The Voice of the Martyrs

What The Voice of the Martyrs does

The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) is a 501(c)(3) interdenominational Christian missions nonprofit founded in 1967 by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand and his wife Sabina after their imprisonment in Communist Romania. Headquartered in Bartlesville, Oklahoma with 101-250 employees, VOM serves persecuted Christians in more than 70 countries through emergency assistance, Bible distribution, front-line worker training, prayer mobilization, and the dissemination of persecution-related media content. The organization operates through 14 autonomous country offices coordinated via the International Christian Association (ICA), with additional outreach-only presence across 15+ Latin American countries.

VOM's core products and content platform span physical and digital channels. The flagship VOM Magazine is distributed free of charge to more than 700,000 homes and churches monthly. Digital surfaces include persecution.com (primary website), the VOM App on iOS/Android (delivering prayer content, e-books, audiobooks, video content, feature films), VOM Radio (podcast/radio programming), iCommitToPray (online prayer community), Prisoner Alert (letter-writing program), and the Global Prayer Guide (free annual 100-page prayer resource). Supporting services include Bible distribution (over 1,000,000 annually to 50+ nations), persecution response (living expenses, relocation, legal assistance, vocational training), front-line worker support (tools and training for 8,000+ workers), and specialized programs such as Kids of Courage, Church Leader Network, Family Med Packs, and Action Packs. Media productions include two feature films — Sabina: Tortured for Christ and Tortured for Christ Movie — plus a publishing arm (Heroic Faith, When Faith Is Forbidden, Hearts of Fire, Bible Smuggler Bible).

VOM's business model is donations-based: it is a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN 73-1395057), fully funded by contributions from individuals, churches, and organizations, with no external ownership or institutional investor. Donation channels include online giving (via Stripe, PayPal, TSYS payment processors), direct mail, phone, and U.S. federal workplace giving through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC #10993, participation since 2001). Pricing for content and engagement is freemium — the magazine, app content, prayer resources, and films are free, with suggested donation tiers of $25, $50, and $100. The go-to-market motion is community-led: storytelling content, the magazine, the conference ('From the Field National Conference'), and prayer platforms all function as donor-acquisition and retention mechanisms. VOM has been a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) since 1993 and is led by President Cole Richards, who joined in 2006.

Name

The Voice of the Martyrs

Legal name

The Voice of the Martyrs, Inc.

Website

https://persecution.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1967

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Voice of the Martyrs is a 501(c)(3) interdenominational Christian missions nonprofit founded in 1967 that serves persecuted Christians across more than 70 countries through emergency assistance, Bible distribution (over 1 million annually), front-line worker support, prayer mobilization, and faith-based media. The organization is funded entirely by donations from individuals, churches, and U.S. federal workplace giving.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious Ministry / Persecution Support Services

NAICS

Religious Organizations (813110), Religious Organizations (81311), Human Rights Organizations (813311), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Faith-Based Missions & Evangelism Organizations (Domestic & International) (BPAGAJAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Faith-Based Humanitarian Aid & Relief Ministries (BPAGAJAF), Religious Fundraising / Telethon & Ministry Support Channels (MPABALAO), Human Rights & Anti-Discrimination Organizations (BPAGAFAB)

Keywords

• Persecuted christians support
• Christian ministry services
• Bible distribution programs
• Religious persecution advocacy
• Christian nonprofit donations

Headquarters

HQ city

Bartlesville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: VOM is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (tax ID: 73-1395057) that relies entirely on donations from individuals, churches, and organizations. Donors contribute via website, CFC workplace giving (CFC #10993), and direct mail/phone. Donations fund persecution response, Bible distribution, and front-line worker support across 70+ countries.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Voice of the Martyrs is an interdenominational Christian non-profit that supports persecuted Christians worldwide through free inspirational content (VOM Magazine, VOM App, VOM Radio, Global Prayer Guide, books and films), prayer mobilization platforms (iCommitToPray, Prisoner Alert), and direct ministry services (Bible distribution in 50+ nations, persecution response with living expenses, relocation and legal aid, and training/encouragement for 8,000+ front-line gospel workers annually). The organization is funded entirely by donations and serves more than 4 million persecuted Christians each year across 70+ countries.

