“It’s better to be dead than taken hostage.”

When Jeff Woodke said those words, he didn’t know he would be kidnapped from his home in Niger in 2016. But as a longtime relief and gospel worker in West Africa, he did know there were risks.

In these special episodes of VOM Radio, you will hear Jeff recall the night he was kidnapped and how the flashes of gunfire that killed his guards are seared into his memory. You’ll also hear how he decided early on that instead of giving in to hate for his persecutors, he would forgive them.

Then listen as Jeff’s wife, Els, tells how she waited and prayed more than six years for her husband’s return. “I lived in the Psalms,” she says, recalling how she took comfort in the Psalmist’s cries to God for deliverance, sustenance and hope.

Though listening to the Woodkes’ story is difficult, you’ll be blessed and encouraged to hear of God’s faithfulness to them through their long ordeal.

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If you’ve never listened to VOM Radio or want to share it with a friend, here are seven conversations that can serve as an inspiring introduction:

Gracia Burnham — Like Jeff Woodke, an American held hostage by Islamists
Amber — Imprisoned in Tibet
Benesh — Planted more than 30 house churches in the Islamic Republic of Iran
John and Karen Short — Remained spiritually connected when John was detained inside North Korea
Pastor Andrew and Norine Brunson — Imprisoned in Turkey
Silas — Amazed to hear Jesus speaking his language on television
Susanna Koh — Her husband, a pastor, abducted in Malaysia. Years later, no info on his whereabouts

Please forward this email to Christian friends who will be inspired to pray for and support our persecuted Christian family.