From underground churches to global advocacy: Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs shares encouraging stories in midst of persecution

In a powerful and moving conversation with Christian journalist Paul Calvert, Todd Nettleton, Vice President of Message for The Voice of the Martyrs – USA and host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio shares the vision, history, and heart of a ministry dedicated to standing with persecuted Christians around the world.

The ministry, founded by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand – a Romanian Jewish convert to Christianity who spent 14 years in communist prisons – continues today in over 70 countries, serving believers facing violence, imprisonment, and social ostracization.

Nettleton further explains the two-fold mission of the organization: To provide direct aid to suffering Christian believers and share their stories to strengthen and inspire the wider body of Messiah, and to raise awareness in free nations by sharing the powerful testimonies of those who suffer for their faith.

Nettleton sheds light on areas of grave concern such as Eritrea, where believers languish in prisons for decades without trials, and Northern Nigeria and Mozambique, where terrorism and targeted violence endanger Christian communities. “There are somewhere around 400 Christians in prison right now... Not a single one of those people has ever had a trial,” he states, highlighting the heartbreak and injustice in these regions.

Yet even amid danger, the Gospel advances. During a recent visit to the Middle East, Nettleton witnessed surprising openness to Jesus – even in places like Saudi Arabia. He noted how God uses both suffering and societal shifts to stir spiritual hunger: “God is using some of these changes in leadership, some of the chaos and the war… to make Muslims more open to hearing the Gospel.”

From providing Bibles and medical aid to equipping frontline workers and amplifying voices from underground churches, Voice of the Martyrs is active on multiple fronts. Nettleton’s passion for the persecuted is tangible, as he encourages believers to pray. The VOM’s website, persecution.com, offers daily prayer prompts and a free magazine to help Christians stay informed and engaged.

To hear stories of courage, sacrifice, and faith that transcend borders and circumstances, listen to Paul Calvert’s full interview with Todd Nettleton. You’ll come away challenged and inspired to always remember that we’re one Body of believers in Messiah around the world.