HISTORY MAKER

 

Andrew “Brother Andrew” van der Bijl 

(1928-2022) 

Andrew van der Bijl was a Dutch Christian missionary.

After encountering God powerfully, he dedicated his life to serving believers in communist and closed countries, where Christianity was forbidden.

Brother Andrew was a Dutch missionary and evangelist best known as “God’s Smuggler.” His life is a testimony of bold faith, obedience, and trust in God while serving persecuted Christians behind the Iron Curtain.

Testimony:- Brother Andrew’s testimony is that when God calls, obedience opens doors no human power can shut.

What did Brother Andrew do for God in ministry?

1. Supporter of the persecuted Church

• Secretly delivered Bibles to Christians in communist nations

• Strengthened underground churches

2. Founder of Open Doors

• Founded Open Doors International, a global ministry

• Advocated for persecuted Christians worldwide

3. Encourager and intercessor

• Prayed with suffering believers

• Taught Christians to stand firm in faith despite persecution

4. Global speaker and writer

• Wrote the famous book “God’s Smuggler”

• Inspired believers to trust God boldly

What methods did he use?

Brother Andrew’s methods were faith-driven and courageous:

1. Radical obedience

• Entered restricted countries trusting God’s protection

• Believed God could make soldiers “blind” at borders

2. Prayer and dependence on God

• Relied on prayer rather than human plans

• Trusted the Holy Spirit for guidance

3. Quiet, strategic action

• Worked discreetly

• Focused on strengthening believers rather than publicity

What sacrifices did he make?

• Risked arrest and imprisonment

• Lived under constant danger

• Gave up personal safety and comfort

• Devoted his entire life to persecuted believers

How did Brother Andrew die?

• Died in 2022

• Age: 94

• Place: Netherlands

• Cause: Natural causes