Extreme Devotion – Day 264: “Extreme Thief – Part Two”

Podcast: The Voice of The Martyrs
Episode Date: September 21, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode shares the extraordinary story of Nikolai Kamara, a former thief in Russia who found new life—and ultimately martyrdom—after his conversion to Christianity. Highlighting his courage and unwavering faith amidst extreme persecution, the narrative explores the profound contrasts between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of the Devil, using Kamara’s suffering as a lens through which listeners are challenged to consider their own devotion.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Kamara’s Dramatic Transformation

• Nikolai Kamara, once a thief, becomes a Christian during his prison sentence and joins the underground church upon his release.
• The episode opens with the contrasting purposes described in John 10:10:
  “The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” [00:10]

Underground Church Persecution

• The authorities arrest Kamara’s church pastor and torture him in an attempt to extract information about the underground church.
• When torture fails, they arrest Kamara and threaten to torture him in front of the pastor, hoping to break the pastor’s resolve.

Kamara’s Sacrificial Faith

• Kamara’s response to the pastor during this ordeal:
  • Quote: “Be faithful to Christ and do not betray him. I am happy to suffer for the name of Christ.” — Kamara [01:10]
• Authorities gouge out Kamara’s eyes in front of the pastor. The pastor is horrified but Kamara, undaunted, declares:
  • Quote: “When my eyes are taken away from me, I will see more beauty than I see with these eyes. I will see the Savior. You must remain faithful to Christ to the end.” — Kamara [01:30]

Ultimate Sacrifice and Martyrdom

• Threatened with having his tongue cut out, Kamara defiantly praises Christ one last time:
  • Quote: “Praise the Lord Jesus Christ. There I have said the highest words that can be said. And if you wish, you can now cut out my tongue.” — Kamara [01:50]
• Kamara is ultimately killed, dying a martyr’s death.

Message of Contrasts—Kingdoms at War

• Kamara’s story is highlighted as a vivid lesson in the profound contrasts between what scripture calls the Kingdom of God (which brings life) and the kingdom of the Devil (which seeks to steal, kill, and destroy).
  • “The Bible teaches us how to recognize those who steal, kill and destroy as members in the Kingdom of the Devil. In Kamara's case, the enemy stole his eyesight, destroyed his speech and eventually killed him. In contrast, Jesus’s Kingdom is about life, life to the extreme. As such, Jesus gave Kamara a new life and restored a former thief to righteousness.” [02:20]

Reflection and Challenge to Listeners

• The episode concludes by challenging listeners with a question:
  • “What are you doing to bring others into God's kingdom?” [02:50]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On suffering for Christ:
  “Be faithful to Christ and do not betray him. I am happy to suffer for the name of Christ.” — Kamara [01:10]

• On spiritual vision:
  “When my eyes are taken away from me, I will see more beauty than I see with these eyes. I will see the Savior.” — Kamara [01:30]

• On the highest words:
  “Praise the Lord Jesus Christ. There I have said the highest words that can be said. And if you wish, you can now cut out my tongue.” — Kamara [01:50]

Important Timestamps

• [00:10] – Introduction: John 10:10 and Kamara’s background
• [01:05] – Arrests and the threat of torture
• [01:10] – Kamara’s encouragement to the pastor
• [01:30] – Kamara’s faith and spiritual vision after losing his eyes
• [01:50] – Kamara’s last words before facing martyrdom
• [02:20] – Reflection on spiritual kingdoms
• [02:50] – Final challenge to listeners

Summary

This emotional episode illustrates the cost of unwavering faith under persecution and offers a stark depiction of the war between good and evil. Through the harrowing but inspiring account of Nikolai Kamara, listeners are reminded of the depth of Christian devotion and are invited to reflect on their own commitment to Christ’s Kingdom.