Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman

Greg Musselman
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The “Closer to the Fire” podcast addresses the persecution of Christians in various restricted nations around the world. By presenting informative interviews with Christian leaders on the front lines, this regular podcast serves to raise awareness, support and prayer on behalf of those who are suffering for their faith in Jesus. “Closer to the Fire” is produced by The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, a non-profit organization that has served persecuted Christians for more than 50 years. To learn more about the ministry of VOM Canada, go to www.vomcanada.com Hosted by longtime television broadcaster Greg Musselman, who also represents VOM Canada as the organization’s Minister-at-Large, this podcast will keep you up to date on the latest global situations involving today’s persecuted church. Greg joined VOM Canada in 2003 and, over the years, he has interviewed hundreds of persecuted Christians during his extensive international travels.

  1. MAR 6

    South Sudan: Bringing Encouragement, Teaching and Trauma Counselling to Christians

    On July 9th, 2011, South Sudan officially became an independent nation, making it the world’s youngest country. The nation experienced two years of relative peace and growing prosperity before civil war erupted in 2013, triggering a massive humanitarian crisis. Today, 13 years later, South Sudan continues to struggle under the weight of ethnic tensions, political instability, unfulfilled promises, and the ongoing effects of conflict – leaving many to describe it as a fallen state. In this episode of Closer to the Fire, Greg Musselman speaks with Stephen Wesley, VOMC’s Director of Global Education and Discipleship. Stephen recently travelled to South Sudan with two VOMC ministry partners to encourage local believers, teach on the theology of persecution and discipleship, and provide trauma counselling to Christians who have endured profound suffering. Length: 52 minutes Episode Notes Subscribe to VOMC’s weekly Persecution & Prayer Alert emails: https://store.vomcanada.org/subscribe#q40771 Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com

    53 min

  2. FEB 20

    India: The Enduring Faith of Persecuted Christians

    A deeply troubling trend is unfolding in the world’s most populous nation. Over the past decade, Christians in India – particularly in the northern regions – have faced a disturbing rise in persecution. Churches have been attacked, burned or forcibly closed. In addition, believers were beaten, pastors have encountered false accusations and subsequent arrests under the country’s anti-conversion laws, the burning of Bibles had repeatedly taken place, and reports have emerged of forced reconversions to Hinduism. Closer to the Fire host, Greg Musselman, recently travelled to the state of Odisha to hear firsthand the stories of Christians who have experienced opposition for their faith and ministry work. Through these conversations, Greg explored the cost of following Christ in a climate of growing hostility – and the remarkable courage of believers who remain determined to spread the hope of the Gospel. During his travels, Greg also partnered with Step International Canada to teach a course on the theology of persecution, equipping Indian pastors and ministry ‘leaders in training’ to prepare faithfully for the challenges ahead. Abhijit Naya, the Executive Director of Step International will join Greg after the report from Odisha. Length: 33 minutes Report Notes To view the report from India www.vomcanada.com/video/in-2026-02-11.htm Step International Canada: www.stepinternational.ca View VOMC’s country profile on India: www.vomcanada.com/india.htm The Voice of the Martyrs Canada www.vomcanada.com

    34 min

  3. FEB 6

    Somalia: How Christian Media Is Transforming Lives!

    Ranking second on the 2026 World Watch List, Somalia remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for followers of Jesus. Public Christian worship is forbidden; conversion from Islam is illegal; and the militant terrorist group, Al-Shabaab, continues its violent campaign to eliminate Christianity – openly executing anyone suspected of having faith in Jesus. In the midst of this intense persecution, God is powerfully at work. Through the ministry of Somalia Christian TV, countless Somalis are hearing the Gospel, and thereby encountering Jesus for the first time. The media ministry, led by former Somali Muslims Shino and Shania Gabo, is reaching deep into Somali communities with the hope, truth and life-changing message of God’s salvation through Christ. During this episode of Closer to the Fire, podcast host Greg Musselman is joined by Shino and Shania who will be sharing their remarkable testimonies. In addition to revealing the tremendous impact that this couple’s growing media outreach is having on so many lives in Somalia, the interview will also address the real dangers they continue to face because of their courageous faith. Length: 58:30 Episode Notes To watch the interview with the Gabo’s https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-so-2025-02-04.htm Somalia Christian TV: https://somalichristiantv.org Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List: https://www.opendoors.org/en-US/persecution/countries/ Learn more about persecution in Somalia: https://www.vomcanada.com/somalia.htm

    1 hr

  4. JAN 23

    India: The Alarming Rise of Persecution Against Christians

    In the world’s most populous nation, a deeply troubling trend is unfolding. Over the past decade, Christians in India have faced a disturbing rise in persecution. Churches have been burned or forcibly closed down, pastors encountered false accusations and subsequent arrests due to the country’s anti-conversion laws, numerous Bibles were destroyed, and Christian girls were subjected to kidnapping and assault. In 2015, there were 177 recorded cases of persecution against followers of Jesus. By 2024, that number had surged to 834 – and experts warn that the real figure is much higher, as countless incidents go unreported. Joining VOMC’s Greg Musselman to discuss this alarming situation is “Anika” (whose real name has been changed for security reasons). Anika is a lawyer and CEO of an NGO, using her legal expertise to defend and support persecuted Christians throughout India. Length: 31 minutes Episode Notes To watch the interview with “Anika” https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-in-2026-01-19.htm Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com India Country Profile https://vomcanada.com/india.htm Support VOMC’s Legal Defence Fund: https://store.vomcanada.org/category/donations/legal-defence-fund

