Open Doors project sees the sending of 2 million bibles to the East

OPEN DOORS, the ministry to the suffering Church launched by 'God's Smuggler' Brother Andrew, have disclosed a major campaign to send 2 million Bibles and books to China before 2000. Ellie Philpott, Communications Officer declared, "So far we've distributed a good chunk of this 2 million but it's very tough. The PSB (Public Security Bureau) are everywhere and our contacts in China risk arrest and imprisonment." In a country where it is illegal for children under 18 to be taught Christianity, Open Doors are also sending 100,000 Chinese Children's Bibles, Chinese Christians stating they "could not neglect their children, the future leaders of the Church." Reports reveal many children becoming Christians and sharing their faith with their school friends. In a further initiative Open Doors have developed a 'funky little music box' to meet the needs of Chinese Christians who have no music. The small machine plays 442 Christian songs and operates for hours on four tiny AA batteries.

Commenting on Open Doors recent involvement at Cross Rhythms festivals Ellie stated "One of the biggest thrills was to see groups like Supervision and young people sit in a prison cell and identify with the suffering Church and pray! It is vital that young people realise that persecution did not die out with Acts but happens today. They need to know that the suffering Church has understanding to offer them as well, if you want to see really radical faith read and hear Christians who are persecuted. One Chinese house Church leader told us "If a westerner really wants to be like a Chinese house Church Christian for a while, let him tear his Bible up, saving only Mark's Gospel, and memorise it within two weeks. That would be a good place to start." Another house Church leader who has spent over 20 years in prison for his faith shared "I'll open the Bible with anyone who comes into my home, and if they happen to be a policeman, then that's fine with me."

- Cross Rhythms Radio will be including from early October, programmes and testimonies from the suffering Church.
- Speakers from the front-line of the suffering Church will be at Cross Rhythms Festivals in July 2000.
- Cross Rhythms Magazine is planning a series of articles from countries where Christians are under extreme restrictions aimed at sharing the testimonies, teaching and music that make up the lifestyle and experience of the suffering Church.