If you're a mother considering missionary service, or simply curious about the challenges faced by families on the mission field, this episode is a must-listen. In this episode, Ruth dives deep into the common fears that mothers often experience when contemplating a life of service on the mission field.

Best friends Nik and Pastor Tim sit down for an authentic conversation about how pastors and churches can effectively connect church members to every part of the Great Commission.

In this episode, Nik unveils a heartfelt tale that transcends borders and celebrates the profound beauty of cultural exchange. He teaches us about the Xhosa naming ceremony for newborns. What does the naming culture in Xhosa teach us about authentic community?

Check out the show notes and blog post related to this episode at https://www.nikripken.com/authentic-community/

Jesus gives us a direct command on how we are to treat our "neighbor". To fulfill that command, what should it look like, and to whom is it directed? In this episode, Ruth takes a deep dive into the world of Biblical hospitality, offering wisdom and tips gathered from decades overseas amongst various cultures.

In this episode, Nik Ripken delves into the profound distinction between merely going through the motions of church life and truly embodying the essence of what it means to be a follower of Christ. Drawing from his extensive global experiences and encounters with persecuted Christians, Nik sheds light on the challenges, misconceptions, and transformative power that comes with living out an authentic faith.

Obedience through baptism is a non-negotiable part of missions and church planting. What does - and should - baptism look like in cross-cultural contexts and among believers in persecution?

For 7 years, Nik and Ruth ministered in one of the harshest environments in Somalia. Faced with severe famine, starvation, destruction, and war, Nik gives poignant insight on what it means to not only take risks for Jesus, but what it truly means to be a witness for the Gospel.

In this episode of the Witness & Persecution Podcast, Nik Ripken reflects on how missionaries are able to learn languages so quickly. He has extensive experience as a missionary in some of the most challenging and remote regions of the world.

In this episode, Nik explores the challenges that Christian believers face when they move from countries where they are persecuted for their faith to the West, where they expect to find religious freedom. Unfortunately, many of these believers struggle with disillusionment. Emotional and physical scars from persecution lead to cultural and social challenges. An alarming number of believers abandon their faith after coming to the West. Why is this?

In this podcast episode, we discuss the lie of Satan that causes single women who desire to go on mission trips to feel conflicted about getting married. We explore how this lie can be overcome by prioritizing obedience to God’s calling and embracing one’s unique gifting. Ruth Ripken shares her experiences as a missionary worker and how she has seen women fulfill their purpose and impact lives even without a husband by their side. Join us as we debunk this lie and find a better way forward for single women who want to pursue their passion for missions and marriage.