Day 199: Extreme "Slave" - Extreme Devotion

Summary3 min read

Podcast Summary: Extreme Devotion – Day 199: Extreme "Slave"

Podcast Information:

Title: Extreme Devotion
Host/Author: The Voice of The Martyrs
Episode: Day 199: Extreme "Slave"
Release Date: July 18, 2025

Introduction

In the Day 199: Extreme "Slave" episode of Extreme Devotion, The Voice of The Martyrs delves into the compelling story of Leonard Dober, an 18th-century Christian martyr whose unwavering commitment to his faith led him to adopt the life of a slave. This episode explores Dober's radical approach to ministry, the profound challenges he faced, and the lasting impact of his extraordinary devotion.

Leonard Dober's Call and Vision

Leonard Dober's journey began with a profound sense of divine purpose. As the episode narrates, Dober was deeply inspired by 2 Corinthians 5:13, reflecting on the passage:

"If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit." (00:15)

This verse encapsulated Dober's mission: to serve God, even if it meant embracing what the world would deem as madness. He contemplated whether Jesus Himself had overemphasized the suffering of the cross but found solace and purpose in Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane:

"Not my will, but yours." (00:30)

Determined to align his life with God's will, Dober envisioned a ministry that would reach enslaved individuals in the Virgin Islands. His radical plan involved selling himself into slavery to minister directly to slaves, sharing the love of Jesus through lived example rather than traditional preaching.

Challenges and Persecution from Fellow Christians

Dober's unconventional approach did not garner immediate support. Instead, he faced significant resistance and ridicule from his own Christian community. The podcast highlights that:

"It wasn't the slave masters who were Dober's harshest persecutors, but rather fellow Christians. They questioned his call to minister to slaves and ridiculed him as a fool for his plan." (01:00)

Undeterred by criticism, Dober remained steadfast in his mission, believing that serving alongside slaves was the most effective way to embody and communicate Christ's love.

Ministry and Achievements

Upon arriving in the Virgin Islands in the late 1730s, Dober initially took a position as a servant in the governor's house. However, he quickly realized that this role distanced him from the very people he aimed to minister to. Responding to this challenge, he made a pivotal decision:

"He left and moved from the governor's house to a mud hut where he could work one on one with slaves." (01:30)

This grassroots approach proved extraordinarily effective. Over the course of three years, Leonard Dober's ministry resulted in more than 13,000 new converts, a testament to his deep commitment and innovative strategy.

Legacy and Lessons

Dober's actions have led many to label him as a "Jesus freak," a term reflecting his radical and unconventional faith. The podcast emphasizes:

"Dober was an 18th century Jesus freak, a free man who chose to live as a slave in order to win others to Jesus. He was willing to do whatever it took to squeeze the last ounce of devotion from his heart in service to Christ." (02:00)

His life serves as an enduring example of extreme devotion, encouraging modern believers to heed similar calls to radical faithfulness, even in the face of misunderstanding or opposition. The episode challenges listeners by posing:

"Have you been written off because of your freakish refusal to go along with the majority rule? If God has called you to do something radical for him in your family, church or community, you must obey. Let others call you crazy, but may Jesus find you committed." (02:30)

Conclusion

Leonard Dober's story, as presented in this episode, underscores the lengths to which one might go in the pursuit of genuine faith and service. His willingness to endure the hardships of slavery for the sake of evangelism highlights a profound commitment that transcends societal norms and personal safety. For contemporary Christians, Dober's legacy serves as both inspiration and a call to evaluate the depth of their own devotion.

Note: For additional resources such as prayer requests, ebooks, audiobooks, videos, and feature films related to persecuted Christians, listeners are encouraged to download the VOM app from their preferred app store.

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From the voice of the martyrs Extreme devotion Extreme slave Virgin Islands Leonard Dober Day 199 if it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. 2 Corinthians chapter 5 verse verse 13. Leonard Dober wondered if Jesus had thought the cross too much. Then he remembered Jesus prayer and the garden ended. Not my will, but yours. Father Lyddard's task seemed impossible, but he was pursuing God's will and not his own. Leonard Dober determined that God's call to him was to reach slaves in the Virgin Islands. He planned to reach these men and women by selling himself as a slave and working alongside others each day while sharing Jesus love with them. The thought of being a slave frightened and sickened him. He dreaded the treatment he would receive. But Christ was willing to die on the cross for me, he thought. No price is too high to serve him. It wasn't the slave masters who were Dober's harshest persecutors, but rather fellow Christians. They questioned his call to minister to slaves and ridiculed him as a fool for his plan. But Dober would not be dissuaded. He arrived in the Virgin Islands late in the 1730s when he became a servant in the governor's house. He feared that this position was too far removed from the slaves to whom he had come to minister. So he left and moved from the governor's house to a mud hut where he could work one on one with slaves. In just three years, Dober's ministry included more than 13,000 new converts. Jesus freaks. That's what the world calls those whose faith seems a bit radical, odd, extreme. Dober was an 18th century Jesus freak, a free man who chose to live as a slave in order to win others to Jesus. He was willing to do whatever it took to squeeze the last ounce of devotion from his heart in service to Christ. For Dober, that meant a specific plan that made sense to no one but him. Have you been written off because of your freakish refusal to go along with the majority rule? If God has called you to do something radical for him in your family, church or community, you must obey. Let others call you crazy, but may Jesus find you committed. The first request of persecuted Christians is that we pray for them. For a new prayer request every day, as well as ebooks, audiobooks, videos and even feature films, download the VOM app for your tablet or smartphone. Today, search for the voice of the Martyrs or VOM app in your favorite app store, Sam.