Open Doors is an international non-profit ministry and has been in existence for over 56 years. Currently the ministry is involved in 45 different countries around the world.
Did you know that in 2012, over 70% of the world’s population live in an area where religious freedom is denied? Each year between 150,000 to 165,000 Christians are martyred around the world.
Brother Andrew is the founder of Open Doors and the author of the autobiography "God's Smuggler,” which has sold over 10 million copies in 36 languages. He was first called “brother” when he began delivering Bibles behind the Iron Curtain. The recipients of God's Word would ask him his name, and he would say, "I am a brother of all those who love and follow Jesus Christ."
"Our very mission is called 'Open Doors' because we believe that any door is open, anytime and anywhere....to proclaim Christ (Rev. 3:8)" – Brother Andrew.
Open Doors' outreach includes Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy for the persecuted.
In 2011, Open Doors delivered more than 3.1 million Bibles; study Bibles, children’s Bibles, training materials and other Christian materials to persecuted believers in 50 countries. Open Doors trained 263,542 people from theological courses to shorter seminars. Also in 2011, Open Doors.
In November of 2010, Open Doors started a new program and invited 40 people from around the United States to come to their headquarters in Santa Ana, California for a two-day training seminar, in what was to become the ‘Bridgebuilder’ program. As ‘Bridgebuilders’ we are taught not only how to represent Open Doors, but also to represent and tell the story of the persecuted church. Every day more than 200 million Christians in over 60 nations face some form of persecution.
We here in America have no idea of persecution. Sadly, you see, not many like to hear the stories of how people are being thrown into prison, and some dying for the name of Christ, because it makes them feel uncomfortable. We in the west do not like to be uncomfortable or to be taken out of our ‘comfort-zone.’
But, we need to know, we need to remember our Christian brethren in prison for the name of Jesus. We so desperately need to pray for them! And that’s why I am writing and asking you to allow me to come to your church and share the story of the persecuted church.
Did you know Christian persecution is on the rise around the world? As a matter of fact, over 70% of the world’s population live in an area where religious liberty is restricted?! Over 100 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Jesus Christ with millions more facing discrimination and alienation. And, it’s on the increase….
My name is Richard Wilson, and I would be honored to speak at your church or Bible study on behalf of the persecuted church. Please feel free to e-mail me at rw131@aol.com or call me at 716-633-4797.
