Thought for the Week - 2nd October 2022

Dear Friends,

We learned this week of the death at the age of 94 of Brother Andrew, the founder of the charity Open Doors, and whose real name was Anne van der Bijl. Famous for smuggling Bibles into Eastern European Communist countries behind the old Iron Curtain at the height of the Cold War, Brother Andrew’s story is told in the book ‘God’s Smuggler – one man’s mission to change the world’. Today Open Doors supports Christians around the world who suffer persecution and discrimination because of their commitment to, and their faith in, Jesus Christ. But the story starts with Brother Andrew’s passion to see that Christians behind the Iron Curtain didn’t feel alone. Beginning with just a few copies, then hundreds, and ultimately thousands of Bibles Brother Andrew smuggled them across dangerous borders and into needy hands. As a child he would play with his friends at being a spy and seeking to outwit imagined and friendly ‘enemies’ played by his mates. As a man God used him in a remarkable way reminding him of his boyhood play games with his friends which led to a life of adventure, suspense and faith. He once said of the mission of Open Doors and if it was just to deliver Bibles to believers, ‘It was more than that. Everywhere I go I seek my brothers and sisters in Christ. I listen to their stories. I encourage them and pray with them. If Open Doors can help strengthen the Church in the midst of persecution, that’s what we do. That’s what our ministry is all about.’ The current CEO of Open Doors UK and Ireland, Henrietta Blyth said on the news of Brother Andrew’s death, ‘When Brother Andrew started his ministry, little did he imagine that within 60 years it would embrace millions of Christians worldwide. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy.’ The current World Watch List 2022 published by Open Doors and detailing the top 50 countries around the world where following Jesus costs the most begins with a scripture verse from the apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians, ‘For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain’ (Philippians 1:21). We indeed give thanks to God for a man whose long life was lived for Christ and his gospel, and who we pray is now at rest and peace. 

Grace and peace

Neil
                                      

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