Episoder
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Christians in India are finding themselves increasingly under the threat of violent persecution. The growing hostility is often driven by an ongoing belief among Hindu extremists that all Indians ought to be Hindu – and that the practise of any faith outside of Hinduism is not welcome in India. This mindset has led to numerous violent attacks across the country; crimes perpetrators of the violence are permitted to continue with impunity.
In this episode of Closer to the Fire, podcast host Greg Musselman speaks with Manorama Mallick, a believer from Odisha State who has suffered greatly for her faith. The Christian woman’s husband was tragically poisoned to death for being a follower of Christ, and Manorama herself was physically attacked for refusing to renounce her faith in Jesus. Even though the beating left her with significant hearing loss, this faithful Christian widow continues to serve the Lord today by providing greatly needed ministry to impoverished people living within the slums of Odisha State.
During the episode, Greg is also joined by Rev. John Sankara Rao of Divine Ministries India to discuss a recent incident in which 120 Christians were forced to “reconvert” to Hinduism in Odisha State. In addition, Rev. Rao shares an update on Dr. K.A. Swamy, an evangelist who was left in a nearly vegetative state after suffering a brutal attack by Hindu radicals during the year of 2017 for handing out Bibles on the streets of Hyderabad. To support Dr. Swamy’s journey to recovery, Voice of the Martyrs Canada has provided financial assistance for the injured Christian man’s medical expenses.
Length: 37 minutes
Episode Notes
Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com -
Following Ayatollah Khomeini’s Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran became the world's only country to be governed by an Islamic theocracy. Today, many of those living under the Islamic regime are filled with despair. Yet, their disillusionment has opened new doors for the Gospel, which is sweeping across the nation via satellite TV, the Internet, as well as a growing number of house church movements.
Even so, the government continues its attempts to thwart the spread of Christianity by persecuting the nation’s followers of Jesus. Many Iranians are also coming into a relationship with Christ after leaving the country and moving abroad, where they are passionate about seeing fellow Iranians – both inside and outside of the nation – come to faith in Jesus. One such person is Shah Ahmadi [SM1] of Iran Alive Ministries, a U.S.-based organization and trusted ministry partner of Voice of the Martyrs Canada. In this episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman sits down with Shah at the Iran Alive headquarters in Texas.
Length: 42 minutes
Episode Notes
To watch the interview with Shah Ahmadi https://vomcanada.com/ir-videos/video/ir-hopelessness-opens-door.htm
Iran Alive Ministries: www.iranalive.org
Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com -
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A religious freedom advocate recently warned that a proposed Canadian law could imperil citizens’ freedom of speech and religious liberty, raising concerns for Christians across Canada.
Jeff King, who serves as the president of International Christian Concern (a religious watchdog group based in the U.S.), says the proposed law, Bill C-367, would amend the Criminal Code by removing religious exemptions from Canada’s hate speech laws. If enacted, he warns that the new measures could impact public expressions of Biblical truth.
In this episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman is joined by VOMC’s CEO, Floyd Brobbel, to talk about what it could mean for Canadian Christians if the bill or one like it is passed into law. Floyd also discusses the various degrees of persecution, and where the church in Canada is currently positioned on the persecution scale.
Length: 46 minutes
Episode Notes
To watch the interview with Floyd Brobbel
https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-vomc-bible-prison.htm
To purchase a copy of Trouble on the Way by Floyd Brobbel, go to: https://store.vomcanada.org/purchase/trouble-on-the-way
View Jeff King’s interview with CBN News: https://www2.cbn.com/news/us/persecution-watchdogs-warning-canadian-bill-could-send-christians-jail-quoting-bible
Sign up to receive VOMC’s Persecution & Prayer Alert emails and free monthly magazine: https://store.vomcanada.org/subscribe
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com -
The Christian faith has a long history in North Africa. In fact, the early church father, Augustine of Hippo, was from this region of the world. However, after invasions by Arab Muslims, much of North Africa’s public Christian worship and witness disappeared during the seventh century AD.
