After a long hiatus, Nik and Anthony are back! In this episode, Nik apologizes to parents, grandparents and churches. After four decades on the mission field, Nik now knows how difficult it is to be the one sending a child or grandchild overseas - and how to care for the ones who are not overseas, but who are holding the ropes of those "sent ones".

Check out NRM's powerful series - Insanity Unleashed at www.NikRipken.com/insanity-unleashedLearn more about our ministry at www.NikRipken.com

This is a REWIND episode of Witness & Persecution from a past episode titled "Redefining Christmas". This is part two of two! If you haven't listened to the first part, we highly recommend listening to that first. You can find that on podcast platforms and our website!

We know we've been a bit MIA but for good reason! There's a lot of amazing, game changing things coming out from NRM and we can't wait to share. Follow us on socials to stay tuned!

______________________

As Nik continues this series on rediscovering the Biblical account of the Christmas narrative, he challenges listeners to ask "Imagine you were a parent, or Jesus, in this story". Understanding the context of Christmas allows us to discover how we apply the birth of Jesus to our lives and theology. Learn more about Nik Ripken Ministries at: https://www.nikripken.com/

This is a REWIND episode of Witness & Persecution of past episode titled "Redefining Christmas". In light of the Christmas season, we thought this episode would be a good reminder for some and challenge for others on their perspective of Christmas. This is part one of two!

We know we've been MIA the last couple months, but it's not without reason! There's a lot of new and exciting things coming up for Nik Ripken that we're excited to share. Stay tuned!

-----------------------

Did you know that the wise men of the Bible were ultimately unwise men? Their story isn’t a children’s story set in an elaborate Christmas pageant. It’s a story of persecution when Jesus was just a toddler. It’s a story filled with drama and the genocidal slaughter of children. Christians living in the west are stuck with a faith narrative in our heads that is dominated by the culture in which we live. Nik begins a multi-part series to learn how believers in persecution get the Christmas story right. Learn more about Nik Ripken Ministries at: https://www.nikripken.com/

One of the most critical aspects of cross-cultural work is how to practically care for those we send. In this episode, Nik takes a deep dive into the most important elements that individuals and churches need to consider to most adequately take care of our "sent ones".

🔗 Visit NikRipken.com to learn more about their mission and how you can get involved. 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Witness and Persecution with Nik & Ruth Ripken for real stories of faith and resilience from the frontlines of Christian missions. ➡️Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Everything that God has ever done, He is still doing. Listen as Nik recounts a story out of Apartheid that demonstrates what it truly means to "give all" for Jesus and how the Biblical narrative continues to come alive all over the world.

🔗 Visit NikRipken.com to learn more about their mission and how you can get involved. 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Witness and Persecution with Nik & Ruth Ripken for real stories of faith and resilience from the frontlines of Christian missions. ➡️Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Last week, East-West's The Even You Podcast came out with an episode featuring Nik Ripken. Join hosts, Mariah and Scott, as they interview Nik on what bold faith and radical obedience looks like.

🔗 Visit NikRipken.com to learn more about their mission and how you can get involved. 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Witness and Persecution with Nik & Ruth Ripken for real stories of faith and resilience from the frontlines of Christian missions. ➡️Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

_______________

Description from The Even You Podcast:

If you follow Jesus, do you see your life as expendable or defendable? Are you defending your freedom to avoid persecution or willingly laying it all on the line for those who have never heard of Jesus? In this conversation, author and former missionary Nik Ripken explains what bold faith looks like. Serving in some of the most dangerous countries in the world as well as losing one of his sons on the mission field, Nik has seen unimaginable tragedy. However, he has also seen how insane faith can radically transform people's lives, even in the darkest places of the world. Our God doesn't call us to play it safe; He commands us to make disciples of all nations. Yet, no matter where we go, He is always with us. With that in mind, what would radical obedience to Jesus look like in your life?

How do you teach your children while serving on the mission field? For many families considering missions, this is one of the most significant concerns. In this episode, Ruth Ripken shares their family's 36-year journey across various mission fields, offering invaluable insights into how they navigated the challenges of educating their children overseas. From homeschooling to relying on God's provision, Ruth discusses how their kids not only survived but thrived, thanks to God's guidance in every season. Join us as we explore how God equips parents on the mission field, the unique challenges of raising children abroad, and practical advice for families called to serve. Whether you're interested in missionary life, homeschooling, or parenting in unique contexts, this conversation with Ruth Ripken is filled with wisdom and encouragement for families around the world. 🔗 Visit NikRipken.com to learn more about their mission and how you can get involved. 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Witness and Persecution with Nik & Ruth Ripken for real stories of faith and resilience from the frontlines of Christian missions. ➡️Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Nik Ripken tackles one of the most pressing issues facing the modern church: Christian nationalism. Join Nik as he explores what it means to faithfully follow Jesus in a world where politics has been weaponized to divide, define, and instigate hatred. As Christians, we're confronted by a society that challenges our political views side-by-side with our faith. We’re left asking, “How should Christians think about Christian nationalism?”

With thoughtful biblical reflection and stories from his global experience, Nik offers wisdom about how Christians can navigate the tension between national identity and spiritual allegiance to the Almighty God. Whether you're seeking clarity or a deeper understanding, this episode will challenge and encourage you to think critically about how faith shapes your worldview.

Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!