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  • Season 6: Episode 17: Nigeria: A Campaign of Terror Against Christians
    2026/05/01
    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 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 provided by the political leaders of this troubled West African nation. *The special presentation in Ottawa was presented by VOM Canada, Open Doors Canada and Cardus. Length 57 minutes Episode Notes To watch the presentation with Rev Nmadu https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ng-2026-04-29.htm Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria www.cswng.org.ng The Voice of the Martyrs Canada www.vomcanada.org Open Doors Canada www.opendoorscanada.org Cardus www.cardus.ca Cardus 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 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 provided by the political leaders of this troubled West African nation. *The special presentation in Ottawa was presented by VOM Canada, Open Doors Canada and Cardus. Length 57 minutes Episode Notes To watch the presentation with Rev Nmadu https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ng-2026-04-29.htm Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria www.cswng.org.ng The Voice of the Martyrs Canada www.vomcanada.org Open Doors Canada www.opendoorscanada.org Cardus www.cardus.ca
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    54 分
  • Season 6: Episode 16: Russia: Advocating for Detained Korean Missionary
    2026/04/20
    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
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    52 分
  • Season 6: Episode 15: Eritrea: Over 100 Christians Released from Prison
    2026/04/03
    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
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    51 分
  • Season 6: Episode 14: Iran: A Growing Church in a Time of Turmoil
    2026/03/20
    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
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    47 分
  • Season 6: Episode 13: South Sudan: Bringing Encouragement, Teaching and Trauma Counselling to Christians
    2026/03/06
    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
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    53 分
  • Season 6: Episode 12: India: The Enduring Faith of Persecuted Christians
    2026/02/20
    A deeply troubling trend is unfolding in the world’s most populous nation. Over the past decade, Christians in India – particularly in the northern regions – have faced a disturbing rise in persecution. Churches have been attacked, burned or forcibly closed. In addition, believers were beaten, pastors have encountered false accusations and subsequent arrests under the country’s anti-conversion laws, the burning of Bibles had repeatedly taken place, and reports have emerged of forced reconversions to Hinduism. Closer to the Fire host, Greg Musselman, recently travelled to the state of Odisha to hear firsthand the stories of Christians who have experienced opposition for their faith and ministry work. Through these conversations, Greg explored the cost of following Christ in a climate of growing hostility – and the remarkable courage of believers who remain determined to spread the hope of the Gospel. During his travels, Greg also partnered with Step International Canada to teach a course on the theology of persecution, equipping Indian pastors and ministry ‘leaders in training’ to prepare faithfully for the challenges ahead. Abhijit Naya, the Executive Director of Step International will join Greg after the report from Odisha. Length: 33 minutes Report Notes To view the report from India www.vomcanada.com/video/in-2026-02-11.htm Step International Canada: www.stepinternational.ca View VOMC’s country profile on India: www.vomcanada.com/india.htm The Voice of the Martyrs Canada www.vomcanada.com
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    34 分
  • Season 6:Episode 11: Somalia: How Christian Media Is Transforming Lives!
    2026/02/06
    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
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    1 時間
  • Season 6: Episode 10: India: The Alarming Rise of Persecution Against Christians
    2026/01/23
    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
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    32 分