Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman

Greg Musselman
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Semimonthly

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. Jul 9

    India: Why Is Christian Persecution Increasing?

    Over the past decade, Christians in India have faced a disturbing rise in persecution. Throughout this time, churches were demolished, worship gatherings violently disrupted, crosses in graveyards vandalized, and Bibles confiscated and burned. Pastors have been falsely accused of forcing Hindus to convert to Christianity, resulting in the physical assaults and imprisonment of these Christian leaders. In 2015, there were 177 reported incidents of persecution. By 2024, that number had surged to 834, with many more cases likely going undocumented. In this episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, human rights advocate Tehmina Arora, the founding trustee of Alliance Defending Freedom India, joins host Greg Musselman to discuss this alarming trend. They explore how anti-conversion laws are being misused to target followers of Jesus, the broader implications for religious freedom, and the heartbreaking issue of forced marriages in both India and Pakistan. Length: 36 Minutes To view the interview https://vomcanada.com/in-videos/video/in-2025-09-11.htm Episode Notes Alliance Defending Freedom International www.adfinternational.org/ Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com Persecution and Prayer Alert https://store.vomcanada.org/subscribe#q40771

  2. Jun 26

    DR of the Congo: Christians Targeted by Islamic Terrorists

    Islamic militants in the Democratic Republic of the Congo claim to have killed more than 80 Christians during several recent armed assaults in the northeastern region of the country. The deadliest incident is believed to have claimed the lives of an estimated 60 believers, whom the attackers referred to as "Christian combatants." The Islamic State Central Africa Province claims to have killed nearly 1,000 Christians in northeastern DRC since December 2024. Dr. David Kasali serves as the founder of the Congo Initiative, a Christ-centred educational institution that seeks to bring spiritual transformation to the country. He joins Closer to the Fire host Greg Musselman to discuss the recent violent attacks on followers of Jesus in the DRC, the many other challenges facing the nation’s believers in the northeast of the country. Length 43 minutes Episode Notes To view the interview with Dr. David Kasali https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-cd-2026-06-25.htm Congo Initiative: https://congoinitiative.org Pray for the Democratic Republic of the Congo: https://www.vomcanada.com/drc.htm The Voice of the Martyrs Canada www.vomcanada.com

  3. Jun 14

    Somalia: How Christian Media Is Transforming Lives! (encore)

    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

  4. May 29

    Pakistan: Protecting Christian Girls and Young Women

    The governor of Pakistan’s Punjab Province recently signed the "Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026" into effect, raising the minimum age for marriage to 18 and strengthening protections for vulnerable youth. It is hoped that this legislation will help prevent the kidnapping, forced conversion and marriage of Christian girls across the country. In this episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman is joined by Shulammite Nasir, a Pakistani Christian now living in Canada, to discuss the potential impact of this new law on the nation’s Christian minority. Drawing from her own experiences, Shulammite shares insight into the many challenges faced by girls and young women in Pakistan. She also speaks about her passion to encourage believers in her homeland and share the Gospel with those seeking truth. Shulammite moved to Canada in 2018 with her parents, three sisters and brother. During her conversation with Greg, she reflects on why her family left Pakistan and how God redirected her life from a career in business to a calling in ministry. Length: Episode Notes To watch Greg’s full interview with Shulammite Nasir, go to: https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-pk-2026-05-28.htm Church of Pentecost Pakistan: www.churchofpentecostpakistan.com Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com

  5. May 15

    Serving the Persecuted Church: VOMC’s Global Projects of Hope

    In a recent episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, we invited listeners and viewers to take a practical step toward “Actively Remembering the ‘Church Persecuted’” by signing a petition to the Russian Embassy. The petition called for the safe release of Ms. Park Tae-yeon, a 70-year-old South Korean missionary currently being held in a Russian detention centre. To view this episode, visit: https://www.vomcanada.com/video/ru-2026-04-20.htm. In this episode, we turn our attention to the second part of VOMC’s mission statement – “Serving the ‘Church Persecuted’” – and explore how this calling is being fulfilled through ministry projects around the world. Duane Friesen, VOMC’s Vice President of International Ministry, shares insights into the many ways persecuted believers are supported globally, and how these initiatives bring Christ-centred care to those who need it most. Length:40 minutes Episode Notes To watch the full interview with Duane, go to: https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-vomc-2026-05-07.htm To find out more about how you can support VOMC’s global ministry projects, visit: www.vomcanada.com/donate Subscribe to receive VOMC’s Persecution & Prayer Alert emails: https://store.vomcanada.org/register/2026-06-21 VOMC’s international projects can be summarized through the acronym “VOICE”: · Vindicate · Outreach · Invest · Connect · Empower

