A Troubled Veteran Finds Purpose
Born into humble beginnings in the Netherlands on May 11, 1928, Anne van der Bijl, later known as Brother Andrew, experienced a profound transformation that would shape his destiny. As a mischievous young man, he joined the Dutch army and fought in Indonesia, where the horrors of war left him burdened with guilt. A bullet wound brought him to a Catholic hospital, where he began reading a Bible his mother had given him.
Back in the Netherlands, he met a friend who helped him find a new path. One cold night, he surrendered his life to Christ, praying for guidance. This marked the start of his journey from a troubled veteran to a committed follower of Jesus. Andrew sensed a calling to share the Bible with those who were isolated from the Gospel.
God's Smuggler Is Born
In 1955, while studying at a Bible college in Glasgow, he attended a Communist youth conference in Warsaw. There, he discovered the dire need for Bibles in Eastern Europe. Inspired by Revelation 3:2, he began smuggling Christian literature across borders, his heart set on strengthening persecuted believers.
Andrew's mission was underpinned by a simple prayer at border crossings: "Lord, in my luggage I have Scripture that I want to take to Your children across this border. When You were on Earth, You made blind eyes see. Now, I pray, make seeing eyes blind." This prayer exemplified his faith in God’s protection as he navigated the dangerous task of Bible smuggling.
His blue Volkswagen Beetle, a gift from a supportive couple, became a symbol of his mission, often referred to as the "miracle car" for its role in his travels. In 1955, he founded Open Doors, a ministry that expanded his efforts across the globe, reaching the persecuted church in communist and later, Muslim-majority countries.
Brother Andrew's story is immortalized in his autobiography, *God's Smuggler*, which sold over 10 million copies, bringing attention to his work and the plight of persecuted Christians. Even after the fall of communism, he continued his ministry in the Middle East, meeting with leaders of various groups to share the message of Christ.
Brother Andrew’s unwavering faith and dedication to his mission left a lasting legacy. His life is a testament to the power of God's guidance and provision, and Open Doors continues to support persecuted Christians worldwide, providing Bibles and essential resources. He passed away on September 27, 2022, leaving behind a profound impact on the world of faith.
