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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