Product overview

The Voice of the Martyrs operates a multi-platform ministry serving persecuted Christians through a combination of publications, digital applications, media productions, and direct support services. The core offerings include the VOM Magazine (a free monthly publication reaching over 700,000 subscribers), the VOM App (mobile application with prayer content, e-books, audiobooks and videos), VOM Radio (podcast and radio programming), and the Global Prayer Guide. Digital engagement platforms include iCommitToPray (online prayer community) and Prisoner Alert (letter-writing to imprisoned Christians). Media productions include feature films such as 'Sabina: Tortured for Christ' and 'Tortured for Christ Movie,' along with the Heroic Faith book. Direct ministry services encompass Bible distribution (over 1 million Bibles annually), Persecution Response (emergency and ongoing assistance), and Front-Line Worker Support. Additional offerings include Kids of Courage resources for children, Church Leader Network, Family Med Packs, and Action Packs. The organization operates as a unified ministry where these products and services interconnect to inspire fellowship with persecuted Christians, provide practical support, and mobilize believers to pray and engage with the global body of Christ.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• VOM Radio: Radio program and podcast featuring stories of persecuted Christians
• VOM App
• VOM Magazine
• VOM Books and Films
• iCommitToPray
• Prisoner Alert

Products and services

• VOM Magazine Award-winning monthly magazine of The Voice of the Martyrs, distributed free of charge to more than 700,000 homes and churches each month. Features stories of persecuted Christians, testimonies, prayer updates, and information about ways to stand with persecuted Christian family.
• VOM App Mobile application for iOS and Android that provides daily prayer content for persecuted Christians, free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content, and feature films.
• VOM Radio Audio content platform and podcast featuring conversations with persecuted Christians, front-line workers, and ministry leaders. Covers specific countries and persecution situations, available via website and app.
• Global Prayer Guide A free 100-page prayer resource providing information about different nations and regions where Christians are persecuted and specific prayer guidance for each location. Updated annually as a daily-devotion prayer tool.
• iCommitToPray Online prayer community where users read prayer requests from persecuted Christians around the world and post prayers specifically for persecuted brothers and sisters.
• Prisoner Alert Letter-writing platform allowing supporters to encourage imprisoned Christians by writing letters. Features profiles of prisoners with their stories and prison details.
• Bible Distribution Support for printing, purchasing, smuggling, and delivery of Bibles to believers in more than 60 nations including Cuba, North Korea, China, and Iraq. More than 1,000,000 Bibles distributed annually.
• Persecution Response Provides immediate and ongoing help for Christians and families who have suffered persecution including living expenses, children's educational needs, relocation, legal assistance, and vocational training.
• Front-Line Worker Support Financial and practical support for front-line gospel workers serving in hostile areas and restricted nations, providing tools, training, and encouragement to advance the kingdom in dangerous places.
• Church Leader Network Network connecting church leaders with resources and support for ministry to persecuted Christians and their communities.
• Partner in Prayer Program connecting supporters with front-line workers for sustained prayer partnership over one-year periods.
• Sabina: Tortured for Christ - The Nazi Years Feature film about Sabina Wurmbrand's story during the Nazi years, based on the ministry of The Voice of the Martyrs founders. Available on DVD and for free online viewing.
• Tortured for Christ Movie Feature film depicting the story of Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand being tortured for their Christian faith in Communist Romania.
• Kids of Courage Resources designed specifically for children to learn about persecuted Christians in an age-appropriate way.
• Family Med Packs Medical supply packs provided to persecuted Christian families in need.
• Action Packs Resource packs containing materials and supplies for front-line workers and persecuted Christian communities.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 4 million persecuted Christians receive help from VOM each year
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• International Christian Association (ICA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA number of organizations around the world trace their roots to Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand's testimony and mission. These organizations continue the mission of standing with persecuted Christians and urging other Christians to join in fellowship with the persecuted. Each mission is autonomous with its own independent leadership, staff and board of directors, but they cooperate through the International Christian Association (ICA). While each country's mission has its own focus and management, through the ICA they share information and jointly fund international projects.
