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.
Publisher
Greg Musselman
Category
news · religion & spirituality · society & culture
Season 7: Episode 4: China: Pastor and Church Members Detained, Underground Church Raided
The persecution of Christians in China is the most severe it’s been in more than four decades. That’s the assessment of Dr. Bob Fu of ChinaAid, an organization dedicated to promoting religious freedom, advancing the rule of law, and exposing human rights abuses in China.
In this episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman speaks with Dr. Fu about recent reports detailing the Chinese Communist Party’s ongoing efforts to harass, detain and oppress followers of Jesus. Dr. Fu also provides an update on Pastor Wang Yi of Early Rain Covenant Church, who remains imprisoned because of his Christian ministry.
Length: 46 minutes
Episode Notes
To watch the interview with Dr. Bob Fu https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-cn-2026-10-14.htm
ChinaAid: www.chinaaid.org
Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com
2 Oct 2026
Season 7: Episode 3: Iran: Dozens of Christians Killed, Hundreds Detained Amid Intensifying Crackdown
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
18 Sept 2026
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 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
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Contact Closer to the Fire with Greg Musselman
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