Day 209: Extreme Hostage - Extreme Devotion

Summary4 min read

Extreme Devotion: Day 209 – Extreme Hostage

Podcast Information

Title: Extreme Devotion
Host/Author: The Voice of The Martyrs
Episode: Day 209: Extreme Hostage
Release Date: July 28, 2025

Introduction

In the Day 209: Extreme Hostage episode of Extreme Devotion, The Voice of The Martyrs delves into a gripping missionary encounter that underscores the lengths believers might go to spread their faith. This episode vividly illustrates the challenges and unwavering commitment faced by missionaries in hostile environments.

The Mission Begins

The episode opens with Bill setting a spiritual foundation by referencing Romans 10:17:

“Faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the good news about Christ.”
– Bill [00:06]

Bill and John, the main protagonists, find themselves near the docks in southern England during Romania's oppressive communist regime. Their mission is clear: to share the Gospel with a crew unfamiliar with Christianity.

Encounter at the Docks

As they approach the ship, both recognize the Romanian flag flying from the stern, a clear indicator of the ship's origin and the potential challenges ahead:

John [00:25]: "Bill and John were near the docks in southern England when they saw the Romanian flag hanging from the stern of a ship."

Without extensive dialogue, they prepare for their mission by unpacking their cases of Romanian Bibles and boarding the vessel.

Inside the mess room, the atmosphere is tense but hopeful. The crew of 35 men, many of whom have never heard of God or Jesus, listen intently as Bill and John present their message and distribute Bibles.

The Hostage Strategy

A critical moment arises when Bill and John realize they don't have enough Romanian Bibles to reach everyone:

“We didn’t have enough Romanian Bibles.”
– Bill [01:06]

In a bold and unconventional move, two seamen seize Bill, gently but firmly seating him as a "hostage for Bibles." This act serves a dual purpose: it ensures that John will return with additional Bibles and underscores the seriousness of their mission in an environment where promises are met with skepticism.

“Bill would stay there until John came back with Bibles for all of them. A hostage for Bibles.”
– Bill [01:20]

John, torn between anxiety and determination, acts swiftly:

“John didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but it was the only way.”
– John [01:27]

Within an hour, John returns triumphantly, case of Romanian Bibles in hand, and delivers them to the grateful crew, ensuring Bill's release.

“Within an hour he was back in the mess room where the crew gratefully received the Bibles and released their hostage.”
– Bill [01:43]

Reflections on Extreme Devotion

Beyond the immediate narrative, Bill and John share profound insights on the essence of their mission:

“Get the word out. That's what Jesus said to do about His Gospel however we can.”
– John [01:54]

They emphasize that the mission to spread the Gospel can take many forms, whether at bustling docks or quiet breakfast tables:

“Wherever we go, whatever we do, we must be about the business of spreading the word about Christ.”
– John [02:01]

The duo underscores the importance of readiness and personal commitment to evangelism:

“Our commitment may take us to the docks or simply to the breakfast table of our unbelieving neighbors next door.”
– Bill [02:08]

Call to Action

The episode culminates with a passionate exhortation for listeners to engage actively in their own evangelistic efforts:

“Are you driven to get the word out about Christ? Are you conscious of the limited time you may have to complete your mission? Don't waste another moment thinking someone else will do your part. What can you do today to spread the good news?”
– John [02:12]

This powerful message serves as both inspiration and challenge, urging believers to seize the opportunity to share their faith without delay.

Conclusion

Day 209: Extreme Hostage is a compelling testament to the lengths that missionaries like Bill and John will go to fulfill their calling. Through strategic thinking and unwavering faith, they navigate the perils of their environment to ensure the Gospel reaches those who have never heard it before. This episode not only narrates a remarkable story of devotion but also inspires listeners to reflect on their own commitments to spreading the good news.

Note: For those inspired by this episode, consider subscribing to The Voice of the Martyrs' free, award-winning magazine at persecution.com to stay informed and engaged in supporting persecuted Christians worldwide.

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Transcript28 lines

[00:00]
Narrator
From the voice of the Martyrs Extreme devotion.
[00:07]
Bill
Extreme Hostage England Bill and John Day 209 so faith comes from hearing, that is hearing the good news about Christ. Romans 10:17.
[00:25]
John
Bill and John were near.
[00:26]
Bill
The docks in southern England when they.
[00:28]
John
Saw the Romanian flag hanging from the stern of a ship. It was during the years of Romania's hard line communist rule.
[00:37]
Bill
With little conversation, they recognized the mission field before them, untied their cases of.
[00:42]
John
Bibles and went aboard.
[00:45]
Bill
They stepped into the mess room where.
[00:47]
John
The ship's entire 35 man company was gathered. Bill and John explained why they had come and began to pull out the Romanian Bibles. The crew immediately gave the two their undivided attention. Most of them had never before heard about God and his son Jesus. When Bill and John discovered that they.
[01:07]
Bill
Didn'T have enough Romanian Bibles, two burly.
[01:10]
John
Seamen grabbed Bill by the arms and.
[01:12]
Bill
Gently but firmly sat him in a chair. They explained apologetically in broken English that.
[01:18]
John
Bill would stay there until John came.
[01:20]
Bill
Back with Bibles for all of them. A hostage for Bibles.
[01:26]
John
John didn't know whether to laugh or.
[01:28]
Bill
Cry, but it was the only way.
[01:30]
John
The Romanians could make sure that John would return. In a communist country full of broken.
[01:35]
Bill
Promises, they didn't trust anyone. John rushed to the office and packed.
[01:41]
John
His case full of Romanian Bibles.
[01:43]
Bill
Within an hour he was back in the mess room where the crew gratefully received the Bibles and released their hostage. Get the word out.
[01:54]
John
That's what Jesus said to do about.
[01:56]
Bill
His Gospel however we can. Wherever we go, whatever we do, we.
[02:01]
John
Must be about the business of spreading the word about Christ. Our commitment may take us to the.
[02:08]
Bill
Docks or simply to the breakfast table.
[02:10]
John
Of our unbelieving neighbors next door.
[02:13]
Bill
Either way, we must be prepared to.
[02:15]
John
Share God's word with those who are spiritually perishing. Are you driven to get the word out about Christ? Are you conscious of the limited time you may have to complete your mission? Don't waste another moment thinking someone else will do your part. What can you do today to spread the good news?
[02:36]
Announcer
Be inspired every month to pray for persecuted Christians when you subscribe to the Voice of the Martyrs free award winning magazine. Just go to persecution.com and click on the Free Magazine button at the top of the page.