Today, many North Africans are rediscovering their Christian heritage. As a result, the church is expanding rapidly, but so is persecution against followers of Jesus. VOMC’s Minister-at-Large, Greg Musselman, recently travelled to an undisclosed country to hear firsthand about the situation facing our North African family in Christ. During this time, Greg met with Christian leaders from Algeria and Libya to discuss the growing challenges being encountered by believers in these Muslim-majority nations.
Length: 30 minutes
Episode Notes
To view the full video report on Algeria, go to: https://www.vomcanada.com/dz-videos/video/dz-growing-persecuted.htm
To view the full video report on Libya, visit: https://vomcanada.com/ly-videos/video/ly-dangers-following-1.htm
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com -
For Christians in Iran who convert from Islam, there is not even a semblance of tolerance for their faith. Conversion from Islam to Christianity is illegal in this Middle Eastern nation, and anyone discovered to be a member of a house church can be charged with a crime against national security. Followers of Jesus who are arrested and detained may also be subjected to torture and abuse during imprisonment.
Despite the intense opposition to the Gospel, Iran is considered home to the fastest-growing church in the world. One of the ministries working in this oppressive country is the American-based organization, Iran Alive. This partner of Voice of the Martyrs Canada is witnessing a deep spiritual hunger among the Iranian people, and many are turning to faith in the Lord!
In this episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman speaks with Lily Meschi, the Director of Partner Relations for Iran Alive, about the various challenges and opportunities facing Christians in her home country. Lily also shares the story of her journey to Jesus, how she survived a 14-year abusive marriage, and her passion for seeing women in Iran and beyond experience the same freedom she now enjoys in Christ.
Length: 45 minutes
Episode Notes
To view the interview with Lily Meschi
https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ir-bringing-light.htm
Iran Alive Ministries: https://iranalive.org/
Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com
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A sessions court in Islamabad has handed down a 25-year prison sentence to a Muslim man for murdering a Christian woman three years ago after she turned down his marriage proposal. Judge Azam Khan of the Islamabad Sessions Court convicted Muhammad Shahzad (also known as Shani) for the murder of 24-year-old Sonia Allah Rakha while acquitting three other suspects who had been involved in the case.
Closer to the Fire host Greg Musselman discusses this landmark verdict with Asher John of Kross Konnection, a digital media platform that advocates for human rights on behalf of vulnerable minorities living in this Muslim-majority nation. During their conversation, Asher also provides an update on a recent incident in which a pastor in Jaranwala faked his assassination, and describes the current situation for followers of Jesus in an area where thousands of militant Muslims burned churches and Christian homes this past August.
In addition, Asher and Greg preview a documentary focussing on the plight of Pakistan’s Christian women and girls, who are being kidnapped, forcibly converted to Islam, and then married against their wills – incidents that have been taking place with alarming frequency throughout the country.
Length: 37:30
Episode Notes
To watch the interview with Asher John
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada - Closer to the Fire (vomcanada.com)
View the Stolen Lives documentary: www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=YQXm_5Lo0Ig
Kross Konnection: www.krosskonnection.pk
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com -
Nearly all Christians in northeastern Nigeria have lost family members due to the violence perpetrated by terrorist groups like Boko Haram and the region’s militant Fulani Muslims. Since the onslaught of violence began, thousands of followers of Jesus have been killed each year, and entire congregations were subsequently displaced. Remaining active in the church takes great courage and faith, as believers worship and serve Christ openly despite risk of attack.
Recently, Closer to the Fire host Greg Musselman and VOMC’s trusted ministry partner, Stephen Wesley, travelled to Kaduna State to present the Theology of Persecution and Discipleship course to pastors from the Muslim-dominated regions of northern Nigeria. In this episode, Greg and Stephen discuss how these influential Christian leaders were impacted by the teaching. During their conversation, Stephen also reflects on his meeting with two Christian men who suffered the loss of multiple family members because of their faith in Jesus.
