November 5 is International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, so I spoke with Jared Vander Meulen from Open Doors Canada. The organization that works to “strengthen Christians where faith costs the most.”
In this episode we discuss:
How Open Doors’ work began and its famous founder Brother Andrew, known for smuggling Bibles behind the Iron Curtain and bold prayers in this bold subversion.
Brother Andrew’s work in Gaza and throughout the Middle East and his faithful witness in the most dangerous and surprising places.
How Open Doors defines “persecution” and the five spheres of pressure (beyond physical violence) that Christians face in countries around the world.
The World Watchlist, which outlines the 50 most dangerous places for Christians to live.
What the marginalized church teaches us about being people of faith in today’s world.
The realities of digital persecution and how internet surveillance impacts churches in different countries, including China.
Why printed Bibles are resurgent in areas of persecution.
Unique innovations and creative ways Open Doors brings support, including MP3 players in Malaysia (cue: a minor Andrew geek-out).
The local-led and church-based approach the organization uses to maximize protection for people in danger.
Links to follow
The World Watchlist: https://www.opendoorscanada.org/worldwatchlist/
The MP3 players from the gift catalogue: https://www.opendoorscanada.org/giftsofhope/
Resources and details about the International Day of Prayer: https://www.opendoorscanada.org/idop/
Jared’s private X handle: https://twitter.com/jaredvdmeulen
Here’s an interesting video about faith under surveillance out of China:
Catch up on recent posts on Andrew’s Things I Wrote Down
From smuggling Bibles behind the Iron Curtain to helping believers in the surveillance state