The Voice of the Martyrs

Todd Nettleton: In Acts 16, we read about two preachers, Paul and Silas. They had cast a demon out of a young enslaved woman. And that led to them being unjustly stripped and beaten and jailed. Instead of complaining, they worshiped the Lord. God did a miracle in that prison and as a result, the jailer came to know the Lord and his whole family was blessed. Does God still do things like that today? Oh, yes, he does.

Guest (Female): Jesus never promised his followers an easy path. In fact, he told his disciples that the world would hate them. He sent them out as sheep among wolves. Jesus's words came true in the life of the apostles and they're still coming true today in the lives of his followers around the world. Join host Todd Nettleton as we hear their inspiring stories and learn how we can help right now on The Voice of the Martyrs Radio Network.

Todd Nettleton: Welcome back to The Voice of the Martyrs Radio. My name is Todd Nettleton. Last week, we heard part one of a conversation that our team and I recorded in South Asia with a pastor from India. For his security, we're just calling him Pastor Manish. Last week, we heard how he planned to hold an evangelistic outreach to share the hope of Jesus in his community. But some members of the community said these services violated anti-conversion laws. A mob pressured the police to imprison brother Manish. He was stripped and beaten just like Paul and Silas. But like Paul and Silas, brother Manish saw God do miracles while he was in prison.

You can hear part one of this conversation by visiting vom radio.net or find Voice of the Martyrs Radio wherever you listen to podcasts. As we prepare to hear part two, let me just mention the translator and I at times we kind of conversed to make sure I was understanding the story and so if you hear me say he or the translator say he, we're talking about Pastor Manish. He was there telling the story and I was just trying to make sure that I understood exactly what he was saying. After Pastor Manish endured days of beatings in prison, God did something extraordinary.

After ordering brother Manish to be beaten repeatedly, the jailer told him he could have 30 minutes to speak to all the prisoners on Good Friday. 165 prisoners, 25 staff gathered together to hear his sermon.

Guest (Male): Then he started preaching about Jesus Christ, how why he came to this earth and how he lived the life over here.

Todd Nettleton: Was this gathering of the prisoners, was it his idea or was it the jailer's idea?

Guest (Male): That is jailer's idea.

Todd Nettleton: The jailer suggested it.

Guest (Male): Yeah. So after a half an hour, then jailer was impressed and he has given 15 more minutes.

Todd Nettleton: Take a little extra time.

Guest (Male): So then he asked the permission from the jailer that so can I pray for these people? Then he also shared so everybody is having some kinds pain and sorrows and problems you are facing. So if you are willing, I am ready to pray for you. Then he prayed for all the people and that prayer also altar called prayer. That's what he has done over there. In jail and never they used to give a good foods. But that evening they got a good food.

Todd Nettleton: They got good food that night, Good Friday.

Guest (Male): Yeah, good Friday. So this is the 29th after this 29th meeting. So 30th again the jailer called him to that to his cabin.

Todd Nettleton: So the day the next day, Saturday. Okay.

Guest (Male): While he was going, he was thinking that he was sharing to God also. Today also I may be able to get the punishment from the jailer and he was praying that God you do some miracles over there. Likewise he was praying and he went over there.

Todd Nettleton: So when he got called to the jailer, he thought he was going to be beaten again.

Guest (Male): Yeah, yeah.

Todd Nettleton: Now that was his expectation.

Guest (Male): Yeah, that was his expectation and he was praying that something miracle have to happen in that cabin.

Todd Nettleton: Well, a miracle did happen in that room. God gave Pastor Manish a supernatural love for his enemies. And he prayed that God would bless the families of those who were beating him.

Guest (Male): God is giving a strong faith that whoever is beating me, God is going to do something great to their families. Yeah. So when he entered to that cabin, God spoken to him that jailer is going through some problems. Then he talked to the jailer. Holy Spirit is speaking to me that to pray for you. God is saying that something is happening in your life, in your family. So can I pray for you? So then God has revealed him about their family and he shared to them that you are four people and you and your wife and your son and daughter.

Todd Nettleton: The jailer had never told him that the Lord had revealed there's a husband, a wife, a son and a daughter in the family.