Length: 46:30 minutes
Episode Notes
To Watch the interview with Stephen Wesley https://www.vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ng-persecution-teaching.htm
Beyond Borders Ministries: www.beyond-borders.ca
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com
View Greg’s interview with Nankpak Kumzwam: www.vomcanada.com/video/ng-tragedy-triumph.htm -
For Christians in Iran who convert from Islam, there is not even a semblance of tolerance for their faith. Conversion from Islam to Christianity is illegal in this Middle Eastern nation, and anyone discovered to be a member of a house church can be charged with a crime against national security. Followers of Jesus who are arrested and detained may also be subjected to torture and abuse during imprisonment.
Despite the intense opposition to the Gospel, Iran is considered home to the fastest-growing church in the world. One of the ministries working in this oppressive country is the American-based organization, Iran Alive. This partner of Voice of the Martyrs Canada is witnessing a deep spiritual hunger among the Iranian people, and many are turning to faith in the Lord!
In this episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman speaks with Lily Meschi, the Director of Partner Relations for Iran Alive, about the various challenges and opportunities facing Christians in her home country. Lily also shares the story of her journey to Jesus, how she survived a 14-year abusive marriage, and her passion for seeing women in Iran and beyond experience the same freedom she now enjoys in Christ.
Length: 45 minutes
Episode Notes
To view the interview with Lily Meschi
https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ir-bringing-light.htm
Iran Alive Ministries: https://iranalive.org/
Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com
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With an estimated 22,200 followers of Jesus, Tunisia’s Christian population comprises only a tiny minority of the country’s 12.2 million people. If a believer's faith is discovered in Tunisia, it can have a profoundly damaging impact on their daily life – including subjection to verbal/physical abuse, rejection by loved ones, and/or job insecurity. In this episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman speaks with two Christian leaders about the various challenges facing the church in this North African nation. During their conversation, they also discuss how Christian media is being used to reach the Muslim-dominated culture with the hope of the Gospel.
Length 27:30
Episode Notes
To watch the video https://vomcanada.com/tn-videos/video/tn-risks-challenges.htm
For more information about what life is like for Christians in Tunisia, go to: www.vomcanada.com/tunisia.htm
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com -
Six Kenyan merchants, all of them professed followers of Jesus, were recently killed in a border town between Kenya and Somalia. Those responsible for the incident are suspected to be members of al-Shabaab, a militant Islamic group based in Somalia. The six victims of the attack had been selling plastic utensils and other household goods for the past six years. It’s believed that the Christians were killed because they were active in sharing the Gospel with local Muslims. On the 2024 World Watch List, Open Doors ranked Somalia as second among the 50 listed nations considered to be the most difficult for those practising Christianity.
In this edition of the Closer to the Fire podcast, host Greg Musselman is joined by a Somalian Christian leader who equips and trains followers of Jesus living in the war-torn country. “Joshua” (not his real name) provides insight into the many challenges facing believers in the Muslim-majority nation and why the church continues to grow amid intense persecution, even in areas where there are no church buildings. During the interview, the Muslim-background believer also shares about his personal journey to faith in Jesus.
Length 45:30
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com
To learn more about the persecution of Christians in Somalia, visit: https://www.vomcanada.com/somalia.htm -
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 -
April 14th, 2024, marks the passing of ten years since the militant Islamic group, Boko Haram, kidnapped 276 mostly Christian girls from a secondary school in the Nigerian town of Chibok, Borno State. According to a recently published BBC report, 91 of the abducted students remain missing today.
During the past two years, 20 of the kidnapped victims were rescued from Boko Haram hideouts in the Sambisa forest, which is located in northeastern Borno State. However, recent reports indicate that some of the rescued women have decided to stay married to their captors. The state government’s response to this situation has sparked outrage among the parents – including Yama Bullum, who was heartbroken to discover that his daughter, Jinkai, remains married to the militant who once held her captive.
In this episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, host Greg Musselman is joined by Rev. Margaret Adina. This Christian leader serves as the Director of Mara’s House, a trauma centre for women and girls near Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Rev. Adina discusses why some of these recently freed young women, who were teenagers when they were abducted ten years ago, are choosing to stay with their kidnappers. During her conversation with Greg, she also explains how traumatized Nigerian women and girls are receiving greatly needed healing and hope at Mara’s House.
