Home
Categories
EXPLORE
True Crime
Comedy
Business
Society & Culture
History
Sports
Health & Fitness
About Us
Contact Us
Copyright
© 2024 PodJoint
00:00 / 00:00
Sign in

or

Don't have an account?
Sign up
Forgot password
https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts211/v4/be/b0/a8/beb0a853-18ca-aa52-98b3-5ae32f9bdd83/mza_10431232531943623070.jpg/600x600bb.jpg
Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Greg Musselman
128 episodes
2 days ago
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.
Show more...
Christianity
Religion & Spirituality,
Society & Culture,
News,
News Commentary,
Documentary
RSS
All content for Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman is the property of Greg Musselman and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
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.
Show more...
Christianity
Religion & Spirituality,
Society & Culture,
News,
News Commentary,
Documentary
Episodes (20/128)
Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Season 6: Episode 4: Nigeria: Is the Ongoing Persecution of Christians “Genocide”?
Violence against Christians in Nigeria has sparked sudden international attention and debate, with some referring to the ongoing crisis as genocide. In September, news commentator Bill Maher stated that “Islamists and Boko Haram [militants] were systematically killing Christians in Nigeria, attempting to wipe out the Christian population of an entire country.” More recently, U.S. President Donald Trump declared Nigeria “a country of particular concern” and warned of military intervention if the Nigerian government failed to protect its Christian population. However, Nigerian authorities deny the claims that followers of Jesus are being deliberately targeted and that a genocide is underway.In this powerful episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the CEO of Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria, joins host Greg Musselman to explore the facts behind the headlines. During the interview, they address the ongoing suffering of believers in Nigeria and examine whether the repeated acts of brutal violence – and the resulting large number of fatalities – amount to genocide. CSW Nigeria is a partner with VOM Canada.  Length: 40 minutesTo watch the interview with Yunusa Nmadu https://www.vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ng-2025-11-06.htm (https://www.vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ng-2025-11-06.htm) Episode NotesChristian Solidarity Worldwide: www.cswng.org.ng (http://www.cswng.org.ng/)Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com (http://www.vomcanada.com/)
Show more...
2 days ago
39 minutes 49 seconds

Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Season 6: Episode 3: Russia: Church Congregations Banned and Oppressed
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine rages on, evangelical Christians are facing intensifying persecution. In this episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, host Greg Musselman is joined by Rev. Mykhailo Brytsyn, Director of the Religious Freedom Initiative for Mission Eurasia and pastor at Grace Church of Evangelical Christians. Rev. Brytsyn, who also serves as secretary of the International Council in southeastern Ukraine, discusses recent Russian court rulings that have forcibly shut down at least five church buildings and placed three others under investigation. A sweeping court order issued in September 2024 now threatens the activities of approximately 2,500 evangelical congregations within Russia.Additionally, Rev. Brytsyn shares sobering insights into the dangerous realities facing believers residing within Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine, inviting us to stand in solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters who continue to follow Jesus amid war and oppression.Length: 51 minutesEpisode NotesMission Eurasia: www.missioneurasia.org (http://www.missioneurasia.org/)To read Rev. Brytsyn’s report, “Faith Under Russian Terror: Analysis of the Religious Situation in Ukraine” visit: https://missioneurasia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-Mission-Eurasia-report-on-Ukraine-ENG.pdf (https://missioneurasia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-Mission-Eurasia-report-on-Ukraine-ENG.pdf)Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com (http://www.vomcanada.com/)
Show more...
3 weeks ago
50 minutes 52 seconds

Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Season 6: Episode 2: North Korea: Gospel Radio Penetrates the Hermit Kingdom
Ranked number one on Open Doors’ World Watch List, North Korea remains the most dangerous place in the world for followers of Jesus. Church life is virtually nonexistent, gathering for worship or prayer is impossible, and even secret expressions of faith carry grave risks. Christians live under constant surveillance from government spies, neighbours, teachers, and even family members. Being reported for Christian activities can lead to execution or lifelong imprisonment in brutal labour camps. Yet, despite such intense persecution, the Gospel message continues to reach hearts in this Hermit Kingdom – including through the powerful Christian radio broadcasts that are being supported by VOMC. In this episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, host Greg Musselman speaks with Dr. Eric Foley, who serves as CEO and Co-Founder of Voice of the Martyrs Korea. Although listening to foreign broadcasts is illegal and highly punishable in North Korea, Dr. Foley shares how God is using shortwave radio programs to disciple believers and spread the hope of Christ throughout one of the most restrictive nations on earth. During the interview, he also discusses the launch of a new program that’s aimed at further strengthening the country’s resilient underground church. Length: 1 hour 12 minutes  Episode Notes To view the interview with Dr. Foley: https://www.vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-kp-2025-09-24.htm (https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vomcanada.com%2Fcttf-videos%2Fvideo%2Fcttf-kp-2025-09-24.htm&data=05%7C02%7Cgmusselman%40vomcanada.org%7C56c5909daa114520615408ddfd1a0ac1%7C71a410229f31421589a52f3c318d273f%7C0%7C0%7C638945010480493801%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=9KO8%2BrYZDU1%2BCNjhJDKtA%2BR4LO0Pk%2BoyZMym8z6jCNA%3D&reserved=0) The Voice of the Martyrs Korea: www.vomkorea.com (http://www.vomkorea.com/) The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com (http://www.vomcanada.com/)
Show more...
1 month ago
1 hour 11 minutes 29 seconds

Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Season 6: Episode 1: 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 (https://vomcanada.com/in-videos/video/in-2025-09-11.htm) Episode NotesAlliance Defending Freedom International www.adfinternational.org/ (http://www.adfinternational.org/)Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com (http://www.vomcanada.com/)Persecution and Prayer Alert https://store.vomcanada.org/subscribe#q40771 (https://store.vomcanada.org/subscribe#q40771)
Show more...
1 month ago
36 minutes 1 second

Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Season 5: Episode 22: Somalia: Enduring Faith in a Hostile Land (encore)
Christians in Somalia encounter life-threatening persecution not only from the militant Islamic group al-Shabab, but also from hostile members of their families and local communities. In particular, those who have left Islam to follow Jesus risk harassment, intimidation and even the threat of death. According to the World Watch List from Open Doors (an annual ranking of the top 50 countries where Christians encounter the most extreme persecution), Somalia remains the second most dangerous region in the world for followers of Jesus. Despite the intense opposition, this East African nation is home to one of the fastest growing church movements in the world.VOMC’s Closer to the Fire host, Greg Musselman, is joined by Dr. Aweis Ali from the Somali Bible Society to discuss the many dangers facing the country’s Christians, why the church is experiencing remarkable growth, and the exciting efforts of ministry workers who are reaching out to Somalis with the Gospel message. During his conversation with Greg, Dr. Aweis also shares the story of how he personally came to faith in Jesus – and the price he and other Muslim-background believers have paid for choosing to follow Christ in this restricted nation.Length: 43 minutesTo watch the interview with Dr. Aweis https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-so-2025-05-06.htm (https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-so-2025-05-06.htm)Episode NotesSomali Bible Society: www.somalibiblesociety.org (http://www.somalibiblesociety.org/)The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com (http://www.vomcanada.com/)
Show more...
2 months ago
43 minutes 4 seconds

Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Season 5: Episode 21: Iran: Hopelessness Opens the Door to the Gospel (encore)
Following Ayatollah Khomeini’s Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran became the world's only country to be governed by an Islamic theocracy. Today, many of those living under the Islamic regime are filled with despair. Yet, their disillusionment has opened new doors for the Gospel, which is sweeping across the nation via satellite TV, the Internet, as well as a growing number of house church movements.Even so, the government continues its attempts to thwart the spread of Christianity by persecuting the nation’s followers of Jesus. Many Iranians are also coming into a relationship with Christ after leaving the country and moving abroad, where they are passionate about seeing fellow Iranians – both inside and outside of the nation – come to faith in Jesus. One such person is Shah Ahmadi of Iran Alive Ministries, a U.S.-based organization and trusted ministry partner of Voice of the Martyrs Canada. In this episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman sits down with Shah at the Iran Alive headquarters in Texas. Length: 42 minutes Episode Notes Iran Alive Ministries: www.iranalive.org (http://www.iranalive.org/)Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com (http://www.vomcanada.com/)
Show more...
2 months ago
42 minutes 31 seconds

Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Season 5: Episode 20: Nigeria: Attacks on Christians in Benue State
In this episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, host Greg Musselman reports on the escalating violence committed against Christians in the North Central Nigerian state of Benue. In June, militant Fulani herdsmen launched a brutal attack on the Christian community of Yelwata, killing an estimated 200 villagers – many of them internally displaced people who had fled previous violence. The attackers used fuel to set the villagers’ homes ablaze, leaving devastation in their wake. Just weeks later, in early July, four members of Christian Faith Ministries were also tragically killed in Benue State. In this podcast report, Greg is joined by Ruth and Kent Hodge, the founders of Christian Faith Ministries, to discuss these recent heartbreaking attacks, the broader persecution of Christians throughout Nigeria, and how God is still working powerfully through His people – even in the midst of suffering. Length: 38 minutes Episode Notes  To watch the interview with the Hodge’s www.vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ng-2025-07-11.htm (http://www.vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ng-2025-07-11.htm)  Christian Faith Ministries: https://www.cfaithnews.org/ (https://www.cfaithnews.org/) Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com (http://www.vomcanada.com/)
Show more...
4 months ago
38 minutes 6 seconds

Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Season 5: Episode 19: 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 NotesThe Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com (http://www.vomcanada.com/)
Show more...
4 months ago
56 minutes 33 seconds

Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Season 5: Episode 18: China: The Communist Party's Relentless Persecution of Christians
China: The Communist Party's Relentless Persecution of ChristiansIn China, where Communist authorities remain determined to suppress the rapid growth of Christianity, church leaders in that nation are arrested and imprisoned for their ministry activities. One pastoral couple, Yang Rongli and her husband Wang Xiaoguang, have endured years of persecution for continuing to shepherd thousands of believers despite government opposition.Greg Musselman, host of the Closer to the Fire podcast, is joined by Dr. Bob Fu of ChinaAid to discuss the ongoing court case against Yang and Wang, as well as the recent trend in which church leaders are being charged with “illegal border crossing” for participating in religious training abroad. During the interview, Dr. Fu also sheds light on how the Communist regime is targeting the Biblical education of children, revealing the broader strategy to stifle religious freedom at every level of society.Length:38 minutesEpisode NotesTo watch the interview with Dr. Bob Fu https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-cn-2025-06-05.htm (https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-cn-2025-06-05.htm)ChinaAid: www.chinaaid.org (http://www.chinaaid.org/)  The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com (http://www.vomcanada.com/)
Show more...
5 months ago
37 minutes 50 seconds

Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Season 5: Episode 17: India: Anti-Conversion Laws Used Against Christians (encore)
According to recently published reports, anti-conversion laws may soon be enacted in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. Members of the state legislature are presently considering a newly proposed law that would make so-called “forced conversions” illegal and require anyone who seeks to convert to Christianity – or any other religion outside of Hinduism – to notify officials at least 60 days in advance. In this episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, host Greg Musselman is joined by Rev. Sudhakar Mondithoka, who serves as Principal and Director for the Hyderabad Institute of Theology and Apologetics in Hyderabad, India. During their conversation, Rev. Mondithoka discusses the newly proposed law and what it could mean for Christian believers living in Rajasthan.  Rev. Mondithoka also provides insight into the history of anti-conversion legislation in India, how it's being used against Christians, and the effect it's having on followers of Christ throughout this South Asian nation. In the midst of these challenges, he emphasizes the need for believers to rely on the Lord’s wisdom as they seek to share their faith with those in their communities and beyond. Length: 58 minutes  Episode NotesTo view the interview with Rev. Sudhakar Mondithoka https://www.vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-in-2025-01-23.htm (https://www.vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-in-2025-01-23.htm)  Hyderabad Institute of Theology and Apologetics: https://hitha.org (https://hitha.org/) Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com (http://www.vomcanada.com/)
Show more...
5 months ago
52 minutes 14 seconds

Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Season 5: Episode 16 Somalia: Enduring Faith in a Hostile Land
Christians in Somalia encounter life-threatening persecution not only from the militant Islamic group al-Shabab, but also from hostile members of their families and local communities. In particular, those who have left Islam to follow Jesus risk harassment, intimidation and even the threat of death. According to the World Watch List from Open Doors (an annual ranking of the top 50 countries where Christians encounter the most extreme persecution), Somalia remains the second most dangerous region in the world for followers of Jesus. Despite the intense opposition, this East African nation is home to one of the fastest growing church movements in the world.VOMC’s Closer to the Fire host, Greg Musselman, is joined by Dr. Aweis Ali from the Somali Bible Society to discuss the many dangers facing the country’s Christians, why the church is experiencing remarkable growth, and the exciting efforts of ministry workers who are reaching out to Somalis with the Gospel message. During his conversation with Greg, Dr. Aweis also shares the story of how he personally came to faith in Jesus – and the price he and other Muslim-background believers have paid for choosing to follow Christ in this restricted nation.Length: 43 minutesTo watch the interview with Dr. Aweis https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-so-2025-05-06.htm (https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-so-2025-05-06.htm)Episode NotesSomali Bible Society: www.somalibiblesociety.org (http://www.somalibiblesociety.org/)The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com (http://www.vomcanada.com/)
Show more...
6 months ago
43 minutes 4 seconds

Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Season 5: Episode 15: Myanmar: Targeted Violence Against Christians
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a nation grappling with significant turmoil and humanitarian crises. The devastating earthquake that took place in March of this year claimed thousands of lives and caused widespread damage across the country. Additionally, the ongoing military coup is now in its fifth year, and solutions are nowhere in sight.The political conflict is having a devastating impact on the nation’s Christians, who have frequently been the targets of violent military strikes. In addition to disproportionately attacking Christian villages and destroying church buildings, the opposing military forces have also killed innocent Christian aid workers and pastors. In this episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, host Greg Musselman is joined by “Joshua,” a Christian leader in Myanmar whose real name has been withheld for security purposes. Despite the dire situation facing the country’s believers, “Joshua” reports that God is working powerfully amidst the country’s numerous challenges and hardships.Length: 36 minutes  Episode Notes Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com (http://www.vomcanada.com/)
Show more...
6 months ago
37 minutes 17 seconds

Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Season 5: Episode 14: Iran: Lengthy Prison Sentences for Christians
The Iranian government is among the most oppressive regimes in the world. It is illegal to leave Islam, and Christians face the constant threat of imprisonment on false charges of "acting against national security.” Recently, three Christian converts, including a woman who is pregnant with her first child, received lengthy prison sentences on charges relating to their religious beliefs and worship meetings.Greg Musselman, host of the Closer to the Fire podcast, is joined by Joseph Hovsepian to address the harsh verdicts against these detained believers. Joseph is the founder of Hovsepian Ministries, an organization dedicated to supporting persecuted Christians in Iran. He knows firsthand about the extreme persecution encountered by followers of Jesus in this Middle Eastern country. Joseph’s father, an Iranian pastor named Haik, was tragically martyred for his faith in 1994. During this podcast interview, Greg also discusses with Joseph how Christians in Western countries can help their persecuted Iranian family in Christ.Length 35 Minutes Episode Notes Watch the interview with Joseph Hovsepian www.vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ir-2025-04-09.htm (http://www.vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ir-2025-04-09.htm)Hovsepian Ministries: http://www.hovsepian.com (http://www.hovsepian.com/)Watch the award-winning documentary, A Cry from Iran: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLeKQz4tuDo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLeKQz4tuDo)Read VOMC’s Persecution & Prayer Alert report for more information about these three imprisoned believers: www.vomcanada.com/ir-2025-03-13.htm (http://www.vomcanada.com/ir-2025-03-13.htm)Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com (http://www.vomcanada.com/)
Show more...
7 months ago
34 minutes 59 seconds

Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Season 5: Episode 13: Pakistan: Churches and Christian Homes Destroyed
Pakistan's blasphemy laws have placed Christians at constant risk of being falsely accused of blaspheming Islam, the Quran or the Islamic prophet Muhammad – often leading to mob riots and harsh punishments when convicted. Despite the large number of blasphemy cases in Pakistan, most of the accusations were proven to be false. This was the case for two Christian brothers from Jaranwala, a city in the province of Punjab. In August 2023, these young men were accused of desecrating the Quran. As a result of the allegations, churches and Christian homes were targeted by an out-of-control mob. VOMC’s Minister-at-Large, Greg Musselman, recently travelled to the Christian community that was devastated by the mob attack. During his visit, he saw firsthand how the incident has impacted local followers of Jesus, and how these resilient believers are working to rebuild their houses, churches and lives in the aftermath of the violence.  Length: 10:20 minutes Episode NotesTo view the report from Jaranwala https://www.vomcanada.com/pk-videos/video/pk-2025-03-21.htm (https://www.vomcanada.com/pk-videos/video/pk-2025-03-21.htm) The Voice of the Martyrs Canada www.vomcanada.com (http://www.vomcanada.com/)
Show more...
7 months ago
16 minutes 41 seconds

Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Season 5: Episode 12: Bringing Hope and Healing to Persecuted Christian Women
In many nations, Christian women face extreme persecution, and often their situations are too shameful to publicly acknowledge. The social stigma attached to these acts of violence frequently becomes a barrier when attempting to effectively prosecute the perpetrators of such attacks. Beyond the broader gender-based persecution affecting marginalized communities, Christian women and girls endure targeted sexual violence, trafficking, and even threats against their lives, as forms of punishment for their faith. Despite these attempts to silence Christian voices through terror, there is hope for our persecuted sisters in Christ.Greg Musselman, host of the Closer to the Fire podcast, speaks with “Kate” (whose real name is being withheld for security reasons) about why believers in the West have a critical role in addressing the suffering of our Christian sisters, and what we can do to help bring them hope and healing. Kate is a trusted ministry partner of VOMC who serves as an advisor for Gender and Religious Freedom, a global ministry network that facilitates training, advocacy and research on gender-specific persecution. During the interview, Greg and Kate will also explore what the Bible says about the mistreatment of women, as well as the ways in which God’s Word affirms their inherent value and dignity. Length: 46 minutes Episode NotesVoice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com (http://www.vomcanada.com/)Gender and Religious Freedom: www.genderandreligiousfreedom.org (http://www.genderandreligiousfreedom.org/)
Show more...
7 months ago
45 minutes 53 seconds

Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Season 5: Episode 10: Vietnam: Christians Face Opposition and Violence
Several followers of Jesus have recently experienced situations of severe persecution in the Southeast Asian country of Vietnam. In one recent case, a house church leader identified as Brother Ting was tragically killed after he refused to stop holding worship meetings. A week after Brother Ting was murdered, his wife Mar was found dead in her home, leaving the couple’s children orphaned.Brother Paul , who serves as the Project Partner Manager for Voice of the Martyrs Australia, joins Closer to the Fire host Greg Musselman to discuss why Christians are encountering escalating opposition in many rural communities throughout this Communist nation. During their conversation, Paul explains how the global body of Christ is coming alongside persecuted Vietnamese believers to provide greatly needed support, relief and encouragement. He also describes the specific ways in which VOM Australia is supplying financial and emotional support to the traumatized children of Brother Ting and Mar. Length: 32 minutesTo Watch the interview with Paul Paduhilao https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-vn-2025-02-06.htm (https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-vn-2025-02-06.htm)Episode NotesVoice of the Martyrs Australia: www.vom.com.au (http://www.vom.com.au/)Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com (http://www.vomcanada.com/)
Show more...
7 months ago
32 minutes

Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Season 5: Episode 11: Nigeria: Standing With Persecuted Christians
Nearly all Christians in northeastern Nigeria have lost family members due to the violence perpetrated by terrorist groups. Entire congregations have been displaced, and many pastors have been forced to leave the region. In the midst of the volatile situation, it takes great courage and faith to openly worship and serve Christ in this West African nation, where more followers of Jesus are killed each year for their faith than all the other countries of the world combined.In this episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, host Greg Musselman is joined by Mark Lipdo, the founder and CEO of Stefanos Foundation. For the past 23 years, this foundation has met the needs of hundreds of thousands of victims in Nigeria. Today, the ministry continues to faithfully stand alongside persecuted Christians who have suffered turmoil, forced displacement and the loss of family members. Amid ongoing concerns about the spread of Christian persecution throughout Nigeria, Mark explains why providing practical care, love and support to these suffering believers is more crucial than ever.  Length: 39 minutesEpisode NotesTo watch the interview with Mark Lipdo https://www.vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ng-2025-02-28.htmStefanos Foundation on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Stefanosfoundation (http://www.facebook.com/Stefanosfoundation)Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com (http://www.vomcanada.com/)Pastor Gideon Dawel’s story: https://vomcanada.com/ng-videos/video/ng-gideon-tragedy-forgiveness.htm (https://vomcanada.com/ng-videos/video/ng-gideon-tragedy-forgiveness.htm) Nankpak Kumzwam’s story: https://vomcanada.com/ng-videos/video/ng-nanpak-2024.htm (https://vomcanada.com/ng-videos/video/ng-nanpak-2024.htm)
Show more...
8 months ago
39 minutes 13 seconds

Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Season 5: Episode 9: India: Anti-Conversion Laws Used Against Christians
According to recently published reports, anti-conversion laws may soon be enacted in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. Members of the state legislature are presently considering a newly proposed law that would make so-called “forced conversions” illegal and require anyone who seeks to convert to Christianity – or any other religion outside of Hinduism – to notify officials at least 60 days in advance. In this episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, host Greg Musselman is joined by Rev. Sudhakar Mondithoka, who serves as Principal and Director for the Hyderabad Institute of Theology and Apologetics in Hyderabad, India. During their conversation, Rev. Mondithoka discusses the newly proposed law and what it could mean for Christian believers living in Rajasthan.  Rev. Mondithoka also provides insight into the history of anti-conversion legislation in India, how it's being used against Christians, and the effect it's having on followers of Christ throughout this South Asian nation. In the midst of these challenges, he emphasizes the need for believers to rely on the Lord’s wisdom as they seek to share their faith with those in their communities and beyond. Length: 58 minutes  Episode NotesTo view the interview with Rev. Sudhakar Mondithoka https://www.vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-in-2025-01-23.htm (https://www.vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-in-2025-01-23.htm)  Hyderabad Institute of Theology and Apologetics: https://hitha.org (https://hitha.org/) Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com (http://www.vomcanada.com/)
Show more...
9 months ago
52 minutes 14 seconds

Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Season 5: Episode 8: The Mission of VOM Canada: Looking Back and Looking Ahead
For over 50 years, the Voice of the Martyrs Canada has been serving the persecuted church worldwide. In this episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, host Greg Musselman is joined by Floyd Brobbel, the Chief Executive Officer for VOM Canada. We invite you to tune in as they look back at what the ministry has accomplished throughout 2024, and then look ahead to some of the opportunities that will be available in 2025 to encourage and embolden Christ's followers in the world’s hostile and restricted countries. Floyd will also talk about the motivation for writing his most recently published book, United in Prayer. Length 46:00Episode NotesTo watch the interview with Floyd Brobbel https://vomcanada.com/fromvomc/video/vomc-2025-01-02.htm (https://vomcanada.com/fromvomc/video/vomc-2025-01-02.htm) For more information on Floyd’s books:United In Prayer: store.vomcanada.org/category/new/united-in-prayer (https://store.vomcanada.org/category/new/united-in-prayer)Trouble on the Way store.vomcanada.org/category/all/books/trouble-on-the-way (https://store.vomcanada.org/category/all/books/trouble-on-the-way)Trouble on the Way Study Guide: store.vomcanada.org/category/all/books/trouble-on-the-way-study-guide (https://store.vomcanada.org/category/all/books/trouble-on-the-way-study-guide)
Show more...
10 months ago
45 minutes 58 seconds

Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
Season 5: Episode 7: Afghanistan: Opportunities for the Gospel Amid Challenges
During recent years, the international community has witnessed the scope of the Taliban’s brutal rule in Afghanistan since the militant group regained power over the nation in August 2021. Amid the Taliban’s draconian restrictions on the rights of women and girls – together with the use of arbitrary arrest and detention, plus enforced disappearance and torture – the militants insist that there are now no Christians residing in the country. Most house churches that existed before the Taliban’s takeover have since been closed, forcing many believers to either flee the country or go even further underground.In this edition of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman is joined by Brother Adib, an Afghan Christian leader who currently resides in Canada. Adib shares how he came into a relationship with Jesus in 2006, the opposition he faced for his decision to leave Islam, and how he escaped Afghanistan with his family. Adib also explains why he is so passionate about reaching Afghans with the Gospel message here in Canada – as well as in Afghanistan and other nations around the world – through his ministry work with the Jesus Network and Afghan Church of Toronto.Length: 50 minutesTo view the interview with Adib Maxwell https://vomcanada.com/af-videos/video/af-opportunities-gospel.htm (https://vomcanada.com/af-videos/video/af-opportunities-gospel.htm)Episode NotesJesus Network: www.jesusnetwork.ca (http://www.jesusnetwork.ca/) Afghan Church of Toronto: www.afghanchurch.ca (http://www.afghanchurch.ca/)Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com (http://www.vomcanada.com/)
Show more...
10 months ago
50 minutes 27 seconds

Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
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.