Guest (Male): Yeah, God has revealed to him. Yeah. So then jailer was interested to hear what he is sharing. So then he said that you are worried about your son for last two years. So then he shared about his son also. He has gone for a kidney stone operation and and this jailer has spent more than 2 lakhs for that surgery and everything. So that what God is revealing to me like that he told. So when he shared about their family problems and family details, he said then he asked whether what I said is right or wrong.

Then he said it is absolutely right and I never shared to any of my colleagues or anybody. So then how did you know these things? Yeah. Assured and he said to them that this is the thing I shared on 29th. So our Lord Jesus is a living God and he used to reveal the secret things in to us. So then jailer was little close and asked this is what happened to his life. Every day he is taking medicines and without medicine he cannot sleep. That is the condition he is going through. So what should I do?

Then he said you bring him over here. I will pray for him.

Todd Nettleton: At this point, was it just you and the jailer in the room or were was there like a guard or anything or it's just you and and the chief jailer?

Guest (Male): They both only. Yeah. So then he called his son. He was around 24 to 25 years young man and when he came over there, he asked his father, why did you call me? Then his father means jailer told him that this person wants to pray for you and the God will help. But that 25 young man was not having any interest or he said this is nothing and nothing will happen to me like that. He was denying for prayer.

Todd Nettleton: And the son was about the same age as your son, right? About the same?

Guest (Male): So he was silent and his father is convincing that so he he shared about our family and the family members and everything he shared. Like that he was convincing his son. So then he he that son is asked what I have to do? Then he said if you believe, so you come to kneel down and I will be praying for you.

Todd Nettleton: So even jailer and his son, they came and kneel down and

Guest (Male): Yeah, kneel down before him.

Todd Nettleton: Oh, wow.

Guest (Male): So then he prayed and in front of him also said because of this reason you brought me over here. Lord, you heal his son within seven days. And he told that son and jailer that within seven days God is going to heal him. This one New Testament and he handed over to him and said that you have to read this New Testament.

Todd Nettleton: Afterwards jailer called the guards. He said to them that today onwards nobody will beat him.

Guest (Male): So then the jailer told him that you can go to the five wards are there. So you can go over there and you can preach the gospel. Nobody will stop him.

Todd Nettleton: There were five wards in the prison?

Guest (Male): Yeah.

Todd Nettleton: And the jailer said you can go to all five of the wards and preach and nobody will touch you. Nobody will harm you.

Guest (Male): Yeah. When he prayed for that son and he said that within seven days you will be healed. On the seventh day jailer called him. So on that jailer cabin he went over there. He hugged him. The jailer hugged him. He said that you're so happy today. Then he said I am so happy because your God is a living God. He is a powerful God likewise jailer was sharing about it.

Todd Nettleton: Then jailer called his son and he also came and hugged him and said that from that day onwards I am not having that medicines. And now I am healed like

Pastor Manish: Wow.

Todd Nettleton: When you tell the story of them kneeling in front of you, I'm reminded of the story of Joseph and having the dream that his the stalks would kneel before him and then his brothers kneel before him. The the people who tried to kill him are now kneeling before him and you had all that same experience of the person who has beaten you is now kneeling before you and accepting the Lord.

Guest (Male): In jail they were having some massage machines and the jailer told the guards that so whatever the injuries and the pains he's having, so use that machine for him and make him better.

Todd Nettleton: So you've gone from the jailer ordering the guards to beat you to now giving you massages.

Guest (Male): Then he came to know that why God has put me in this place.

Todd Nettleton: God's purpose. Yeah. You're listening to the Voice of the Martyrs Radio. I'm Todd Nettleton. We're in the middle of an interview I recorded in South Asia with a guest that we are calling Pastor Manish. We're mostly hearing the voice of Manish's translator tell the story. I want to encourage you to share this amazing conversation honestly with everyone you know. Everybody needs to meet Pastor Manish. They need to hear his story. You can do that through a link at vom radio.net. You could also do that through your favorite podcast service. You find Voice of the Martyrs Radio.

We are on all of the different podcast apps. After God miraculously healed the jailer's son, Pastor Manish had the opportunity to meet some murderers and other notorious criminals and give them the good news that their sins could be forgiven. He told them about Jesus who offers forgiveness since he paid the penalty for our sin. And just like those murderers in that prison in India, you can be completely forgiven for your sin when you place your faith in Jesus Christ. Back to the story, prisoners who had once beaten Pastor Manish heard how God had healed the jailer's son.