Length: 40 minutes
Episode Notes
To Watch the Interview with Margaret Adinga https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ng-chibok-parents.htm
Learn more about Mara’s House: https://www.vomcanada.com/ng-videos/video/ng-maras-house2.htm
Christian Faith Ministries: https://cfaithministries.org/
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com -
A religious freedom advocate recently warned that a proposed Canadian law could imperil citizens’ freedom of speech and religious liberty, raising concerns for Christians across Canada.
Jeff King, who serves as the president of International Christian Concern (a religious watchdog group based in the U.S.), says the proposed law, Bill C-367, would amend the Criminal Code by removing religious exemptions from Canada’s hate speech laws. If enacted, he warns that the new measures could impact public expressions of Biblical truth.
In this episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman is joined by VOMC’s CEO, Floyd Brobbel, to talk about what it could mean for Canadian Christians if the bill or one like it is passed into law. Floyd also discusses the various degrees of persecution, and where the church in Canada is currently positioned on the persecution scale.
Length: 46 minutes
Episode Notes
To watch the interview with Floyd Brobbel
https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-vomc-bible-prison.htm
To purchase a copy of Trouble on the Way by Floyd Brobbel, go to: https://store.vomcanada.org/purchase/trouble-on-the-way
View Jeff King’s interview with CBN News: https://www2.cbn.com/news/us/persecution-watchdogs-warning-canadian-bill-could-send-christians-jail-quoting-bible
Sign up to receive VOMC’s Persecution & Prayer Alert emails and free monthly magazine: https://store.vomcanada.org/subscribe
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com -
One young man who knows firsthand the brutality against followers of Jesus in Nigeria is Nankpak Kumzwam. In 2002, the then eight-year-old lost his father, mother, brother and sister when militant Muslims attacked his village. Nankpak, who was injured during the attack, was taken to a Christian orphanage where he received an education, as well as a place to live and heal from the trauma he experienced after losing four of his family members.
Closer to the Fire host Greg Musselman first met Nankpak during 2007 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to hear his tragic story. In this episode, Nankpak speaks with Greg about how he remained strong in his faith in Jesus after going through such a horrific event. During their conversation, Nankpak also shares about his ministry today to persecuted Christians in Nigeria and the many challenges currently facing believers in this West African nation.
Length: 53 minutes
Episode Notes
To watch the interview with Nankpak https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ng-tragedy-triumph.htm
Stefanos Foundation on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Stefanosfoundation
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com a: Overcoming Tragedy and Trauma
One young man who knows firsthand the brutality against followers of Jesus in Nigeria is Nankpak Kumzwam. In 2002, the then eight-year-old lost his father, mother, brother and sister when militant Muslims attacked his village. Nankpak, who was injured during the attack, was taken to a Christian orphanage where he received an education, as well as a place to live and heal from the trauma he experienced after losing four of his family members.
Closer to the Fire host Greg Musselman first met Nankpak during 2007 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to hear his tragic story. In this episode, Nankpak speaks with Greg about how he remained strong in his faith in Jesus after going through such a horrific event. During their conversation, Nankpak also shares about his ministry today to persecuted Christians in Nigeria and the many challenges currently facing believers in this West African nation.
Length: 53 minutes
Episode Notes
To watch the interview with Nankpak https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ng-tragedy-triumph.htm
Stefanos Foundation on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Stefanosfoundation
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com -
“Adam” (not his real name) grew up in a Muslim home in the North African country of Mauritania, where over 99 percent of the population is considered to be Muslim, and it’s illegal to leave Islam. Even though it was dangerous even to consider another religion Adam was disillusioned with the god of Islam, so he wanted to know more about Christianity. However, the churches he went to refused to let him in because he was a Muslim. That didn’t deter Adam’s desire to know more about Jesus. After a decade of searching, he met a missionary who led him to Christ. After becoming a close friend to another missionary named Chris Leggett, Adam’s faith blossomed. In 2009, tragedy rocked Adam’s world when Leggett, a married father of four, was murdered by militant Islamists for his ministry among Muslims in Mauritania. Adam became even more focused on building God’s Kingdom in the North African nation, but it came at a huge cost.
