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Kingdom Voice: Arlene M.

Scripture:  Psalms 16:8-11 (NLT)-New Living Translation 

"I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever." 

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Audio Scripture Project: Arlene M.

Last week , trainers to church planters and former missionaries to Mongolia, shared about their efforts to plant a church in Mongolia—and the high cost they paid for serving there when their infant son died. This week, listen as they unwrap some of the principles they learned in that process, lessons they are now teaching to pastors and church leaders around the world, including hostile areas and restricted nations where VOM works. Brian, the author of  and , says that many in Western churches want to “buy a box” and follow a checklist for church planting, skipping the difficult process of seeking the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and guidance. He challenges church planters to empty themselves of their own culture and learn the people and culture of where they are church planting, while always keeping in step with the New Testament. “If we don’t see it in the New Testament,” Brian says, “then we’re not going to institute it on the nations.” Brian and Louise also share how generous and missions-minded the church in Mongolia is. They ask, “What can we do to obey Jesus?” As Brian &amp; Louise train Mongolian missionaries to go out to the nations, these radical church planters know that the core of missions is the church. They are not willing that anyone should be unreached. A nation that once sent out violent conquerors is now sending missionaries committed to conquering hearts with the Prince of Peace. Please pray for Mongolian Christians, and for church planters throughout the world as they work and sacrifice to bring every tribe, tongue, and nation into fellowship with Christ. Listen also for a special testimony from a former prisoner for Christ in Uzbekistan, Dmitry “David” Shestakov. Hear the difference it made when Christians around the world wrote letters to him in prison, then go and write letters to Christians in prison right now at . You can also hear Shestakov share his story in . &nbsp;for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as providing&nbsp;free&nbsp;access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your&nbsp;&nbsp;or&nbsp; device today.

MONGOLIA: Church is the Core of Missions

Neda was born in Iran to a Muslim family. She grew up as a Muslim and married a well-known Iranian athlete. But their marriage was on the rocks. At 22, feeling broken and empty, Neda called out to Allah for help. But she found no solace, and grew angry and disillusioned with a god that refused to answer her prayers. As Neda’s heart continued searching, God supernaturally told a family member living in the Netherlands to go back to Iran and share the gospel of Jesus. Neda came to faith in Christ through her relative’s witness and her life was radically transformed. Her husband, surprised and amazed by the change he saw in her, placed his trust in Jesus too. God faithfully restored their marriage and called them to ministry. Neda drew strength from the stories of other persecuted Christians. She read a story in a book from The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) about a girl who was assaulted and became pregnant. Yet she responded with remarkable faith by entrusting everything, even her body, to God. God used this story to teach Neda about the importance of obedience and sacrifice despite fear of persecution and threats of imprisonment and violence. Over the next thirteen years, Neda and her husband faced increasing persecution from the Islamic government. In one incident, officials&nbsp;raided their home and threatened her husband at gunpoint. She and her husband ultimately decided to leave Iran, yet they continue to serve from abroad . Neda encourages every Christian to lay down their own desires and fully surrender to God's will—even when it means taking up their cross and enduring suffering and persecution. She also shares specific ways to pray for Christians in Iran during the current turmoil there. &nbsp;for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians—in Iran and other nations—throughout the year, as well as provide&nbsp;free&nbsp;access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your&nbsp;&nbsp;or&nbsp; device today.

IRAN: “What you intended for evil, God used for good”

When it comes to evangelism, a surprising number of Christians find themselves fearful, lethargic, confused, and out of their depth. We can find it hard to make clear connections to the Gospel, or to see the light of Christian truth in relation to the everyday interests of strangers and neighbours alike. 

Is this due primarily to a lack of conversational wisdom or a lack of spiritual boldness? Andy and Aaron both spoke on the different sides of this "coin" at the 2025 Cedarwood Festival. They reflect here that what may appear to be opposing perspectives can actually be complementary, challenging us to overcome cowardice whilst making the best use of our witness, ever mindful of what God can do even in the midst of our most feeble efforts.

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Episode 94 - Evangelism: Building Bridges or Breaking Barriers?

Why do many Christians today lose heart for evangelism? Are we fatigued by negative responses? Are we fearful of stepping outside our comfort zone? Do we overcomplicate it by listening too much to the "wisdom" of this world?

In this special live episode recorded at Cedarwood Festival, Andy and Aaron are joined by Rev. Mark Greenwood, evangelism director for Elim Pentecostal Church, to wrestle through these questions. Mark shares some of his testimony, how it continues to inspire his approach to evangelism today, and how we can think through the challenges of evangelism on a more practical level.

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Episode 95 - Evangelism: Overcoming Fear and Fatigue (with special guest Mark Greenwood)

As modern Britain is mired in confusion over its multicultural identity, growing Islamisation, and moral decline, surprising numbers of people are re-looking to Christianity as the country's foundation. 

But is Britain a Christian nation? Was it ever a Christian nation? What makes (or breaks) a Christian nation? What can churches and individuals do to work towards the Christianisation of Britain today? Is it a helpful term ... or a hindrance?  

In this special episode of Pod of the Gaps recorded live at the 2025 Cedarwood Festival, Aaron and Andy discuss these questions alongside special guest David Stretton-Downes, followed by a Q&A with the audience.

Episode 96 - Can We Make Britain Christian Again (Live from Cedarwood)

Immigration continues to be one of the most important socio-political talking points in western societies today. This is especially so in Britain, where various controversial events in recent times highlight the growing concerns of the populace.

Too often, genuine conversation about the problems of mass immigration are shut down without due reflection even on the numbers, let alone more particular issues around the influx of hugely divergent cultural norms into very different societies. The assumption that westerners cannot care about the preservation of their own peoples or cultures without incurring the charge of being racist or xenophobic only tends to make the tensions worse.

How should Christians think and speak about these issues? What does loving our migrant neighbour look like in the context of national decline? How can we reach the asylum seeker in front of us whilst questioning or critiquing current immigration policies? And with the growing profusion of British flags appearing in public spaces, what Gospel opportunities does this open up for Christians to speak about where our true identity is found? Andy and Aaron fly the flag on this issue in their usual style, seeking to tread that fine line between inspiration and cancellation for your listening enjoyment!

Episode 97 - Migrants, Asylum Seekers, and Flags

The audio scripture project will incorporate natural voices that will make specific scriptures come alive through human and not computer generated sound for those in the Blind and Low Vision Christian community.

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❤️ Here’s to growing your Love for God and being intentional about doing ministry, however you’ve been called…

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Devotional and Books App Audio Scripture Project Intro

The assassination of the Christian apologist and debater, Charlie Kirk, has shaken western civilisation to its core. Even many who opposed his views have come to recognise that the moment had unusual significance not only for freedom of speech but also for Christian engagement in politics.

What lessons can be learned from the aftermath? Are there things we need to realise about left-wing ideology and its connection to violent change? If a winsome debater like Kirk is seen as a threat because he successfully challenged secular ideologies, what does that say about the grounds of reasonable debate going forward? Is this a moment for Christians to become quieter about the socio-political implications of Christianity, or bolder? And how should the Gospel shape our response? 

Andy and Aaron deal with all this and much more in another jam-packed episode of Pod of the Gaps!

Resources ...

* Charlie's website: https://www.charliekirk.com

Rather than ask for support for Pod of the Gaps, if you'd like to support Turning Point, the organisation Charlie founded, you can do so here: https://tpusa.com

Episode 98 - The Charlie Kirk Problem

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