What happens when someone chooses Jesus in a country where doing so can lead to imprisonment—or even death?

In this powerful episode of The Clark Report, we talk with Marziyeh Amirizadeh, an Iranian-born Christian who was imprisoned in Tehran's notorious Evin Prison because of her faith in Christ. After a remarkable faith journey to Christianity, Marziyeh endured persecution, interrogation, and threats to her life before eventually finding freedom and beginning a new life in America.

Marziyeh shares how dreams, Scripture, and God's providence led her to faith in Jesus, the realities facing Christians in Iran today, and why she believes there is hope for spiritual revival and transformation in the Middle East.

She also discusses her work through New Persia, her organization advocating for persecuted believers and promoting peace and reconciliation throughout the region.

[Please note: This episode deals with mature subject matter not suitable for children.]CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Introduction and overview of Marziyeh’s story

02:38 – Marziyeh's thoughts on the current war, peace talks

09:20 – Marziyeh’s personal faith journey to Christianity

13:06 – Her arrest, prison experience, and miraculous release

16:31 – Her move to America and founding of New Persia

18:36 – Projects supporting Israel and Jewish communities in prayer and action

22:52 – The spiritual revival in Iran and hope for the future

25:43 – "The Word in 7" | Luke 10:38-11:4, Mary & Martha's story

34:26 – Final prayer and encouragement for listeners

Resources & Links:

NewPersia.org - Marziyeh's ministry

Marzisjourney.com - Marziyeh’s website with her books and other info

RootandBranchIsrael.com - Project supporting Israel through Christian cooperation

👍 Like and Subscribe for more conversations that explore faith, culture, and everyday life through biblical lenses.

[Note: The opinions expressed on this podcast by John and Val Clark are our own, and not necessarily those of our guests.]

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Many fathers today feel overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure of how to lead their families—especially when it comes to matter of faith.

In this episode of The Clark Report, we sit down with Kent Evans, founder of Manhood Journey, to talk about the real challenges Christian dads face today and why spiritual accountability and biblical community matter more than ever.

Kent shares lessons from his transition from the business world into ministry and offers practical encouragement for dads who want to grow in faith, lead their families well, and leave a lasting spiritual legacy.

His message: Hang in there– it’s never too late to be a better dad! Tune in for great encouragement and advice.

"Manhood Journey" website: https://manhoodjourney.org/

Also in this episode: The Word in 7, as we look at Jesus’ great parable on The Good Samaritan.

👍 Like and Subscribe for more conversations that explore faith, culture, and everyday life through biblical lenses.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Help for struggling dads

01:22 Some troubling statistics

02:35 The mission of Manhood Journey

03:35 The challenges of fatherhood

04:36 Lessons from the business world

06:25 Knowing God as a Father

07:29 Advice that his home

10:10 It's never too late!

[Note: The opinions expressed on this podcast by John and Val Clark are our own, and not necessarily those of our guests.]

#ChristianFatherhood #ChristianParenting #FaithAndFamily #FathersDay #ChristianPodcast #TheClarkReport

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

What do you do when life feels unfair… and God seems silent?

In this episode of The Clark Report, we sit down with Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright to talk about their new book, "God Won't Leave You There: Joseph's Story." We look at the remarkable biblical account of Joseph—a man who experienced betrayal, suffering, injustice... and ultimately redemption.

Through both Scripture and personal testimony, Anne and Rachel-Ruth share how Joseph’s story still speaks to us today. If you’re going through a season of grief, disappointment, and unanswered questions -- or just simply need some encouragement -- this episode is a reminder that God is still writing your story.

Also in this episode, The Word in 7, as we look at the only time in the gospels where we're told Jesus rejoiced!