Length 6:30
Episode notes
To watch the video of Adam’s story https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-mr-adam.htm
To learn more about The Voice of the Martyrs Canada Equipping the Saints fund https://store.vomcanada.org/category/donations/equipping-the-saints-fund -
Anees Khan grew up in a Christian home in Pakistan, where he and his family faced extreme persecution because of their faith in Jesus. When Anees was kidnapped by a group of militant Muslims, his father – who served as a local pastor – received a phone call from the captors demanding that he convert to Islam, or they would kill his son. After the pastor refused to renounce his Christian faith, the attackers threw 13-year-old Anees off a cliff. However, the faithful follower of Jesus miraculously survived the ordeal without injury.
The family eventually escaped Pakistan by going to Sri Lanka, and then later settling in Canada. During this episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, Anees joins host Greg Musselman to talk about his powerful testimony of survival, the many challenges facing Christians today in Pakistan, and how he is now helping followers of Jesus in his homeland.
Length: 50 minutes
Episode Notes
To watch the entire interview with Anees Khan https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-pk-anees-khan.htm
To subscribe to the Closer to the Fire podcast, go to: https://blubrry.com/cttf/
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com -
“The persecution of God’s people has entered into the worst time we’ve seen in 40 years.” These are the words of Dr. Bob Fu, who serves as the founder and president of ChinaAid. Dr. Fu, a longtime ministry partner of The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, joins Closer to the Fire podcast host Greg Musselman to discuss why such intense opposition against Christians is taking place in China.
During their conversation, Dr. Fu provides insight into the methods being used by the Chinese Communist Party to oppress and harass the country’s Christians – including forcing children to renounce their faith in Jesus, installing facial recognition cameras in churches (and arresting pastors who refuse them), as well as rewriting and distorting the Bible. In addition, Dr. Fu addresses why the church continues to grow despite the many challenges facing followers of Jesus in this Communist nation.
Length: 52 minutes
Program Notes
To watch the interview with Dr. Bob Fu, visit: www.vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-cn-40-years.htm
ChinaAid: www.chinaaid.org
The 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 -
During the week of Christmas, more than 240 Christians were murdered in Nigeria’s Plateau State. The recent December 2023 massacre, referred to as “Black Christmas,” is only the latest in a series of attacks against innocent followers of Jesus. According to the Intersociety for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, an organization based in the southeastern Nigerian city of Onitsha, more than 52,000 Christians have been murdered in Nigeria since 2009. Yet, despite the staggering levels of violence, much of the world appears to be unresponsive to the plight of believers in Africa’s most populous nation.
In this episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, host Greg Musselman speaks with Mark Lipdo, the Founder and Program Coordinator for Stefanos Foundation. Based in Jos, Plateau State, this Christian organization is dedicated to helping believers in Nigeria who are being persecuted for their faith. During his conversation with Greg, Mark reports on the recent attacks that took place in Plateau State and discusses the reasons behind the recurring brutality.
Length: 46 minutes
Episode Notes
To watch the interview with Mark Lipdo:
www.vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-ng-black-christmas.htm
Stefanos Foundation on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Stefanosfoundation
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com
Release International: www.releaseinternational.org -
During this first episode of 2024, the Closer to the Fire podcast highlights four countries of growing concern where the persecution of Christians is expected to rise this year. These countries are Nigeria, India, Pakistan and China. Host Greg Musselman speaks with Andrew Boyd of Release International, a UK-based mission which recently published its annual Persecution Trends Report. Greg and Andrew discuss the concerning trends described in the report, which are based on findings from international ministry partners serving in the world’s most dangerous persecution hot spots.
Length: 56 minutes
Episode Notes
To watch the interview with Andrew Boyd
www.vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-persecution-trends-2024.htm
Persecution Trends Report for 2024: www.releaseinternational.org/persecution-trends-report-2024/
Release International: www.releaseinternational.org
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com - Se mer
