From smuggling Bibles behind the Iron Curtain to helping believers in the surveillance state

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:
  

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