Extreme Devotion – Day 352: "Extreme Servants"

Podcast: Extreme Devotion
Host: The Voice of The Martyrs
Episode Date: December 18, 2025

Overview

This episode of "Extreme Devotion" centers on the theme of Christian servanthood and courageous witness in hostile environments, focusing on the true story of Eskander Mingus, an Ethiopian Christian living as a foreign worker in Saudi Arabia. The episode underscores the resolve of believers who choose faithfulness even in the face of severe persecution, particularly in places where their faith must remain hidden.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Opening Reflection & Scripture

• [00:00] The episode opens by citing Ephesians 2:10:
  “For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
  This frames the story around the notion that every Christian’s life, including those of persecuted believers, is part of God’s purposeful design.

The Raid on Eskander’s Family

• The main narrative begins with a midnight raid on the home of Eskander Mingus, his wife, and their three children by Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior officers.
• Officers aggressively ransack their home, seizing Bibles, hymnals, family photos, audio tapes, and any other Christian-related materials as potential evidence.

Interrogation and Accusation

• Eskander protests the destruction, asking,
  Quote [00:33]:
  “What are you doing? You have no right to destroy our home like this.”
• The officer responds harshly,
  Quote [00:37]:
  “And you have no right to practice your religion in the land of Muhammad. You were warned before you came to leave your religion behind.”
• Eskander is pushed out the door and taken for interrogation, leaving behind his frightened family.

Ethiopian Christians and Foreign Workers in Saudi Arabia

• Eskander represents one of the many Ethiopian Christians among the foreign workers making up a third of Saudi Arabia's population.
• Many foreign Christians find themselves in moral and spiritual dilemmas, balancing job security, local law, and their faith.
• The story highlights how some Christians become more committed and find community with fellow believers once living under religious oppression.

Living Faithfully under Persecution

• Christians are warned that both conversion efforts and conversion itself can bring the death penalty in Saudi Arabia.
• Despite the risks, these “extreme servants” work covertly in restricted nations, embodying their faith through diligent work and quiet service.
  Quote [01:40]:
  “Their mission is clear. Though their methods are covert, their witness is strong yet secretive.”

Their Method: Servant-Leadership and Stealth Witness

• They act “cleverly disguised as ordinary engineers on the oil fields” but remain unwavering in their spiritual mission.
• Witness is demonstrated through day-to-day servant leadership as colleagues and unselfishness as neighbors:
  Quote [01:55]:
  “Their task is to present the gospel by being a servant—a selfless and hardworking colleague at work and an unselfish neighbor at home.”

Call to Action for Listeners

• The episode ends by urging listeners to support such believers through prayer, recognizing the global fellowship of Christians: Quote [02:13]:
  “Our task is to support them through prayer. We are all servants doing our part to bring the world to faith in Christ.”
• A final challenging question for listeners:
  Quote [02:17]:
  “Those like Eskander in Saudi Arabia are doing their job. Are you doing yours?”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “What are you doing? You have no right to destroy our home like this.” — Eskander (00:33)
• “And you have no right to practice your religion in the land of Muhammad. You were warned before you came to leave your religion behind.” — Saudi Officer (00:37)
• “Their mission is clear. Though their methods are covert, their witness is strong yet secretive.” — Narrator (01:40)
• “Their task is to present the gospel by being a servant—a selfless and hardworking colleague at work and an unselfish neighbor at home.” — Narrator (01:55)
• “Our task is to support them through prayer. We are all servants doing our part to bring the world to faith in Christ.” — Narrator (02:13)
• “Those like Eskander in Saudi Arabia are doing their job. Are you doing yours?” — Narrator (02:17)

Important Timestamps

• 00:00 — Opening Scripture and introduction of Eskander’s story
• 00:33 — Eskander’s confrontation with the authorities
• 01:10 — Background on Ethiopian Christians and other foreign workers
• 01:40 — Discussion on covert Christian service in hostile nations
• 01:55 — The mission of the “extreme servants”
• 02:13 — Call for prayer and support
• 02:17 — Concluding challenge to the audience

Conclusion

"Extreme Servants" is a poignant episode that highlights the everyday courage and faithfulness of ordinary Christians living under extraordinary pressure. Through the gripping account of Eskander Mingus, The Voice of The Martyrs illustrates how gospel witness and servanthood continue even where religious expression comes at great risk — and how listeners everywhere are connected to this spiritual task.