Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman

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