Plain Talking – Episode 26

Plain Talking – Episode 27

WELCOME TO THE LATEST PLAIN TALKING PODCAST, WITH ME, GETHIN RUSSELL-JONES. In this episode, we begin with the newly released World Watch List 2026 from Open Doors [https://www.opendoorsuk.org] — a ranking of the 50 countries where Christians face the greatest persecution. I speak with Jim from Open Doors, who explains why North Korea once again tops the list – a country where even private expressions of faith can be treated as political crimes. He also reflects on the continuing challenges in Syria, including violence, church attacks and the forced closure of Christian schools. Our focus then turns to Iran, currently ranked number 10 in the list. Despite its lower position, recent months have seen a sharp rise in arrests and prosecutions of Christians. One Iranian believer shares her personal story with me, describing the consequences her family faced after her father left Islam to follow Christ — including his imprisonment, mistreatment and ongoing pressure from the authorities. The podcast concludes with our regular contributor Brother David Jardine, who brings his customary warmth and insight to us. From reflections on England and Australia’s Test cricket rivalry, to thoughts on artificial intelligence and even the reported conversion of Clint Eastwood, he gently reminds us that beyond headlines and human achievement, true hope and lasting purpose are found in Christ.

Plain Talking – Episode 26

WELCOME TO THE LATEST PLAIN TALKING PODCAST, WITH ME, GETHIN RUSSELL-JONES. In this latest podcast, I chat with Brother David Jardine who has recently published a new book, ‘Healing Words’. ‘My book is 150 pages and is a practical book’, says Brother David. ‘It tells people how to pray, types of things we should include in prayer and how to do it.’ David says the ministry of healing section in his new book also gives practical advice for those receiving prayer and for those praying for other people. ‘This is a book that will help people if they want to learn to pray.’ he says. We then go to South Wales and hear from the Revd Owen Griffiths, Minister for the South East Wales Pastorate of the Presbyterian Church. Twelve months ago, he launched Gobaith Clothing, a project based in South Wales (and established by the Presbyterian Church of Wales) that seeks to eliminate and tackle clothing poverty in their local communities. Pre-loved clothing items are repurposed and distributed to support individuals and families that are struggling financially in the current climate. You can find out more at https://gobaithclothing.org [HTTPS://GOBAITHCLOTHING.ORG] Finally, we hear again from Brother David Jardine – this time by way of an epilogue, inspired by one of New York’s most famous preachers. *Please note, this Podcast was recorded and produced before Christmas.

Plain Talking – Episode 25

WELCOME TO THE LATEST PLAIN TALKING PODCAST, WITH ME, GETHIN RUSSELL-JONES. In this latest podcast, I raise the question: How does God interact with the world? To answer it, we hear from Professor David Wilkinson who is a British Methodist minister, theologian, astrophysicist and academic. Professor Wilkinson is Director of ‘Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science’ at St John’s College, which is part of Durham University. He is a regular contributor to Thought for the Day on BBC Radio 4, and published his latest book in May 2025, entitled How Does God Act in the World? In this discussion, David considers whether God is simply a creator who then goes on holiday and leaves the universe to develop, or is God the one who is embodied in Jesus, the God of signs and wonders, death and resurrection? And what does this mean for signs and wonders today, in the life of individuals and local churches? I found this to be a really stimulating interview. I hope you do too. Following Professor Wilkinson, our regular – and much-loved – podcast contributor and writer for The Plain Truth magazine, Brother David Jardine, reminds us of one of Northern Ireland’s most famous sporting sons – former professional boxer and World Featherweight Champion in 1985 – Barry McGuigan, as part of his discussion on ‘God’s answer to anxiety, anger and fear.’ BOTH PODCAST SUBJECTS ARE FEATURED ARTICLES INSIDE OUR LATEST 32-PAGE BUMPER ISSUE OF THE PLAIN TRUTH MAGAZINE. DON’T MISS IT!

Plain Talking – Episode 24

WELCOME TO THE LATEST PLAIN TALKING PODCAST, WITH ME, GETHIN RUSSELL-JONES. In this latest podcast we learn about the dire humanitarian crisis facing the people of Myanmar following the recent earthquake which killed more than 3,800 people. We hear an extended interview from Ruth (her name and voice have been changed for security reasons) who works with Open Doors in Myanmar, informing us about believers being killed and churches indiscriminately attacked. More Christians than ever are facing persecution under the oppressive regime in states such as Chin, Kayah and Kachin, and in areas with significant Christian minorities, such as Sagaing Division, Yangon. Some are forced to flee to the jungle where they are often deprived of access to food and health care. Government forces have continued to disproportionately attack Christian villages and churches. They have also killed Christian aid workers and pastors, often in aerial attacks. Following the discussion with Ruth, we hear from our regular Plain Talking contributor Brother David Jardine who presents a seasonal epilogue for us and shares stories of Christian faith in action from those who put Jesus at the centre of their lives.

Plain Talking – Episode 23

WELCOME TO THE LATEST PLAIN TALKING PODCAST, WITH ME, GETHIN RUSSELL-JONES. In this latest podcast we hear from Lead Pastor Dave Clague who, with his wife Gail, founded the Bethania Church and Prayer House in Cardiff just over ten years ago. Their vision is to both gather for prayer and support gatherings of prayer in the City of Cardiff and beyond. Gethin caught up with Dave who gives an insight into their work, including building relationships with the local community especially through school chaplaincy. We then turn our attention to The Right Rev Mariann Budde, Bishop of Washington, USA. Rev Budde made the headlines after she angered President Donald Trump with her sermon at the National Cathedral prayer service during Trump’s inauguration in January. She referenced Trump’s belief that he was ‘saved by God from assassination’ by urging him to show mercy towards LGBTQ+ and migrant communities. The president condemned her talk as ‘nasty’. The sermon is read by Clare Cooper. And finally, this podcast features not just one, but two epilogues from our regular contributor Brother David Jardine. First, Brother David encourages us to pray for Donald Trump so that he can be a ‘good President’. He then goes on to talk about the importance of ‘good service’ – and how Jesus came to serve all humankind.