  6. May 1

    Nigeria: A Campaign of Terror Against Christians

    Abuses to Nigeria’s human rights charter for ‘freedom of religion or belief’ are still prevalent today. This is particularly alarming for Christians located in the country’s northern states and Middle Belt region who are at serious risk of threats, violent attacks, abductions, as well as assaults on their members of clergy and places of worship. Governance concerns at the state level, such as delayed security responses and the consequential culture of impunity that’s breeding among various armed militant groups (including insurgents and bandits), are compounding this dire situation and further undermining the religious freedoms of targeted Nigerians. While the situation encompasses a wide range of complexities, which is impacting both Nigerian Christians and Muslims in certain areas of the country, it has been proven that the majority of the perpetrators’ attacks are primarily based on the religious affiliations of their targeted victims. Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, CEO of Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria and credible partner of Voice of the Martyrs Canada (VOM Canada), recently spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast in Ottawa* about the intense violence and persecution presently facing followers of Jesus in Nigeria. As Rev. Yunusa sheds light on what is truly happening, he also brings clarity to the misinformation that has been circulating over the years concerning this troubled West African nation. *The special presentation in Ottawa was presented by VOM Canada, Open Doors Canada and Cardus. Date: April 2026 Length: 47 minutes Episode Notes To watch the interview with Rev. Yunusa Nmadu https://www.vomcanada.com/ng-videos/video/ng-2026-04-29.htm Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria cswng.org.ng The Voice of the Martyrs Canada VOMCanada.com Open Doors Canada OpenDoorsCanada.org Cardus cardus.ca

  7. Apr 20

    Russia: Advocating for Detained Korean Missionary

    At VOMC, we are committed to remembering and serving the “church persecuted.” One of the key ways we live out this calling is by praying for and advocating on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are imprisoned because of their faith and ministry. In this episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman highlights a meaningful opportunity for you to partner with us in this vital mission by signing a petition on behalf of Ms. Park Tae-yeon, a longtime Korean missionary. After decades of faithful service in Russia, the 70-year-old Christian woman was detained in January while attempting to return home to South Korea. She is currently being held in a Russian detention facility, facing alleged immigration charges that could result in a prison sentence of up to 17 years. Greg is joined by Dr. Eric Foley, CEO and Co-Founder of VOM Korea, to discuss Ms. Park’s case and the importance of advocacy for Christians who have been falsely arrested for their faith. Length:52 minutes To watch the interview with Dr. Eric Foley: https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ru-2026-04-20.htm Sign the petition on behalf of Ms. Park Tae-yeon: https://vomkorea.com/en/petition-2026/ Voice of the Martyrs Korea: https://vomkorea.com Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com

  8. Apr 3

    Eritrea: Over 100 Christians Released from Prison

    More than one hundred Christians were among groups of prisoners released from Eritrean detention centres in late 2025 and early 2026. Many of these believers had endured years of captivity in some of the country’s most notorious facilities – places long recognized for inhumane treatment and severely cramped living conditions. Notably, none of the recently released individuals had ever been formally charged with a crime. In this episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman is joined by Dr. Berhane Asmelash of Release Eritrea, a ministry devoted to supporting and advocating for persecuted Christians in the country. Dr. Asmelash shares important updates on the recently freed believers and discusses the factors that may have contributed to their unexpected release. He also offers insight into the ongoing challenges facing the wider Christian community in Eritrea, including the plight of several senior church leaders who have remained imprisoned for over 20 years because of their faith. Length: 51 minutes Episode Notes Release Eritrea: https://www.release-eritrea.org View VOMC’s country profile on Eritrea: https://www.vomcanada.com/eritrea.htm Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com

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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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