WORLD MISSIONS: "It's All Hands on Deck Right Now"

How do you discern God's calling to be a missionary? John Easter, Executive Director of Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM), says the first question might be: if God did call you to serve overseas, would you say yes? Before accepting his current role John and his wife served the church in Africa, providing theological training to pastors and leaders. In an effort to develop more leaders for the growing church, they oversaw 380+ schools with 25,000+ students. Serving on missions frontlines brought many challenges. They faced an abduction, medical issues, hijacking and other criminal activity while in Africa. Yet the Lord surrounded them with community and resources as they learned how to abide in Christ and rely on the Holy Spirit during every hardship. Today, John is focused on vision casting, fundraising and care for missionaries and missionary kids as they work to spread the gospel in unreached areas. You'll hear John share why the church in northern India is growing rapidly and what the Lord is instilling in His people in Nigeria—despite intense and violent Christian persecution in both nations. Even the reality of death is not enough for these followers of Christ to turn back, John says. Hear John suggest next steps for those the Lord may be calling to overseas missions, and ways you can pray specifically for AGWM and for missionaries sent out from your church. You're invited! Be a part of The Voice of the Martyrs' 2026 From the Field National Conference this September in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Gather with fellow believers and hear firsthand stories from persecuted Christians in restricted nations and hostile areas where VOM serves. Seating is limited, so register soon to join this inspiring event. ➕➕➕ 📚 Explore More Resources: The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians in nations like North Korea, Nigeria, Iran, and India, as well as provide free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content, and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today. 🛎 Stay Updated: Subscribe & Share our journey! Join us here: Subscribe to ‪ ‪@VoiceOfTheMartyrsUSA‬‬. Your support means everything! 🎙 Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to The Voice of the Martyrs Radio for powerful stories & insights. Find us on your favorite podcast platform here: https://bit.ly/42yVMEj 🔗 Connect with us on social media:   / vomusa     / vom_usa     / vom_usa   ➕➕➕ The Voice of the Martyrs – https://www.vom.org Founded by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand - https://www.persecution.com/founders/ The Voice of the Martyrs President Cole Richards - https://www.persecution.com/bios/cole... The Voice of the Martyrs Radio Host Todd Nettleton - https://www.vomradio.net/host #podcast #martyr #voiceofthemartyrs #christianmartyrs #missions 0:00 – A Historic Opportunity for Global Missions Dr. John Easter shares why now may be the greatest moment in Church history for global gospel impact. 0:26 – The Reality of Persecution Todd Nettleton introduces the ongoing persecution Christians face around the world and the mission of supporting them. 1:12 – God’s Call to Africa John shares how God redirected his life from pastoral ministry and academics into missions work in Africa. 2:41 – Challenges and Faith on the Mission Field Stories of danger, medical struggles, and how God used difficult seasons to shape their family and ministry. 4:03 – Preparing Missionaries for Hardship How mission leaders equip workers spiritually and practically for persecution and suffering. 7:08 – Why the Church Often Grows Under Persecution A conversation about India, the Book of Acts, and the resilience of believers in hostile environments. 11:04 – Discerning a Call to Missions Practical advice for listeners sensing God may be calling them into ministry or cross-cultural missions. 16:29 – Every Church Has a Role to Play Why local churches are essential in affirming, sending, and supporting missionaries around the world. 18:11 – How to Pray for Missionaries Dr. Easter shares prayer points for mission leaders, missionaries, their families, and missionary kids. 22:56 – VOM Conference & Next Week’s Episode Todd closes with details about the VOM National Conference and previews next week’s story from Indonesia.