    32 min

  5. JAN 12

    Canada: Bill C-9 Creates Uncertainty for the Church

    Concerns are growing over potential threats to religious freedom in Canada, including restrictions that could hinder the proclamation of the Gospel. One of the more recent issues relates to proposed amendments to Bill C-9, which is currently under review by members of the Canadian Parliament. The proposed bill seeks to amend the Canadian Criminal Code in areas relating to propaganda and hate speech. In the latest episode of Closer to the Fire, podcast host Greg Musselman speaks with VOMC’s CEO, Floyd Brobbel, about the implications of Bill C-9 and how it could affect faith communities across the country. During the interview, Floyd also shares VOMC’s priorities for 2026 and addresses how we can respond to these challenges. Length: 46 minutes Episode Notes To read Floyd’s full statement on Bill C-9, go to: https://www.vomcanada.com/ceo-2025-12-22.htm To learn more about the proposed legislation, visit: https://evangelicalfellowship.ca/c9 Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com

    46 min

  6. JAN 11

    Season 6: Episode 8: Iran: Government Sponsors Terrorism and Persecution of Christians (encore)

    The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been accused by several countries, including the United States, of providing training, financing and weapons – as well as safe havens – to several terrorist organizations. These militant groups include Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and the Houthis in Yemen. Additionally, Iran was listed as number nine on the 2024 World Watch List produced by Open Doors, making it one of the most dangerous countries in the world to follow Jesus. To discuss recent reports about this Middle Eastern nation, Closer to the Fire host Greg Musselman is joined by Dr. Hormoz Shariat, the founder and president of Iran Alive. This Texas-based ministry is working to transform Iran into a Christian nation through satellite television, discipleship programs, Bible distribution projects, and so much more. Dr. Shariat, who comes from a Muslim background, speaks with Greg about why the Iranian government is seeking to destroy Israel and eradicate Christianity. Length: 36 minutes Episode Notes To view the interview with Hormoz https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ir-govt-terrorism-persecution.htm Iran Alive: www.iranalive.org To purchase a copy of Dr. Shariat’s book, Iran’s Great Awakening: How God is Using a Muslim Convert to Spark Revival, go to: store.vomcanada.org/purchase/irans-great-awakening (in Canada) or https://iranalive.org/irans-great-awakening/ (in the US and other countries) Saeed Pakniat’s testimony: https://www.vomcanada.com/video/ir-forced-flee.htm The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com

    36 min

  7. 12/26/2025

    Why Are Men and Women Persecuted Differently for Their Faith in Jesus?

    There is plenty of evidence indicating that men and women suffer differently when they are persecuted for their faith in Jesus. In this episode of Closer to the Fire, podcast host Greg Musselman is joined by Emma, the director of an organization that is dedicated to addressing gender-specific religious freedom issues. (Due to the nature of her work, Emma’s last name is not publicly disclosed.) During the interview, this valued ministry partner of VOMC discusses the various ways in which gender-specific persecution affects the church, the devastating consequences that occur when these realities are overlooked, and how the body of Christ can respond with greater understanding, wisdom and compassion. Most importantly, she highlights the hope and healing that Jesus is bringing to the lives of persecuted believers in the midst of suffering. Length: 56 minutes Episode Notes The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com

    57 min

  8. 12/12/2025

    China: Crackdown on Prominent Unregistered House Churches

    A nationwide crackdown on urban house churches in China has drawn worldwide attention after nearly 30 members of the Zion Protestant Church were arrested in seven cities, including Beijing and Shanghai. In this episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman is joined by Dr. Bob Fu, founder and president of ChinaAid, to unpack the reasons behind these recent arrests and why the international media is finally paying attention. During the interview, Dr. Fu also discusses the Chinese Communist Party’s escalating campaign against Christians – and why this wave of persecution is considered the most severe crackdown since the beginning of the Cultural Revolution. This interview was produced by Voice of the Martyrs Australia. Length: 48 minutes Episode Notes To watch the interview with Bob Fu https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-cn-2025-12-30.htm ChinaAid: www.chinaaid.org Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com

    47 min
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About

The “Closer to the Fire” podcast addresses the persecution of Christians in various restricted nations around the world. By presenting informative interviews with Christian leaders on the front lines, this regular podcast serves to raise awareness, support and prayer on behalf of those who are suffering for their faith in Jesus. “Closer to the Fire” is produced by The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, a non-profit organization that has served persecuted Christians for more than 50 years. To learn more about the ministry of VOM Canada, go to www.vomcanada.com Hosted by longtime television broadcaster Greg Musselman, who also represents VOM Canada as the organization’s Minister-at-Large, this podcast will keep you up to date on the latest global situations involving today’s persecuted church. Greg joined VOM Canada in 2003 and, over the years, he has interviewed hundreds of persecuted Christians during his extensive international travels.

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