📖 Featured topic: Joseph’s life in Genesis🎙️ Guests: Anne Graham Lotz & Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright

AnGeL Ministries: https://www.annegrahamlotz.org/

CHAPTERS

00:00 Finding hope in tough times

05:00 Why Joseph's story still matters

06:03 The power of forgiveness

11:15 Anne's personal challenges

15:37 Rachel-Ruth's health scare

18:26 Why read the Old Testament?

24:01 Working together as mother & daughter

26:37 God's faithfulness in our suffering

33:06 The Word in 7 | Luke 10:17-24

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more faith-based conversations, biblical encouragement, and Christian cultural commentary.

[Note: The opinions expressed on this podcast by John and Val Clark are our own, and not necessarily those of our guests.]

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

What role has faith played in America's history?

In this episode of The Clark Report, we sit down with author Bria Freitas to discuss her new children's book, "America: 250 Years of Miracles."

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we explore the nation's spiritual heritage, the importance of religious freedom, and the role faith, courage, and perseverance have played throughout American history.

Bria explains why children should learn not only about America's triumphs and blessings, but also about difficult chapters such as slavery, segregation, and the struggle for women's rights.

The discussion also highlights the importance of early reading, Christian values, gratitude, kindness, and helping the next generation understand how faith has influenced both individuals and the nation as a whole.

It's a thoughtful look at America's past—and the values that can help shape its future.

Plus, "The Word in 7," our continuing study in the Gospel of Luke.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Important lessons for children

02:07 Why she wrote the book

03:07 The role of faith in the US

04:04 The Pilgrims' journey of faith

05:06 Dark chapters in US history

06:20 Why start a publishing company?

09:00 The importance of early reading

10:18 The key message of the book

12:40 The Word in 7 | Luke 10:1-16

Bria Freitas' Publishing Co.:

https://brightlittlepages.com/

Email Address: bria@brightlittlepages.com

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more faith-based conversations, biblical encouragement, and Christian cultural commentary.[

Note: The opinions expressed on this podcast by John and Val Clark are our own, and not necessarily those of our guests.]

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.#ChristianPodcast

#AmericanHistory #FaithAndFreedom #ChristianParenting #Homeschool #ReligiousFreedom #BiblicalWorldview #TheClarkReport

Can fulfilled Bible prophecy provide evidence that the Bible is truly the Word of God?

In this episode of The Clark Report, we explore some of the most remarkable fulfilled prophecies in Scripture and what they reveal about the reliability and divine inspiration of the Bible.

From the astonishing prophecy of Cyrus in Isaiah, to Ezekiel’s prediction concerning the destruction of Tyre, to the powerful messianic prophecies of Isaiah 53 fulfilled in Jesus Christ, this episode examines why fulfilled prophecy has strengthened the faith of believers for centuries.

We also discuss why fulfilled prophecy matters today — not for sensationalism or speculation, but as compelling evidence that God rules over history and that Scripture can be trusted.

Topics include:

-The prophecy of Cyrus in Isaiah 44–45

-Ezekiel’s prophecy against Tyre

-Isaiah 53 and the Suffering Messiah

-Why fulfilled prophecy matters for Christian faith

-Evidence for the reliability of the Bible

-The connection between prophecy and the identity of Jesus Christ

👉 If you enjoy biblical teaching, Christian apologetics, theology, and evidence for Christianity, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode.

Why do so many Christians struggle to share their faith? In this episode of The Clark Report, we sit down with Christian author and speaker Sharonda Cooper to discuss the fear many believers experience when it comes to evangelism — and how to overcome it.

Sharonda gives practical, biblical encouragement for everyday Christians who want to share the gospel more naturally and confidently.

This conversation explores how changing our expectations, building authentic relationships, and trusting God with the results can transform the way we approach evangelism.

Whether you feel nervous about talking about Jesus, unsure how to start spiritual conversations, or discouraged when people don’t respond immediately, this episode offers hope, wisdom, and practical steps you can apply today.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Sharing without fear

01:27 Why is it so hard?

02:42 Just what is the gospel?

05:23 What causes the fear?

