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...
Jul 09, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 1
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 ...
Dec 21, 2024•51 min
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 th...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr
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 o...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 8
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 m...
Oct 08, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 7
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 NikRipke...
Oct 01, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 6
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 ever...
Sep 17, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 5
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 glo...
Aug 29, 2024•30 min
In this episode, Nik Ripken tackles one of the most pressing questions many Christians have: "How should I think about Muslims?" 🌍 With more and more news media pushing out different narratives, especially about the Middle East and Islam - how are we called to view Muslims? With years of experience living and working among Muslim communities, Nik offers insightful, compassionate, and Christ-centered guidance for understanding and engaging with Muslims in our increasingly connected world. Learn ...
Aug 22, 2024•11 min
Almost 2 million people from over 40,000 churches embark on short-term international mission trips each year, driven by a desire to serve, make a difference, and spread hope. But how many of these trips actually leave a lasting impact? In this episode, join Nik and Anthony as they dig deep into the complexities of short-term missions and what it really takes to be a helpful volunteer abroad and answer the question "How do you know if a volunteer will be helpful overseas?". Nik shares a candid, e...
Aug 15, 2024•15 min
Nik and Ruth Ripken welcome Tim and Aileen Challies in this moving episode, where they share their journey through the grief of losing a child and how they’ve found hope and redemption through their faith in Christ. Through raw and honest conversation, they discuss the challenges of navigating such deep sorrow and how their faith has sustained them through the darkest moments. Join us as we dive deep into topics that resonate with the heart of ministry—grief, hope, redemption—and discover how th...
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Join us for a powerful episode of Ripken Reports where Nik Ripken tackles the question: "How does knowing the context of the Bible help us in missions?" In this candid and insightful session, Nik shares his deep understanding and firsthand experiences from the mission field, explaining why understanding the Bible's context is crucial for effective mission work. Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!...
Aug 08, 2024•15 min
Have you ever thought how powerful it is when you as a believer have the ability to lift up prayer requests directly to God? Nik discusses both the power and practice of prayer as it relates to the first step of evangelism. Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Aug 06, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Join us in this episode of Ripken Reports, for an insightful chat with Nik Ripken as he shares a fascinating story about the pitfalls of cultural misunderstandings on the mission field - all starting with a cold Coca-Cola. Ever wondered why getting culture right is so crucial? Join Nik and Anthony in an episode full of wisdom, humor, and great stories. Perfect for anyone curious about missions and cross-cultural experiences! Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on ou...
Aug 01, 2024•16 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Nik reminds us that obeying the Great Commission is not brain surgery - all of us are equipped and capable of sharing Jesus and gathering people in our homes, neighborhoods, and places of work. Listen in as Nik unpacks the simple, everyday obedience that changes the world. Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Jul 30, 2024•52 min•Season 2Ep. 2
When is the right time to take significant risks for Jesus? On May 2024, it was announced that a missionary couple in Haiti, Natalie and Davy Lloyd, were murdered by a local gang. Their remains were sent home to Natalie's parents in Missouri. This news shocked the world and brought in a lot of questions when it came to the topic of missions and risks. Join us on this latest episode of Ripken Reports as Nik answers the question that this terrible event has brought back to the surface - "When is t...
Jul 26, 2024•20 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Tithing is a common practice in the West to which we rarely give much thought. But what do you do when you are on the edge of lostness with no storehouse in which to give your tithes? Nik sits down to address this issue, and how it relates to our obedience to the "more important matters of the law". Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Jul 23, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Welcome to our very FIRST Ripken Report. These shorter episodes are where Nik gives raw and honest answers to all of YOUR questions. This episode's question is "Should I go to seminary or should I get a job in the marketplace?". Tune in and hear what wisdom Nik has to share! Learn more about Nik Ripken Ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on social media at: Facebook - NikRipken Instagram - @NikRipken X - @NikRipken
Jul 18, 2024•21 min•Season 2Ep. 2
After 7 years, our video-based, game-changing missions resource for the global Body of Christ is finally ready to be unveiled this Fall! Nik and Anthony sit down for a surprise conversation sharing the story of how this resource came to be, and what Nik and Ruth hope to see happen through learning from Believers in Persecution in this material. Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Jul 11, 2024•22 min•Season 2Ep. 1
The essence of salvation and baptism are often controversial. When so many cultures view truth and relationships so differently, how do we know what comprises an authentic profession of faith in Jesus? We also have a ton of new and game-changing updates coming to Nik Ripken Ministries, such as new resources, a new website, and new products. To stay up to date, follow us on our socials or check out our website - all listed below! Learn more about Nik Ripken Ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us o...
