Before becoming a Christian, Pastor Putumandi's life was, in his words, "a mess." He pursued his family's Hindu religion, dancing in temple ceremonies to access and appease the spirits. And he detested anything to do with Jesus.

"I hated [Christians] before." Putumandi said, "I despised Christianity."

But then he met Jesus, drawn by the compassion that he saw lacking in every other religion. For Putumandi, Jesus was the only one who could guarantee eternal life, and he wanted to know Him. After being baptized, his wife could tell that he had changed as Putumandi treated his family and others with compassion, showing the love of Christ.

When his family found out Putumandi had left Hinduism, they kicked him out of their home immediately. His 16-year-old son tried to kill Putumandi.

Despite being driven from his home and persecuted for his Christian faith, Putumandi says he never considered going back to Hinduism. "Salvation comes from Christianity," Putumandi said.

Putumandi will also share how it's been a challenge to find a job to make a living because of the Christian persecution he's faced. "I just do anything I can find," he says, "and praise the Lord; He provides."

Pray for Putumandi's health, for his family to come to know the Lord, and for his continued witness to unbelievers around him—especially the people in his own family.

You're invited! Be a part of The Voice of the Martyrs' 2026 From the Field National Conference this September in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Gather with fellow believers and hear firsthand stories from persecuted Christians in restricted nations and hostile areas where VOM serves. Seating is limited, so register soon to join this inspiring event.

How do you discern God's calling to be a missionary?

John Easter, Executive Director of Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM), says the first question might be: if God did call you to serve overseas, would you say yes?

Before accepting his current role John and his wife served the church in Africa, providing theological training to pastors and leaders. In an effort to develop more leaders for the growing church, they oversaw 380+ schools with 25,000+ students.

Serving on missions frontlines brought many challenges. They faced an abduction, medical issues, hijacking and other criminal activity while in Africa. Yet the Lord surrounded them with community and resources as they learned how to abide in Christ and rely on the Holy Spirit during every hardship.

Today, John is focused on vision casting, fundraising and care for missionaries and missionary kids as they work to spread the gospel in unreached areas. You'll hear John share why the church in northern India is growing rapidly and what the Lord is instilling in His people in Nigeria—despite intense and violent Christian persecution in both nations.

Even the reality of death is not enough for these followers of Christ to turn back, John says.

Hear John suggest next steps for those the Lord may be calling to overseas missions, and ways you can pray specifically for AGWM and for missionaries sent out from your church.

You're invited! Be a part of The Voice of the Martyrs' 2026 From the Field National Conference this September in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Gather with fellow believers and hear firsthand stories from persecuted Christians in restricted nations and hostile areas where VOM serves. Seating is limited, so register soon to join this inspiring event.

Last week, David and Alicia Lloyd, founders of Missions in Haiti, told the story of the day in 2024 when gangs attacked their ministry compound. When the attacks ended, David and Alicia's son, Davy, and their daughter-in-law, Natalie, had been murdered, along with their close friend and ministry partner, Judes Montis.

Several weeks later, David returned to Haiti, assuring ministry coworkers and fellow believers that, despite the tragedy, they would not abandon Haiti and their brothers and sisters there. They also learned, from students and staff who'd been at the mission compound, about Davy and Natalie's last moments on earth.

"Every time the shooting would stop, they could hear Davy quoting scriptures…They said his voice was very strong; it would echo," David says. "It was estimated there were 100 gang guys in our yard that night who heard the gospel."

David and Alicia have struggled with losing their oldest child. They've wrestled with the question of where was the Lord in that dangerous moment? In the two years since that night, the Lord has been faithful to comfort and bless; they know He was with Davy. And even as they grieve, they desire to point others to Christ.

Davy, Natalie, and Judes's legacy lives on. As their story has been told and re-told, more people around the world have prayed for Haiti. Please pray for David & Alicia Lloyd and their family, Judes's family, and for Haiti. Be challenged and encouraged to live your life for the Lord through David & Alicia's book coming out May 5th, Strong to the End: The Simple Service and Sudden Sacrifice of the Martyrs in Haiti (affiliate link).

The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians in nations like North Korea, China, Iran, and India, as well as provide free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content, and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.