Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman

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