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A growing crackdown on Christians in Iran has reportedly led to the deaths of at least 33 believers, including church leaders, and the detention of more than 130 other followers of Jesus in recent months. According to Iran Alive Ministries, a Texas-based organization supporting underground house churches, Iranian authorities have also banned religious broadcasts and criminalized listening to Christian programming. On this episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman speaks with Shah Ahmadi, an evangelist, pastor and Director of Strategic Alliances for Iran Alive Ministries. As a former Muslim who lived under Iran’s repressive regime for 22 years, Shah shares firsthand insights into the challenges facing Christians in his homeland and explains how God continues to work powerfully amid increasing persecution. Length: 45 minutes Episode Notes To Watch the Interview with Shah Ahmadi https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ir-2026-10-02.htm Iran Alive Ministries: www.iranalive.org Mohammad Nikbakht Article https://articleeighteen.com/news/23834/ Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com

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 Witt, the CEO of Spirit of Martyrdom, an organization that supports national Christian leaders and believers living in high-risk, hostile and restricted regions, including India and Mexico. Length: 40:30 Episode Notes To watch the interview with David Witt https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-2026-09-15.htm Spirit of Martyrdom: https://spiritofmartyrdom.com To purchase David Witt’s books, visit: https://sombookstore.com Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com

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 Christians often ask for something more: for their stories to be told, their voices to be heard, their prayer requests to be shared, and governments to advocate on their behalf. One of VOMC’s core values is serving the persecuted church according to the expressed needs and wishes of our Christian brothers and sisters. In this episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman is joined by CEO Floyd Brobbel to discuss how the ministry is strengthening and supporting persecuted believers around the world. Floyd also shares why VOMC recently updated its Vision Statement and what this renewed direction means for the future of the ministry. Length: 39:45 Episode Notes To Watch the Interview with Floyd Brobbel https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-vomc-2026-09-03.htm VOMC’s Vision Statement: “One church, united in suffering; one voice, strengthened in fellowship; one hope, rooted in Christ.” To subscribe to VOMC’s free monthly magazine or receive our weekly Persecution & Prayer Alert emails, visit www.vomcanada.com/subscribe.

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 their connection with Pastor Ezekiel Dachomo, a Christian leader who has publicly condemned the ongoing violence against followers of Jesus in Nigeria. On this episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman is joined by Mark Lipdo, who serves as the founder and CEO of Stefanos Foundation in Jos, Plateau State. For more than 20 years, the ministry has faithfully served hundreds of thousands of Nigerians affected by violence, providing practical support to Christians facing persecution, displacement and devastating loss. During the interview, Mark shares insights into the challenges confronting vulnerable Christian communities and explains how believers continue to find strength and hope amid ongoing attacks. Length: 43 minutes Episode Notes To watch the interview with Mark Lipdo www.vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ng-2026-08-06.htm To learn more about Stefanos Foundation, visit: www.stefanosng.org www.facebook.com/Stefanosfoundation Read a recently published security report from Stefanos Foundation: https://therisinghope.substack.com/ Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com Be inspired by Pastor Gideon Dewal’s story of forgiveness: https://www.vomcanada.com/ng-videos/video/ng-gideon-tragedy-forgiveness.htm

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 allegations have led to riots and Christians being killed. Closer to the Fire host Greg Musselman is joined by Rev. Salim Arthur, who knows firsthand what can happen when false blasphemy allegations are made. Rev. Arthur was arrested, imprisoned, tortured and nearly lost his life, and his family had to go into hiding in Pakistan after a Muslim teenage girl came to Christ. He is the founder and president of ASRA International Ministries, which serves persecuted Christians, refugees, and vulnerable communities. Rev. Salim is also a pastor of the South Asian Bible Church in Brampton, Ontario and the author of the book “Saved to Serve” Length: 58 minutes Episode Notes To watch the interview with Salim Arthur https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-pk-2026-07-31.htm South Asian Bible Church and Asylum Seekers Resettlement Advocacy https://www.asraministries.com To Order Saved to Serve by Salim Arthur Saved to Serve: A Memoir: Salim Arthur: 9798385059201 - Christianbook.com The Voice of the Martyrs Canada www.vomcanada.com Jaranwala Persecution https://www.vomcanada.com/video/pk-2025-03-21.htm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 new. For the past 47 years – since the rise of the radical Islamic regime – Christians, especially those from Muslim backgrounds, have endured systemic repression. In this episode, podcast host Greg Musselman is joined by Ed Saleh, Executive Director of ICNET TV, a ministry reaching millions of Iranians with the Gospel message. Originally from Iran and now living in Canada, Ed shares insights from believers on the ground, offering a rare look at how Christians are responding to the crisis, why the church continues to grow despite severe persecution, and how we can stand in prayer with our Iranian brothers and sisters in Christ. Length: 46:30 Episode Notes To view the interview with Ed Saleh https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ir-2026-03-18.htm ICNET TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ICnetTV ICNET Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/icnet.tv/ Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com To access VOMC’s previously published reports on Iran, visit: https://www.vomcanada.com/iran.htm

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