• Congo InitiativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. David Kasali, founder and president of Congo Initiative, appears on VOM Radio to share how Christians in DRC are responding and enduring persecution. Congo Initiative welcomes Christians from around the world to serve in various roles.
• Jungle Aviation and Relay Service (JAARS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSteve Russell, CEO and President of JAARS (Jungle Aviation and Relay Service), appeared on VOM Radio to describe how JAARS facilitates delivery of God's Word into the hardest-to-reach places in the world through aviation and relay services.
• China AidminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBob Fu, founder and president of China Aid, provides updates on persecuted Christian brothers and sisters in China through VOM Radio, including updates on Pastor Wang Yi, John Cao, and criminal charges against Christians.
• Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVOM has been part of the Combined Federal Campaign since 2001 as charity #10993. U.S. federal employees can designate VOM through their HR department using the CFC workplace giving program.
• Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)coreOthersVOM has been a member of ECFA since 1993, demonstrating commitment to financial accountability and transparency. ECFA membership requires audited financial statements, credible Board of Directors, and truthfulness in communications.
• Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJohn Easter, Executive Director of Assemblies of God World Missions, appeared on VOM Radio discussing global missions, persecution in India and Nigeria, and opportunities for service.
• YWAM Frontier Missions (East Africa)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrother Paulo, a leader in YWAM Frontier Missions in East Africa, shares stories from persecuted Christian brothers and sisters in East Africa and describes how believers prepare to face persecution.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Release International: U.K.-based Christian persecution ministry that supports prisoners of faith, their families, and front-line workers, producing magazines and prayer resources. It is a structural counterpart to VOM in serving the same beneficiary segment and donor community in complementary geographies.
• Aid to the Church in Need: Catholic pontifical aid organization funding persecuted Christians and frontline communities via Bibles, pastoral support, Mass stipends, and relief. Directly comparable on mission (persecuted Christians), donor-channel (mail/email/magazine) and field presence in restricted countries.
• Open Doors: Largest dedicated ministry serving persecuted Christians worldwide, with the annual World Watch List, Bibles smuggling, front-line worker support, and prayer mobilization. Operates an analogous product portfolio to VOM (persecution awareness content, donor magazines, front-line support) and competes for the same donor base.
• International Christian Concern: U.S.-based persecution watchdog and advocacy organization publishing field reports and mobilizing prayer and political engagement around imprisoned Christians such as Saeed Abedini. Closely overlaps VOM's content, prayer mobilization and advocacy positioning.
• Barnabas Fund: Persecuted-Church-focused relief and advocacy organization distributing Bible, aid, and pastoral support to Christians facing pressure, especially in Muslim-majority contexts. Comparable to VOM in mission, donor base, and field-support model.
• Christian Solidarity International: Swiss-based human-rights and persecution-focused organization working on religious freedom, including advocacy for persecuted Christians. Comparable on faith-based persecution advocacy and donor-funded field operations.

Emerging players

• Global Christian Relief: U.S.-based NGO focused on the persecuted church via Bibles delivery, front-line support and prayer. A more concentrated direct peer with overlapping product set (Bibles, prayer, front-line worker support), but smaller scale than VOM.

Broad incumbents

• American Bible Society: Long-established U.S. ministry focused on Bible translation, distribution, and engagement globally. Adjacent incumbent given VOM's 1M+ annual Bible distribution; competes for Bible-related donor dollars and field partnerships.
• Samaritan's Purse: Large U.S.-headquartered evangelical relief organization providing disaster relief, medical care, and Bible distribution in conflict zones. Broad incumbent in the same Christian humanitarian space; overlaps VOM particularly on Bible distribution and global field operations.

Regional players

• Voice of the Martyrs Korea: Independent Korean-origin counterpart in the International Christian Association network, focused on North Korea and East Asia. Sister organization in the Wurmbrand-rooted ICA network VOM coordinates with, directly comparable mission but region-specific.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/vom_usa
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/voiceofthemartyrsusa
• Facebookfacebook.com/pages/The-Voice-of-the-Martyrs-USA/11006419356
• Instagraminstagram.com/vom_usa

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Voice of the Martyrs