Bubba On the Lake – Episode #19: U.S. Strikes Iran, and David Nassar Iranian

Release Date: June 24, 2025
Host: Bill "Bubba" Bussey
Guest: David Nassar
Description: In this poignant and timely episode, Bubba delves deep into the recent U.S. military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities with guest David Nassar, an Iranian Christian evangelist. Through personal testimonies and insightful discussions, the podcast explores the intricate dynamics of religion, politics, and hope for revival in Iran.

1. Setting the Stage: U.S. Strikes Iran’s Nuclear Facilities (00:00 – 10:28)

Bubba opens the episode by addressing the major current event: the United States’ recent military strike targeting Iran’s nuclear sites. He contextualizes the action within the broader historical stance of U.S. presidents against Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.

Bubba (04:30): “Every US President has stood up and said we will not let the Iranians get a nuclear weapon.”

Bubba compares Iran’s situation with that of North Korea, emphasizing the unique threat posed by Iran's intentions to use nuclear capabilities without restraint.

Bubba (06:15): “They have no restriction. Now some countries, they kind of cull themselves because they don't want the return strike.”

He commends President Trump’s decisive action, despite his polarizing nature, believing it placed the U.S. in a safer position regarding nuclear threats.

Bubba (08:45): “I applaud President Trump. I think he was dead on this time and I think he had good people in place.”

2. Introduction of David Nassar: An Iranian Evangelist’s Journey (12:48 – 22:53)

Bubba warmly welcomes his longtime friend, David Nassar, sharing nostalgic memories of their friendship from their days in Birmingham. The conversation swiftly transitions to David’s personal and harrowing journey from Iran to the United States.

David Nassar (13:24): “I've lost track, but it's so good to hear your voice.”

David recounts escaping Iran during the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the struggles as refugees in Europe, and the miraculous moments that led his family to seek asylum in the U.S.

David Nassar (15:25): “This is Jesus Christ, and he's American, and we need to ask him to let us into his country.”

He shares his conversion to Christianity during high school, detailing the challenges faced, including being ostracized by his family and the transformative power of faith.

David Nassar (18:02): “My dad was like, you cannot be a Christian, but a Muslim.”

3. Personal Testimonies: Faith Amidst Adversity (18:04 – 24:13)

David describes the pivotal moment of his sister leading their father to Christianity following their mother's critical heart surgery. The heartfelt testimony underscores the profound impact of faith on his family.

David Nassar (22:53): “I've heard your testimony many times, but it's... it always just pierces my heart.”

Bubba reflects on the loss of his father three months prior, highlighting the enduring legacy of faith and the destructive power of misguided religion.

Bubba (23:06): “Three months ago, my dad died. He was a big deal in Iran...”

4. Anecdotes and Shared Memories: Building a Connection (24:13 – 32:08)

The conversation lightens as Bubba and David reminisce about their adventures, including a surreal encounter at Grand Central Station in New York and humorous mishaps at the U.S. Open tennis tournament. These stories not only showcase their deep friendship but also provide a relatable break from the heavy topics discussed.

Bubba (25:55): “We got a lot of New York.”

David Nassar (29:43): “We gotta go, we gotta go.”

5. The State of Iran: Hope for Revival and Democracy (32:08 – 41:50)

Returning to the central theme, Bubba and David discuss the profound unrest and desire for change within Iran. They highlight that while a small percentage of hardliners propagate anti-American sentiments and terror, the vast majority of Iranians yearn for freedom, democracy, and an end to oppression.

Bubba (35:34): “Roughly 85-95% of the people of Iran are good people that just want freedom and safety.”

David emphasizes the burgeoning underground church movement in Iran, suggesting that the current turmoil might pave the way for a significant revival.

David Nassar (37:11): “More than what they need being a revolution, they need revival.”

Bubba addresses the Iranian audience directly, offering prayers and messages of hope, encouraging them to look beyond political turmoil and embrace spiritual awakening.

Bubba (39:46): “I want to tell you, hold fast. God is up to something bigger than the circumstances right in front of you.”

6. A Unified Prayer and Call to Faith (41:50 – 45:37)

In a moving segment, David leads a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners from all walks of life—whether they are from Israel, Gaza, Iran, or the United States—to seek a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ beyond mere religious practices.

Bubba (42:02): “If you're here and you're listening and you've never truly given your life over to Jesus Christ, I just want to ask you right now to just consider.”

The prayer underscores the podcast’s central message: moving from religion to a personal, redemptive faith. Both hosts express deep patriotism intertwined with their spiritual beliefs, emphasizing that true honor comes from loving God rather than making a nation an idol.

Bubba (44:49): “The patriotism that you have... One day in heaven, we won't be American, but we'll always be the children of God.”

7. Closing Remarks and Reflections (45:37 – 55:06)

Bubba and David wrap up the episode by reflecting on the importance of faith in navigating geopolitical crises. Bubba expresses gratitude for the ceasefire, recognizing it as a temporary victory but reiterating the need for a lasting spiritual transformation within Iran.

Bubba (46:33): “The only assurance for true ceasefire is the gospel. God needs to change the heart of men.”

They exchange light-hearted banter about their personal lives, interests like pickleball, and future plans, maintaining the friendly and relatable tone of the podcast.

Notable Quotes

• Bubba (04:30):
  “Every US President has stood up and said we will not let the Iranians get a nuclear weapon.”

• David Nassar (15:25):
  “This is Jesus Christ, and he's American, and we need to ask him to let us into his country.”

• David Nassar (22:53):
  “I've heard your testimony many times, but it's... it always just pierces my heart.”

• Bubba (35:34):
  “Roughly 85-95% of the people of Iran are good people that just want freedom and safety.”

• Bubba (39:46):
  “I want to tell you, hold fast. God is up to something bigger than the circumstances right in front of you.”

• Bubba (42:02):
  “If you're here and you're listening and you've never truly given your life over to Jesus Christ, I just want to ask you right now to just consider.”

Conclusion

Episode #19 of Bubba On the Lake masterfully intertwines personal narratives with pressing global issues, offering listeners both emotional depth and insightful analysis. Bubba and David Nassar provide a compelling exploration of faith’s role in geopolitical events, underscored by heartfelt testimonies of transformation and hope. This episode serves as a beacon for those seeking understanding and spiritual guidance amid international turmoil.

For those interested in the intersection of personal faith journeys and global events, this episode is a must-listen, offering both inspiration and a call to deeper spiritual engagement.