Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman

In the world’s most populous nation, a deeply troubling trend is unfolding. Over the past decade, Christians in India have faced a disturbing rise in persecution. Churches have been burned or forcibly closed down, pastors encountered false accusations and subsequent arrests due to the country’s anti-conversion laws, numerous Bibles were destroyed, and Christian girls were subjected to kidnapping and assault.

In 2015, there were 177 recorded cases of persecution against followers of Jesus. By 2024, that number had surged to 834 – and experts warn that the real figure is much higher, as countless incidents go unreported.

Joining VOMC’s Greg Musselman to discuss this alarming situation is “Anika” (whose real name has been changed for security reasons). Anika is a lawyer and CEO of an NGO, using her legal expertise to defend and support persecuted Christians throughout India.



Length: 31 minutes

Episode Notes

To watch the interview with “Anika” https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-in-2026-01-19.htm

Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com

India Country Profile https://vomcanada.com/india.htm

Support VOMC’s Legal Defence Fund: https://store.vomcanada.org/category/donations/legal-defence-fund

Concerns are growing over potential threats to religious freedom in Canada, including restrictions that could hinder the proclamation of the Gospel. One of the more recent issues relates to proposed amendments to Bill C-9, which is currently under review by members of the Canadian Parliament.

The proposed bill seeks to amend the Canadian Criminal Code in areas relating to propaganda and hate speech. In the latest episode of Closer to the Fire, podcast host Greg Musselman speaks with VOMC’s CEO, Floyd Brobbel, about the implications of Bill C-9 and how it could affect faith communities across the country. During the interview, Floyd also shares VOMC’s priorities for 2026 and addresses how we can respond to these challenges.

Length: 46 minutes

Episode Notes

To read Floyd’s full statement on Bill C-9, go to: https://www.vomcanada.com/ceo-2025-12-22.htm

To learn more about the proposed legislation, visit: https://evangelicalfellowship.ca/c9

Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com

The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been accused by several countries, including the United States, of providing training, financing and weapons – as well as safe havens – to several terrorist organizations. These militant groups include Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and the Houthis in Yemen. Additionally, Iran was listed as number nine on the 2024 World Watch List produced by Open Doors, making it one of the most dangerous countries in the world to follow Jesus.

To discuss recent reports about this Middle Eastern nation, Closer to the Fire host Greg Musselman is joined by Dr. Hormoz Shariat, the founder and president of Iran Alive. This Texas-based ministry is working to transform Iran into a Christian nation through satellite television, discipleship programs, Bible distribution projects, and so much more. Dr. Shariat, who comes from a Muslim background, speaks with Greg about why the Iranian government is seeking to destroy Israel and eradicate Christianity.

Length: 36 minutes



Episode Notes

To view the interview with Hormoz https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ir-govt-terrorism-persecution.htm

Iran Alive: www.iranalive.org

To purchase a copy of Dr. Shariat’s book, Iran’s Great Awakening: How God is Using a Muslim Convert to Spark Revival, go to: store.vomcanada.org/purchase/irans-great-awakening (in Canada) or https://iranalive.org/irans-great-awakening/ (in the US and other countries)

Saeed Pakniat’s testimony: https://www.vomcanada.com/video/ir-forced-flee.htm

The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com

There is plenty of evidence indicating that men and women suffer differently when they are persecuted for their faith in Jesus. In this episode of Closer to the Fire, podcast host Greg Musselman is joined by Emma, the director of an organization that is dedicated to addressing gender-specific religious freedom issues. (Due to the nature of her work, Emma’s last name is not publicly disclosed.)

During the interview, this valued ministry partner of VOMC discusses the various ways in which gender-specific persecution affects the church, the devastating consequences that occur when these realities are overlooked, and how the body of Christ can respond with greater understanding, wisdom and compassion. Most importantly, she highlights the hope and healing that Jesus is bringing to the lives of persecuted believers in the midst of suffering.



Length: 56 minutes



Episode Notes

The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com

A nationwide crackdown on urban house churches in China has drawn worldwide attention after nearly 30 members of the Zion Protestant Church were arrested in seven cities, including Beijing and Shanghai. In this episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman is joined by Dr. Bob Fu, founder and president of ChinaAid, to unpack the reasons behind these recent arrests and why the international media is finally paying attention. During the interview, Dr. Fu also discusses the Chinese Communist Party’s escalating campaign against Christians – and why this wave of persecution is considered the most severe crackdown since the beginning of the Cultural Revolution.

This interview was produced by Voice of the Martyrs Australia.

Length: 48 minutes

Episode Notes
To watch the interview with Bob Fu https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-cn-2025-12-30.htm

ChinaAid: www.chinaaid.org

Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com