06:30 What about those tough questions?

08:09 Is Evangelism only for the "pros"?

14:38 What about hell?

16:30 Do you need special training?

19:52 The Word in 7 | Luke 9:46-62

If you’ve ever wondered how to share your faith without feeling awkward or pushy, this episode is for you.

Sharonda's Evangelism book: https://a.co/d/09x7fjtH

Sharonda's "Gospel Coalition" post on Evangelism: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/afraid-evangelism-try-this/.

📖 Subscribe for more conversations on Christianity, biblical truth, culture, faith, and spiritual growth.

[Note: The opinions expressed on this podcast by John and Val Clark are our own, and not necessarily those of our guests.]

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

#ChristianPodcast #Evangelism #ShareYourFaith #Gospel #ChristianFaith #JesusChrist #ChristianLiving #FaithInJesus #BiblicalTruth #TheClarkReport

What would inspire someone to want to place a Bible into the hands of every person on earth?

In this episode of The Clark Report, we discuss the extraordinary vision behind Understanding the Word Ministries and its ambitious goal of distributing 8 billion Bibles worldwide.

Businessman David Hoke shares how a season of personal struggle became the catalyst for a faith-driven mission that's now impacting lives around the globe.

The conversation explores:

-The powerful personal story behind the ministry

-Why the Bible remains life-changing for millions

-The challenge and vision of worldwide Bible distribution

-How Understanding the Word Ministries has already distributed more than 40,000 Bibles

-The role of prayer, obedience, and faith in Christian ministry

-Why sharing God’s Word still matters in today’s culture

If you’re passionate about evangelism, discipleship, missions, and the transforming power of Scripture, this episode will encourage and challenge you."

UNDERSTANDING THE WORD MINISTRIES" WEBSITE: https://www.understandingtheword.org/

📖 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105

CHAPTERS:

00:00 The BIG Bible giveaway

02:05 How it started

14:13 Why 8 billion?

15:25 Who pays for it?

19:13 David's personal story

22:55 The Word in 7 | Luke 9:37-46

30:00 Closing prayer

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more faith-based conversations, biblical encouragement, and Christian cultural commentary.

[Note: The opinions expressed on this podcast by John and Val Clark are our own, and not necessarily those of our guests.]

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

#Bible #ChristianPodcast #Faith #Evangelism #BibleDistribution #ChristianFaith #TheClarkReport #Scripture #Ministry #JesusChrist #BiblicalTruth #ChristianLiving

Women’s Bible studies are changing hearts -- and lives.

In this episode of The Clark Report, we explore the powerful role women’s Bible studies play in strengthening faith, building community, and guiding Christian women through today’s unique challenges. As church attendance patterns shift—especially among women—we ask: what’s happening, and how can the church respond?

We also offer practical encouragement for Christian moms seeking to nurture faith in their children, along with guidance on how to find a Bible study that truly supports spiritual growth.

Whether you're a mom, a ministry leader, or simply looking to deepen your walk with Christ, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Why women’s Bible studies are vital for spiritual growth

-The striking decline in church attendance among women

-Unique challenges facing Christian women today

-How to find the right Bible study for your season of life-The critical role of mothers in shaping the faith of their children

-Reflecting on faith and motherhood during Mother’s Day

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Power of Bible Study

02:53. A Call to Ministry

04:25 How Women's Ministry Has Changed06:06 Challenges for Christian Women

07:41 Gender Gap in Church Attendance

10:51 Finding a Good Bible Study

12:25 Personal Testimony

14:42 Advice for Christian Moms

16:52 The Word in 7 (Luke 9:28-36)

👍 SUBSCRIBE TO THE CLARK REPORT: If you enjoy conversations like this, be sure to subscribe and share so more people can hear about what God is doing across the nation.

[Note: The opinions expressed on this podcast by John and Val Clark are our own, and not necessarily those of our guests.]

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.