Open Doors: Strengthening What Remains

Open Doors began back in 1955. A young Dutch missionary went to a Communist Youth Congress in Poland, at that time part of the Soviet bloc. In his suitcase was his Bible, a change of clothes and hundreds of tracts entitled The Way of Salvation, which he intended to give away. This trip was to change his life. He discovered churches desperately in need of Bibles, support and prayer. Above all of these he found Christians who felt isolated and alone. They felt the rest of the world had forgotten them. At the end of the congress this young man prayed and asked God what he should do next. God spoke to him through the verse in Revelation 3:2. "Wake up. Strengthen what remains and is about to die" Following that he made numerous trips behind what was known as "The Iron Curtain". He delivered thousands of Bibles in his small VW Beetle car. He always prayed that God would protect him as he travelled. Also that God would make seeing eyes blind - so that the guards wouldn't find the Bibles. Those prayers were answered countless times!! He became known as Brother Andrew, God's smuggler.

In subsequent years other people joined Brother Andrew and now in 2023 the ministry of Open Doors works in more than 70 countries around the world where Christians face persecution.

Open Doors still distributes Bibles and Christian literature. Alongside that there is Discipleship Training, Medical and Food Aid. Trauma Counselling, Income Generating projects and Microloans, Advocacy and Legal aid and working with Widows and Orphans.

Always at the heart of the work of Open Doors is to support Christians who face persecution, through these different areas of ministry mentioned. But it also seeks to make Jesus known by encouraging those facing such difficulties to be a witness of the mercy and forgiveness of God. There are many stories of people turning to Christ as a result of how they see Christians responding to persecution.

One other great source of help and encouragement are Centres of Hope in Syria. At present there are 60 and the goal is for 160. Please pray! These centres provide practical support such as food and clothing. As well as spiritual support. There are regular Bible studies and times of prayer and praise, for both adults and children. People are welcomed whatever their religious/non-religious background is. For so many these centres are an oasis in the desert. A great deal of ongoing prayer is needed.

Today Open Doors has headquarters across the world. From the UK to Australia, from East Asia to Denmark and beyond. There are 19 headquarters in total.

There are so many aspects of the work of Open Doors I could write about. But of course I have limited space. Can I encourage you to go to the website to find out more. www.opendoorsuk.org to find out how you can support this incredible work. Or please talk to me.

Sarah Whitehead