PODCAST · religion
Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
by 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.
Episodes
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Season 7: Episode 2: The Rise of Persecution and the Resilience of the Church
More than 388 million Christians around the world face high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith in Jesus. According to extensive research by Open Doors, that’s one in seven Christians globally. On this episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman is joined by David…
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Season 7: Episode 1: The Vision and Mission of VOMC: An Interview with CEO Floyd Brobbel
Voice of the Martyrs Canada continues the legacy of Pastor Richard Wurmbrand by raising awareness of the challenges faced by persecuted Christians around the world. While many believers in Canada and other Western nations may assume that financial support is the greatest need, persecuted…
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Season 6: Episode 6: Episode 24: Nigeria: At Least 25 Killed in Latest Militant Attacks
At least 25 Christians were killed during recent attacks on two villages in Plateau State, Nigeria. Among the victims were nine members of the same Christian family, including a two-month-old infant. Reports indicate that the family may have been specifically targeted by Islamic militants due to...
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Season 6: Episode 23: Pakistan: Multiple Cases Involving False Blasphemy Allegations against Christians
In Pakistan, the punishment for a blasphemy conviction is the death penalty. While no one has yet been executed under these laws, many allegations frequently result in lengthy legal battles, prolonged imprisonment, and significant other hardships for the accused and their families. False...
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Season 6: Episode 22: 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…
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Season 6: Episode 21: 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...
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Season 6: Episode 20: 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...
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Season 6: Episode 19: 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…
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Season 6: Episode 18: 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...
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Season 6: Episode 17: 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...
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Season 6: Episode 16: 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…
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Season 6: Episode 15: 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...
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Season 6: Episode 14: Iran: A Growing Church in a Time of Turmoil
Christians in Iran are facing escalating danger and uncertainty following recent Israeli-American military strikes that killed the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While the current conflict has intensified instability, persecution against followers of Jesus in Iran is far from...
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Season 6: Episode 13: 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...
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Season 6: Episode 12: 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,...
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Season 6:Episode 11: 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...
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Season 6: Episode 10: 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...
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Season 6: Episode 9: 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...
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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...
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Season 6: Episode 7: 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...
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Season 6: Episode 6: 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…
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Season 6: Episode 5: Pakistan: Standing With Christian Women in Their Fight for Justice
In Pakistan, a distorted concept of “honour,” strict blasphemy laws and systemic injustice contribute to the ongoing persecution of Christians – especially young women. Each year, hundreds of female followers of Jesus face abduction, forced marriage, coerced conversion to Islam, and various forms...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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…
more -
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...
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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...
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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…
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Season 5: Episode 19: Why Are Men and Women Persecuted Differently for Their Faith in Jesus?
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...
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Season 5: Episode 18: China: The Communist Party's Relentless Persecution of Christians
China: The Communist Party's Relentless Persecution of Christians In 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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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Season 5: Episode 6: Pakistan: Strengthening the Embattled Church
The church in Pakistan faces opposition and persecution in numerous ways. Not only are the country’s notorious blasphemy laws being used to target the Christian minority, each year thereare hundreds of cases in which individual Christian girls have been abducted, abused, forcefully married…
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Season 5: Episode 5: Democratic Republic of the Congo: Ten Years of Severe Persecution
While the Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to one of Africa's largest Christian-majority populations, militant Muslim groups severely persecute believers along the nation's eastern border with Uganda. When rebels capture groups of people, they often release the Muslims while killing any...
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Season 5: Episode 4: Malaysia: Where is Pastor Raymond Koh?
On February 13th, 2017, a Malaysian pastor named Raymond Koh was kidnapped in broad daylight by a group of men in the greater Kaula Lumpur area while on his way to a friend's house. The incident was captured on CCTV cameras, providing evidence that least 15 men in three black SUVs were part of…
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Season 5: Episode 3: Russia: Evangelical Believers “Fined for Faithfulness” (encore)
In 2022, Christian activities across Russia – including gathering for worship, distributing Bibles and Christian literature, as well as personal evangelism – were investigated by Russian police and punished as crimes by Russian courts of law. Believers were forced to pay fines and, in most cases,...
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Season 5: Episode 3: Eritrea: Christians Arrested Amid Latest Government Crackdown
The latest crackdown against followers of Jesus in the East African nation of Eritrea has led to the arrest of more than 200 Christians – including children – within a span of 12 months. According to Dr. Berhane Asmelash, who serves as the Director of Release Eritrea (a ministry based in the…
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Season 5: Episode 2: India: Christians Face Relentless Pressure to Convert to Hinduism
Christians in India are finding themselves increasingly under the threat of violent persecution. The growing hostility is often driven by an ongoing belief among Hindu extremists that all Indians ought to be Hindu – and that the practise of any faith outside of Hinduism is not welcome in India....
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Season 5: Episode 1: Iran: Hopelessness Opens the Door to the Gospel
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...
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Season 4: Episode 23: Canada: Could Quoting the Bible Land You in Prison? (encore)
A religious freedom advocate recently warned that a proposed Canadian law could imperil citizens’ freedom of speech and religious liberty, raising concerns for Christians across Canada. Jeff King, who serves as the president of International Christian Concern (a religious watchdog group based in...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Greg Musselman
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman have?
Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman currently has 151 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman 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...
How often does Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman release new episodes?
Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman publishes regularly with 151 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman?
You can listen to Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman?
Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman is created and hosted by Greg Musselman.
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