In Nigeria—one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian—our brothers and sisters are being persecuted, hunted, and killed for their faith in Jesus. Churches are being burned. Homes destroyed. Christians kidnapped. Families torn apart. Some are fleeing. Some are hiding. And many are dying. Nigeria has become the global epicenter of violence against Christians. Open Doors reports that in 2024, Nigeria was the deadliest country in the world for Christians, with over 3,100 killed and an additional 2,830 kidnapped due to their faith. Radical groups like Boko Haram, Fulani militants, and others are fueling a relentless wave of violence and religious persecution. In certain parts of Nigeria, Christians have become like strangers. This is similar to the people Peter is writing to, who were fleeing persecution throughout the Roman Empire. Even in our time, the world is hostile to the Christian faith.

This past Sunday, I had the privilege and responsibility of preaching at Cross Church Springdale and Pinnacle Hills, two of our three current campuses in Northwest Arkansas. In 2026, we will open our fourth campus in Farmington, Arkansas, near Fayetteville. On Sunday, July 13, I will be preaching at our Cross Church Fayetteville Campus. Some of you may not know this, but I pastored Cross Church for almost thirty-three years, until God called me to Nashville in mid-2019. After spending three years in Nashville serving and providing leadership for the Southern Baptist Convention, we returned to Northwest Arkansas and based ourselves here to continue doing ministry until the Lord directs our next step in a new way. Whatever God does with us, we give him praise and glory. Preaching this past Sunday at Cross Church Springdale and Pinnacle Hills Campuses, I was reminded of the mighty work God has been doing and continues to do among and through the Cross Church people. What a church! Yesterday, we witnessed people coming to Jesus Christ, including some adults. I had the privilege after the services, while greeting people as they left, to lead a 30-year-old man to Jesus Christ. He had never been in a church before. He came seeking, and I could tell he was searching. Within minutes, he was giving his life to Jesus Christ. He was so ready to meet Christ, and God entered his life. With people all around, God accomplished a major work in this man’s life. Jeana and I remained in that area of our incredible campus until 1:05 PM, about fifty minutes after the final worship service ended. We met and greeted many people, which is what we love to do because God consistently opens doors for ministry and sometimes for evangelism, which we experienced yesterday as well. Praise to God.

Welcome to our podcast today. I am Ronnie Floyd, your host and friend. Before I start this episode, let me introduce you to some important matters.

First, next Monday is Memorial Day. Thank you to all families throughout generations who have lost family members in the line of battle, protecting our freedom in America. Thank God for each one of them. Next week, we will not release a podcast due to Memorial Day, a shorter work week, and many of you will be formally beginning your summer. However, I will be back with you, releasing our next podcast on Wednesday, June 4. Don’t miss it!

Second, pray for me. I will be preaching four Sundays in June. On June 1, I will preach at Cross Church Springdale and Pinnacle Hills. On June 8, Jeana and I will be in Dallas, Texas, attending the Southern Baptist Convention. On June 15, I will preach at Fellowship Church in Greenwood, Missouri, which is located in the greater Kansas City region. Pastor Chris Williams is a great leader and friend, and the Fellowship Church is phenomenal. Then, on June 22, I will preach for my dear friend, Dr. Jeremy Roberts, at the First Baptist Church in Farmington, Arkansas. Then, on June 29-30, I will preach for Pastor Alan Arthur, the pastor of First Baptist Church in San Saba, Texas. He has asked me to speak several times, leading his church in a Prayer Conference. I am so grateful for these opportunities, so please pray for me. Now let’s get started with the podcast for this week. Let’s go!