NORTH AFRICA MINISTRY: “Difficult Does Not Mean Impossible”

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The Voice of the Martyrs

Christianity, Martyr, Vom, Persecution, Gospel, Pastor, Persecutedchurch, Apologetics, Islam, Christian, Church, Missions, Missionaries, Religion & Spirituality

4.9 • 1.3K Ratings

🗓️ 9 November 2024

⏱️ 25 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

“Pastor Joe” was drawn to North Africa not by a call to gospel work but by his own dreams and interests. However, once he was there the Lord opened his eyes to the needs of the people and gave Joe a deep love for them. Ministry in North Africa is difficult, but as Pastor Joe and his family read the Bible, they see that it’s not about them. Rather it’s all about Christ.

“We are just the instruments,” says Joe. “We don’t count on ourselves; we count on God.”

As Muslims seek spiritual truth and come to Christ, they encounter challenges with unbelieving family and friends. Pastor Joe says that’s why the church is so important to help make up for the family and community new believers have lost by connecting them with new brothers and sisters in Christ.

One young lady had a difficult time approaching her family with the gospel message. Joe encouraged her to focus on living out Jesus’ love in front of her family members. Soon, her mother became curious: who was behind the changes she saw in her daughter’s life? Pastor Joe also tells the story of a brother who never misses church gatherings. He says, “I lost so much time not knowing Jesus! Now I want to learn as much as possible.”

Joe’s wife always says, “There’s no mission without sacrifice.” The couple are ready to answer questions about Jesus and Christianity from anyone who is seeking, although proselytizing is illegal in the restricted nation where they live.

Hear more stories from Pastor Joe and how he prepares new believers to face Christian persecution. He will also share the joy and hope that come as faithful believers live their lives for Christ on display to the people around them. Pray for Christians in North Africa and for Pastor Joe and his family as they continue their gospel work.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	There is no mission without sacrifice.
0:03.0	We have dedicated our lives to be in North Africa to show God's love.
0:12.0	If we are in the gathering and there was an attack, if there is a bomb that come to a church building,
0:20.0	so the bomb will not be choosing.
0:22.0	Okay, these are local believers, these are this skin color or what?
0:28.6	No, it's just we are all the same.
0:31.6	We are in the same boat.
0:35.1	Jesus never promised his followers an easy path. In fact, he told his disciples that the world would hate them. He sent them out as sheep among wolves.
0:44.5	Jesus' words came true in the life of the apostles, and they're still coming true today in the lives of his followers around the world.
0:51.6	Join host Todd Nettleton as we hear their inspiring stories and learn how
0:55.4	we can help right now on the Voice of the Martyrs Radio network. Welcome again to the Voice of
1:00.6	the Martyrs Radio. My name is Todd Nettleton and we are in our studio today in Bartlesville, Oklahoma
1:05.5	with Pastor Joe. You may recall if you are a longtime VOM radio listener, I met Pastor Joe in North Africa.
1:13.4	We had a conversation there that we shared with you here on the Voice of the Martyrish Radio.
1:18.0	It's exciting for me, Pastor Joe, to have you now in Bartlesville to be able to record this here.
1:23.6	Thank you for coming.
1:24.7	Thank you for being our guest this week on Voice of the Martyrish Radio.
1:27.4	Thank you so much, Todd, for having our guest this week on Voice of the Martyrs Radio.
1:32.5	Thank you so much, Todd, for having me. It's a pleasure as well for me to be here.
1:38.9	In our last conversation, one of the things you asked us to pray for was for your family and especially for your children.
1:48.0	As they were at risk in North Africa, they kind of had the weight of their parents' work. How are your children doing? They are doing well. All of us as a family, we are grateful to God. He
1:53.9	continued to protect us, not because the situation has been improving, but we are encouraged by God's hands, providing and protecting.
	...

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