Open Doors with Brother Andrew, Inc. is a 501c(3) tax-exempt organization. All donations made to the organization are tax-deductible. At Open Doors, stewardship is an integral part of everything we do, because we recognize that every resource entrusted to us can transform the lives of persecuted Christians. In 2011, millions of bibles and training materials have been delivered to children, families and communities in need.
We believe to strengthen and equip the Body of Christ living under or facing restriction and persecution because of their faith in Jesus Christ, and to encourage their involvement in world evangelism by providing bibles, literature, media, leadership training, socio-economic development, and intercessory prayer.
BIBLE AND LITERATURE DISTRIBUTION
In 2011 Open Doors distributed more than 3.1 million Bibles and training materials to persecuted believers in almost 50 countries. This represented great increases in Africa, Egypt, India, the Middle East, and Latin America.
During the Arab Spring in one closed country, Open Doors was ready to take advantage of a unique opportunity. "There was a short moment in time when there were no checks at the border..." said an Open Doors worker. As a result, more Bibles and Christian literature were delivered to the people than had been brought in during the entire 42 years previously.
Open Doors also exploited new opportunities in Central Asia, delivering 470,000 Bibles and much needed training materials requested by church leaders. "Our country lacks a good fundamental Christian education, " wrote a Central Asian pastor. "But your books unite people in their faith and the active grace of Christ. I cannot express how important your help is for the church in our country."
From the beginning, Open Doors has focused on bringing the Word of God to the World. The need continues to be great, but the provision of our God is greater.
LEADERSHIP AND PASTORAL TRAINING
In 2011 requests for pastoral and leadership training increased substantially and Open Doors stepped our in faith to do more in this area than ever before. Training worldwide increased 65% as more than 263,000 church leaders attended training sessions ranging from intensive, ongoing theological classes to shorter seminars designed to encourage and equip persecuted Christians.
In the Middle East, more training is going on as the turmoil in that region continues to rise. In Africa, training in Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia is aimed at strengthening those who lead and teach the church in the face of rising persecution. One Nigerian pastor wrote, "I give God the glory for the privilege that I have to attend this wonderful training. My life has moved to another level of understanding. By the grace of God I am going to make use of what I learned to help my family and people, especially my fellow leaders and pastors.
The Church in any country will rise no higher than its leadership and Open Doors is committed to the training and development of those called to lead and feed the flock of Christ.
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The turmoil in the Arab world has provided many opportunities for Open Doors to assist believers and model the love of Christ to their unbelieving neighbors. In 2011 Open Doors sponsored livelihood projects increased 316% as over 170,000 people were helped.
In the middle East the revolutions brought significant challenges to the church. Many were displaced, dismissed from their employment, and in great need. Open Doors increased its presence in the form of job training, church restoration projects, and provision of food and medical help.
In Egypt, a group of students in an Open Doors training program determined to show the love of Christ to their Muslim neighbors. During Ramadan, when fasting is required until sundown, these believers stood in the evening traffic and handed our figs to those hurrying home to break their fast. This demonstration of Christian understanding and compassion is helping fuel a revival in that country.
Open Doors continues to invest heavily in supporting Egypt's local churches, working alongside them to raise up a new generation of spiritually mature and courageous church leaders.
PRAYER, PRESENCE AND ADVOCACY MINISTRIES
In 2011 Open Doors became a significant advocate for the persecuted church worldwide. In New York our staff met with delegations from several countries, drawing their attention to the plight of those whose faith in Jesus has subjected them to job loss, vandalism, imprisonment, and great cruelty. With the delegation from Laos we addressed the plight of those families driven from their homes in Katin. After only a few weeks we heard from representatives of these families that their situation has been significantly improved.
This is just one of thousands of examples that could be given showing the power of a united, prayer-backed voice championing the cause of the persecuted church. Open Doors published Congressional scorecard grading the attitudes and actions of US legislators in the area of religious freedom internationally. We are holding our elected officials accountable for their records, making scores of our fellow-citizens aware of the opportunities our representatives have to make a significant different in the lives of the persecuted church.
Around the world, as information about suffering believers continues to become known, hundreds of prayer supporters are banding together in organized group to uphold our persecuted brothers and sisters in prayer. This is a tremendous encouragement to those who share our faith but not our freedom.
A woman in Eritrea admitted, "Nothing prepared me for the pain of becoming a refugee, even after several arrests and torture at the hands of my government. The Open Doors ministry staff prays with me and encourages me, offering their friendship and support when I feel discouraged. In them I have found a new family, and best of all, I see the love of Christ in action through them."
Through prayer, hearts are both encouraged and strengthened. At Open Doors we know its power, believe in its importance, and are humbled by the privilege we have to support our persecuted brethren.
2011 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS REPORT
2011 ANNUAL REPORT
2011 990 FORM