LONDON — It’s 65 years since Brother Andrew started taking Bibles to persecuted Christians in Eastern Europe. The work of Open Doors, the organization he founded, has changed significantly in its scope and methods – but at the heart of it is the same God and the same mission.

As persecution watchdog Open Doors reached the remarkable milestone of celebrating it’s 65th anniversary this month, the organization says it vital more than ever before to stand up for persecuted Christians around the world.

Dr. Ronald Boyd-MacMillan who oversees global strategy and research for Open Doors International looks back on how their founder Brother Andrew inspired so many others to carry on the mantle of this great ministry after reading his famous book God’s Smuggler.

He knew that his vision was too big to be accomplished by himself, so God brought people alongside him to build an organization. And really Open Doors is the size it is today – it really is the largest organization that assists the persecuted church around the world, and that’s really because a whole generation read God’s Smuggler in the 1970s and said I want to have that adventure too.

Dr. Boyd-MacMillan went on to explain how Open Doors has transitioned from smuggling Bible across the Iron Curtain to helping those today who face persecution primarily through radical Islam.

If you’re helping for example someone who has become a believer from a Muslim background, the sources of persecution are much more diverse, so it might be their family, it might be their tribe, it might be their neighbourhood. It’s not often the state but it means its harder. So in Open Doors as we strengthen those particular those types of believers, it’s not just giving them a Bible anymore. It might be giving them a micro-loan in order to start a business because once they leave the faith they leave the family.

He concluded by sharing how Open Doors will continue to support churches that are overcoming huge challenges like in Syria.

Even talking to a Baptism minister six months ago in Aleppo, he said I’ve had to I’ve had to tell the Christians not to come to church on Sunday. This is before Covid. And I said oh that’s a shame. And he said no that’s not a shame. He said I don’t want them taking a seat from the church from a Muslim enquirer.

About Open Doors UK

For over 60 years, Open Doors has worked in the world’s most oppressive countries, empowering Christians who are persecuted for their beliefs. Open Doors equips persecuted Christians in more than 60 countries through programs like Bible & Gospel Development, Women & Children Advancement, and Christian Community Restoration.

Read more news on World Missions and the Persecuted Church on Missions Box.