Former 100 Huntley Street TV host Greg Musselman will be leading a breakout session during Missionfest Manitoba this weekend, talking about the persecuted church.
"Our mission is to help the persecuted church," says Greg Musselman, Minister at Large with Voice of the Martyrs Canada (VOM). "Whether they need Bibles or physical supplies. Originally it started out to give a voice to those who are being persecuted. Now we're doing more teaching, the theology of persecution and discipleship to pastors and leaders all around the world."
While Christians in Canada aren't often persecuted for their faith, VOM Canada is hoping to bring awareness to Canadians of the suffering that is happening around the world and pray for those enduring it.
"One of the main themes in the Bible is suffering for righteousness. When you are actually being persecuted for your faith, it actually causes you to be stronger. That's part of the challenge we have here in Canada where we don't face that kind of persecution and it can lead to being lukewarm."
In the late 90s, while living in Winnipeg, Musselman had the chance to take a trip to South Sudan and Ethiopia that would change the course of his life.
"Hearing their stories firsthand really changed my heart," says Musselman. "It deepened my passion for the persecuted church. As I travelled more and more, to churches in southern Manitoba, and Alberta, people asked me to speak. Because of my media background, I started doing radio programs and recorded at CHVN. This is why I'm here, to be a voice to those that don't have a voice."
Since 2003, Musselman has been working with Voice of the Martyrs.
"Being in Canada and then being able to link the persecuted church to Christians in Canada, it strengthens all of us. They're encouraged because they know Christians in Canada are praying for them and supporting them. Then we hear their stories and that strengthens our faith."
Musselman will be hosting a breakout session during Missionfest Manitoba on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 1:15 p.m. at Church of the Rock, called 'The Suffering but Advancing Church in Nigeria.'