauma, or unanswered prayer, being with Jesus is always the goal. The joy of the global church often comes from this eternal mindset.
“If the goal of life is to be like Jesus, then cancer was finishing school.”
47:57 — Your Kids Aren’t Your Own
Surrendering your children to God’s leadership is painful—but essential. Whether it’s through a miracle or a challenge, they are gifts to steward.
“The gifts are both miracles and challenges.”
48:57 — The Practice of Surrender in Every Area
A Christian entrepreneur shares his practice of daily surrender: every meeting, every outcome, every plan laid at the feet of Jesus.
“I’m not anxious because I’ve surrendered to God either way.”
49:52 — Throne Before Phone: Teaching Kids to Pray
Imagine if kids turned to prayer instead of their phones. The host and Ryan discuss the spiritual dangers of constant digital distraction, and the need to cultivate spiritual authority from a young age.
50:29 — Family Prayer Boards and Big, Bold Requests
Ryan shares how their family keeps a “Big Bold Prayer” board—celebrating every answer with joy.
“We celebrated the 10th container of food reaching Myanmar—my son prayed for that!”
52:04 — Intimacy Through Surrender
The most profound joy comes not from ease, but from intimacy with God in suffering. Every story in Lead With Prayer ends the same way: it was worth it, because He was there.
“Desire His presence… even when you don’t know what’s next.”
💬
Memorable Quotes“You’re safe now.” — Jesus, in a vision to Ryan’s adopted daughter
“Sometimes the miracle is a moment in His presence.”
“In the valley of the shadow, He becomes You are with me.”
“We don’t get to pick how He answers—but He always does.”
🔎
Scripture ReferencesPsalm 23: God’s shift from “He” to “You” in the valley
Romans 8:34: Christ “intercedes for us”
Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these…”
Acts 3: (from Part 1) Restoring the walk with God
Key Takeaways
Fear is overcome by God’s presence, not by human effort.
The global church is experiencing Acts-level miracles and explosive growth.
Prayer is not an accessory to ministry—it is the ministry.
Western Christians can learn humility, joy, and intimacy with Jesus from persecuted believers.
Friendship with Jesus is the foundation of fruitful leadership.
Overcoming Childhood Fear with an Angelic Encounter
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