Jun 11, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 75
This is a previously recorded speech from Liberty University's Convocation Ceremony titled, "Sheep Among Wolves". We thought it was a powerful message for anyone graduating, entering a new season of life, or needing some encouragement as we continue to walk this life as Jesus' followers, carrying the Good News across the streets and across the oceans. Listen in as Nik challenges students on what it truly means to share the Gospel in the hardest places on the planet. If you'd like to learn more a...
Jun 04, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 75
In our world of unlimited streaming options and instant gratification, it's easy to want "add-ons" to following Jesus. Join Nik as he discusses how we are tempted, whether in our own culture or on the mission field, to present the Gospel as "Jesus+" - trying to get material benefits from becoming a Christian beyond just getting Jesus Himself. Learn more about the ministry at NikRipken.com
May 21, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 76
In this episode of Witness & Persecution with Nik and Ruth Ripken, Nik confronts one of the more confusing statements of Jesus regarding His identity and sharing the Good News: How do you know Jesus? And what is the most important thing about Jesus that you know? Learn more about our ministry at NikRipken.com .
May 14, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 75
In this episode of Witness & Persecution with Nik and Ruth Ripken, Nik shares the story of getting to interview Samuel Lamb, one of the most spiritually impactful men of God in the Chinese Church. Nik recounts lessons learned from Samuel Lamb about faithfulness in the midst of severe and heartbreaking persecution. Learn more about the ministry at NikRipken.com
May 10, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 74
Christian culture has bought into this lie: “If you love and serve Jesus, you are entitled to a long life, free from serious injury or illness. And you’ll never have problems within your family." Join Nik as he dives into what it truly means to be "crucified with Christ."
Apr 30, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 73
In western Christianity, we often fail to choose leaders in a biblical way. Persecuted believers also raise up and train leaders. Nik walks through the spiritual, biological, and cultural profiles of pastors, teachers, evangelists, and church planters in parts of the world defined by persecution. Learn more about our ministry at NikRipken.com
Apr 09, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 72
Every persecuted believer gets knocked down at some point. Many of them, through Spirit-empowered victorious faith, get back up and stay in God's story. The unfortunate reality, though, is that some deny their faith or—worse—fill the role of Judas as betrayer. Nik shares several stories about the experiences of individuals enduring persecution. * For the safety of those mentioned in this episode, their names have either been changed or edited out.
Apr 02, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 71
In light of Ramadan, we thought we'd share this episode from Our Urban Voices that Ruth Ripken was a part of. Here she shares insights from over 35 years in missions, 4 ways for Christians to overcome fear, why Christian women must be the ones to reach out to Muslim women with hospitality and what it means to love our neighbor well. Learn more about our ministry at NikRipken.com
Mar 26, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 70
What is discipleship? Are you practicing it biblically? In this episode, Nik explores the true nature of biblical discipleship. Jesus modeled for us how to choose disciples, live in community, and raise up the next generation of leaders and workers. Learn more about our ministry at NikRipken.com
Mar 19, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 69
As Ramadan approaches, Nik takes to dive into the practical elements of meeting and engaging your Muslim friends and neighbors. Nik shares special insight from 3 decades on the mission field and gives practical tools that every believer you can use to overcome fear of Islam and engaging Muslims. Learn more about the ministry at NikRipken.com
Mar 12, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 68