Those prisoners now began to look to Manish as a leader. In fact, one who had approved of Manish is beatings now commanded some other inmates to bring Manish his food and his water and do his laundry kind of like they were his personal assistants inside the prison. Manish saw God at work in the prison, so he continued to trust God's plan even as his request for bail was denied three times.

Guest (Male): So he went for this one bail for three magistrates. So they were canceled his bail. So that time also he he was think that it is God's plan and God is using me over here and from fourth magistrate only he got the bail. When that that file has gone to that fourth magistrate, when he saw that history of about him, then he said this man is guiltless. He is the he has done any wrong things. Likewise they said to other people and said so how why did you keep him for three months in the jail?

He is a guiltless person. So you release him like that they told.

Todd Nettleton: So so the last magistrate said he never should have been arrested. There never should have been any charges against him. He didn't do anything wrong.

Guest (Male): Yeah, yeah. So on 99th day he got that order and on 100th day he got the release from that jail. Yeah, while it was heard by all the prisoners, they were very much discouraged and they were very very close to him and they were giving some encouraging words and everything and they asked some of the clothes of him and he provided that clothes to them and he came over there.

Todd Nettleton: So so when you it was announced that you were being released, the other prisoners celebrated. They they were happy for you to have that blessing.

Guest (Male): In the jail they used to have morning prayer. Means they used to have one song and that is a common song. And the second our national anthem. So they will sing it. So then he suggested the jailer that can we add one more song? Why don't we add one more song? So then he said okay. So what is the song? Then he said that means from Jesus name we are having the salvation. That that song that is common in North India side in Hindi speaking people they are used to sing in the churches. So he taught the Kaidis and he started singing that song over there.

And now they are practicing.

Todd Nettleton: So they so they sing that song every morning.

Guest (Male): Actually whenever he was there, it was every morning they used to sing. But afterwards some people released from the jail and like the way likewise now it is little bit people only they are singing that song. Yeah, people. Yeah, usually the jailer they never send the prisoners with with them. Means they will give all the they do all the formalities and they will release that person. But for him in the evening he was waiting and done all the formalities and he came with him up to that gate to send off.

Todd Nettleton: So the jailer literally walked him to the gate and

Guest (Male): Yeah, literally opened it and set him free. He asked the pardon from him that for beating him and everything then he told him that it is by pressure. I got the pressure from outside and the political parties. So that's why we beaten you like that they asked pardon and he said no problem. So God says that to forgive each person and then he gave a Bible to him and he told that I am right now it is three to four months I'll be retired from my post. Then afterwards I will I will be coming and meeting you.

Todd Nettleton: Ah, okay. I can't come right now, but in three or four months I'll come and see you.

Guest (Male): Yeah, yeah. Yeah. That's right.

Todd Nettleton: Wow.

Guest (Male): So recently he visited the jail and he met the jailer and he was so happy and he shared that his son is now very good. Yeah, completely well. So then he said yeah, you continue in reading Bible and prayer like that he encouraged them.

Todd Nettleton: Completely well.

Guest (Male): He's getting calls from the prisoners.

Todd Nettleton: Wow.

Guest (Male): Yeah, to him and his son. They were asking how they are doing and everything like that. After this beatings and everything here he went for that medical checkups also. But he's having little bit complications still now. And the doctor told that some nerves or something it is yeah, it is damaged. So he has to go through that medication

Todd Nettleton: They damaged her nerves.

Guest (Male): for a long time. That's what the doctor told him.

Todd Nettleton: Do you know the name Richard Wurmbrand? He was a pastor in Romania when the communists were in charge in Romania and he spent 14 years in prison. When Sharon I were young, he came and spoke at our church. When he spoke at the church, he sat in a chair and he said I'm sorry that I sit down to speak to you. But when I was in prison, they beat the bottom of my feet. And they had damaged his feet so that the rest of his life it affected him. But he also had opportunities like you did to love his enemies and to pray for those who persecuted him and to lead people to Christ.

We will encourage people to pray that the the pain that you're still having, that the Lord will heal you from that.

Guest (Male): He's saying that but I am preaching. I am standing. Though I am having this pain and difficulties, but still I am standing and preaching.

