• Teaching Your Kids on the Mission Field
    Sep 17 2024

    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

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    29 mins
  • Ripken Reports: Christian Nationalism
    Aug 29 2024

    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!

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    30 mins
  • Ripken Reports: Unexpected Sacrifice
    Aug 22 2024

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

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    11 mins
  • Ripken Reports: Bum
    Aug 15 2024

    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, eye-opening story about a volunteer he encountered that goes by the name, "Bum", and reflects on the challenges of evaluating a volunteer’s true effectiveness. From the initial excitement of joining a mission to the often-overlooked realities on the ground, this episode offers an honest look at the heart of service. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or considering your first mission trip, you won't want to miss Nik's insights and practical tips on how to ensure that your service truly matters. Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

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    15 mins
  • Grief, Hope, & Redemption: A conversation with Tim & Aileen Challies
    Aug 13 2024

    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 these themes are lived out on the mission field and within the church. This episode serves as a reminder that our deepest wounds can become the source of our most powerful ministry. Learn more about the work of Tim Challies at Challies.com Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Hiding Out In The Open
    Aug 8 2024

    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!

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    15 mins
  • Names Lifted Up
    Aug 6 2024

    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!

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    40 mins
  • Ripken Reports: Repercussions of a Cold Coca-Cola
    Aug 1 2024

    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 our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

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    16 mins