From Atheism to Apostolic Calling | Fred Markert’s Journey into Darkness

From communist atheist to global missionary—Fred Markert’s journey is nothing short of miraculous. In this gripping episode, Fred shares his dramatic transformation from a disillusioned young man in Berlin—steeped in communism, addiction, and hopelessness—to a man set ablaze by the fire of God’s love for the nations. Raised in the Catholic Church but shaken by academic skepticism, Fred lost his faith and plunged into a life of rebellion during the Vietnam War era. Facing jail time, betrayal, and rock bottom, his life was intercepted by divine mercy through an encounter with a member of Youth With A Mission (YWAM). In a moment of supernatural clarity, Fred surrendered everything—his dreams, his identity, even his ambition to become a doctor—and chose to follow Jesus into the unknown. But Fred’s surrender was just the beginning. Within days, he found himself smuggling Christian calendars into communist East Germany, risking imprisonment to plant seeds of truth where the Gospel had been silenced. That bold act sparked a lifetime mission to reach the 3.4 billion souls still untouched by the message of Christ. With passion and urgency, Fred unpacks the heartbeat of true missions—not duty, not guilt, but a deep ache in God’s heart for the unreached. He shares stories of miraculous breakthroughs and horrific martyrs in places like Northern India and persecuted regions in the Middle East. This episode is more than a testimony—it’s a call to spiritual arms. Fred exposes the idols of comfort, digital distraction, and Western individualism, and invites us into the risky, unpredictable life of living fully for the Kingdom. Whether you're questioning your purpose or just hungry for more of God’s love, this conversation will shake your soul and stir your calling. *This episode was recorded on April 8, 2025.