Podcast Summary: Extreme Devotion Episode: Day 88: Extreme Teen Host/Author: The Voice of The Martyrs Release Date: March 29, 2025

Introduction

In the Day 88: Extreme Teen episode of Extreme Devotion, The Voice of The Martyrs presents the compelling story of Rose, a 14-year-old Christian living under the oppressive regime of Communist Cuba. This episode delves into Rose's courageous journey of faith, the challenges she faces, and her unwavering commitment to spreading God's word despite significant personal risks.

Background: Growing Up in a Communist Household

Rose begins her narrative by painting a vivid picture of her early life within a staunchly Communist household. Her parents are deeply entrenched in the Communist Party, with her father holding a leadership position and her mother serving as the secretary of the Committee for the Defense of the Revolution. Despite this, Rose's grandmother serves as a beacon of faith, secretly imparting Christian teachings to her.

"I was born in a Communist home where no one could even mention the word God. My parents are atheists." (00:00)

Rose explains how her grandmother's influence was pivotal, sowing the seeds of God's word in an environment hostile to religion. Attempts to attend church with her grandmother were thwarted by her parents, highlighting the constant tension between her faith and her family's political beliefs.

Embracing Faith: A Defining Moment

A turning point in Rose's life occurs when she makes a conscious decision to accept Jesus Christ as her savior. This acceptance marks the beginning of significant transformations in her life, both spiritually and socially.

"One day I received the Lord Jesus Christ as my savior. My life started to change." (00:00)

Her newfound faith leads to visible changes in her demeanor and appearance, which does not go unnoticed by her family. Her mother’s disapproval intensifies, resulting in increased physical punishment—an uncharacteristic reaction from a parent previously described as non-violent.

"Even the way I dressed changed. My mother did not accept it." (00:00)

Confrontation and Choice: Standing Firm in Faith

The climax of Rose's personal struggle comes when her father confronts her about her Christian faith, presenting her with an ultimatum: choose between God or him. Demonstrating profound conviction, Rose chooses her faith over her familial ties.

"When my father learned that I was a Christian, he told me to choose God or him. I chose God because I have understood that he is the only one worth living for." (00:00)

This decision leads to Rose being sent away to study at a boarding school, a move that further isolates her but also provides an opportunity to cultivate her faith amidst peers.

Building a Faith Community: From One to Four

Initially the sole Christian at her boarding school, Rose's persistent efforts to share God's word begin to bear fruit. Over time, she successfully plants the seeds of faith in her classmates, expanding her small community from one to four believers.

"When I first came to this place, I was the only Christian. But I have sown God's Word. And now there are four of us." (00:00)

These meetings take place clandestinely under a tree, a symbol of growth and resilience, as they continue to gather secretly to worship and discuss their faith.

Extreme Devotion: Courage Amidst Adversity

Rose's story exemplifies what it means to be an "extreme teen." Her dedication mirrors that of her grandmother, who previously took significant risks to share Christ with her. Rose echoes this bravery, relentlessly working to influence her peers one believer at a time despite the potential consequences imposed by the Communist regime.

"She is working on one believer at a time to make a difference." (00:00)

Her actions are not without peril. Like many Cuban teenagers who harbor Christian faith under an atheistic government, Rose faces tangible dangers, including familial strife and societal pushback.

"Rose has discovered, like many Cuban teenagers living under communism, faith comes with consequences." (00:00)

Hope and Perseverance: Anticipating a Harvest

Despite the formidable obstacles, Rose remains hopeful. She believes that her efforts to sow God's word will eventually meet receptive hearts, leading to a fruitful harvest of believers.

"She believes, despite the odds, that some of her seed will fall on responsive soil." (00:00)

Rose's story is not just one of personal faith but also a testament to the impact that dedicated individuals can have within restrictive environments. Her journey inspires listeners to consider their roles in spreading faith and the lengths they might go to support and nurture belief in others.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Extreme Devotion's Day 88: Extreme Teen serves as a powerful narrative of resilience and unwavering faith. Rose's life underlines the profound influence one person can have, even in the face of systemic oppression. Her story encourages listeners to reflect on their own commitments and the seeds they are willing to plant in the lives of others, embodying the essence of extreme devotion.

"In whose life will you sow seeds of God's word and wait for a harvest?" (00:00)

This concluding question invites listeners to ponder their own spiritual journeys and the impact they wish to make in the world around them.

Notable Quotes:

• "I was born in a Communist home where no one could even mention the word God. My parents are atheists." — Rose (00:00)

• "One day I received the Lord Jesus Christ as my savior. My life started to change." — Rose (00:00)

• "When my father learned that I was a Christian, he told me to choose God or him. I chose God because I have understood that he is the only one worth living for." — Rose (00:00)

• "When I first came to this place, I was the only Christian. But I have sown God's Word. And now there are four of us." — Rose (00:00)

• "She believes, despite the odds, that some of her seed will fall on responsive soil." — Narrator (00:00)

• "In whose life will you sow seeds of God's word and wait for a harvest?" — Narrator (00:00)