Open Doors was founded by Brother Andrew. In 1955, the  young Dutch missionary went on a group tour to Poland where he discovered a remnant church behind the Iron Curtain, in desperate need  of the Word of God. He responded to God’s call in Revelation 3:2 to “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die,” and began smuggling Bibles and other Christian literature into Eastern Europe, marking the humble beginnings of Open Doors.

After the fall of Communism in Europe, Brother Andrew shifted his focus to China, the Middle East and North Africa to strengthen the church in the Muslim world.

His autobiography, God’s Smuggler details his early experiences of dangerous border crossings, KGB pursuits, and Brother Andrew’s courageous journey towards living radically for Jesus Christ. It is an international bestseller with more than 10 million copies sold.

Brother Andrew died in 2022 at the age of 94. He remains a source of inspiration for Christians around the world.

Open Doors defines Christian persecution as “any hostility experienced as a result of proclaiming the name of Jesus.” That hostility can look different for each of the millions of believers who face persecution every day. Some experience rejection and isolation from their families, friends and communities. Others are denied access to basic needs such as water, food and healthcare. Some face violent abuse, imprisonment and even death. 

Each year, Open Doors publishes the World Watch List. This annual report gives details of the 50 countries around the world where Christians face the most persecution and/or discrimination— whether  from the government, family, society or other forces.  

Open Doors supports persecuted Christians by

– Providing Bibles and Christian literature
– Training persecuted believers to stand strong for the long-term
– Providing practical support and emergency relief

Open Doors offers a number of ways to strengthen your church through a closer connection with the persecuted church.

– Invite a speaker from Open Doors
– Join us on the Sunday for the persecuted church and the Night of Prayer
– Subscribe to the quarterly newsletter to get updates about our persecuted family
– Download the digital World Watch List

Many immigrant Christians can easily identify with the persecuted because they have faced similar hardships. Open Doors  would like to encourage you to share your experiences of persecution. Sharing your story might help raise awareness in the Netherlands for the plight of our persecuted brothers and sisters.