Todd Nettleton: Amen. Amen.

Guest (Male): So whatever his life God has given, I will be utilizing for his glory only. And these recent time also God is using him mightily in his area. So lot of new people are joining the church and giving baptisms and like that he's doing in the ministry. Yeah.

Todd Nettleton: The magistrate released you on bail, but there are still the the charges are still against you?

Guest (Male): Yeah, case is still going on. So it has to be proved in that court when they will be appearing for that hearings and everything. Against him there are around 22 witnesses.

Todd Nettleton: When is his next court hearing?

Guest (Male): Fourth November.

Pastor Manish: Fourth November.

Todd Nettleton: Fourth of November.

Guest (Female): Oh, wow. So it's coming close.

Guest (Male): Yeah.

Todd Nettleton: Does he expect that there will be a verdict at that case at that hearing or that's just one and then it'll be another one and then another one and then

Guest (Male): He said maybe one or two months here, three months here, one year or two years. But still ultimate our aim is that we believe that our God is a God of Gods and the Lord of Lords and King of Kings and he will do it.

Todd Nettleton: Whenever he's finished.

Guest (Female): I'm so thankful to hear your story and see your faithfulness and yours too, sister, cuz you you sacrificed also through this story. And we know of other brothers and sisters who are in prison right now. I have met some brothers from Eritrea who have been in prison for 21 years. As we pray for our brothers and sisters in prison and you've been there, how would you encourage us to pray for them? What can we ask God to do in the lives of the prisoners that we know who are suffering right now?

Guest (Male): Otherwise for them that be bold and pray to God continuously whatever the times you are spending in the jail, God is having a special plan for you. And that plan God will be fulfilling very soon.

Todd Nettleton: That's Pastor Manish speaking from his experience in prison and helping us know how to pray for those who are currently behind bars because of their faith. During that recording, he asked that we pray for his daughter who was still struggling with the emotional effects of her dad's imprisonment. Pastor Manish's wife was with us for the conversation and I asked her how we can be praying for the families of those who are in prison. She spoke to us through the same translator that we've been hearing.

Guest (Male): And we how to be very bold enough and we have to be still and we how to pray and we when we come bow down our knees and we pray, God will surely he will send his angels and he will do the miracles. Yeah.

Todd Nettleton: Thank you so much for sharing with us. I'm I'm so blessed just to hear this story and we worship the Lord that sustained you through all of this.

Guest (Male): Amen, amen.

Todd Nettleton: And we will have people pray. Pray for the court hearing and pray for your continued ministry and um just God has been so faithful to you, but also you have been so faithful to him. And we honor that faithfulness even when it was so costly and so painful. If you missed any of this incredible conversation with Pastor Manish, I hope that you'll go to vom radio.net. Make sure you listen to part one last week. Make sure you listen to all of this week. Share a link with a Christian friend. Again, vom radio.net. You can also find Voice of the Martyrs Radio wherever you listen to podcasts.

I hope you'll pray for Pastor Manish and his family this week. I know that vom radio listeners pray. I hear from you that you are praying. Please pray for Pastor Manish this week. And let me invite you to take another step in prayer and sign up to receive requests by email at I commit to pray.com. Just spell all that out. I commit to t o pray.com. When you sign up, you will get prayer requests every single week by email and they are often very fresh from the field, from the places where Voice of the Martyrs is serving.

This request just came across from Afghanistan. It's about three Christians being arrested. In July 2026, Taliban police arrested three Christians for quote promoting Christianity and engaging in alleged missionary activities. Afghanistan is one of the most restrictive and dangerous countries in the world for Christians to live in and witness for Christ. Afghan Christians cannot worship openly. Evangelism is also forbidden. Pray for their release, said a frontline worker, and also pray that the Lord will use this situation to open doors for Christ's kingdom in that country in a new way. That's one example of a prayer request that you would receive by email when you sign up at I commit to pray.com.

You may not be able to physically visit our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan, especially in an Afghan prison, but you can still serve them when you lift them before Christ's throne in prayer. Again, visit I commit to pray.com to sign up. Visit us at vom radio.net and make sure that you're back with us next week to hear more about what God is doing in hostile areas and restricted nations. Join us again next week right here on The Voice of the Martyrs Radio Network.