Jerry Dykstra -
Media Relations Director, Open Doors USA

Jerry Dykstra is Media Relations Director at Open Doors USA. Open Doors USA is based in Santa Ana, California, but Dykstra works out of his home in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Dykstra has an extensive background in reporting, editing, photography and media relations.

After his graduation from Michigan State University with a degree in journalism, Dykstra spent two years as a photo-journalist in the U.S. Navy. His tour of duties included service in Vietnam and Japan with Combat Camera Group.

Dykstra spent 28 years working at newspapers in Michigan, including the Saginaw News, Flint Journal and Benton Harbor-St. Joseph Herald-Palladium. Among his jobs were copy desk editor, assistant sports editor, reporter and columnist.

He also spent two years as Promotion Coordinator at I.D.E.A. Ministries of Grand Rapids, and three years as Media Relations Manager at International Aid of Spring Lake, Michigan During his tenure at International Aid, he traveled extensively to some of the world's hot spots covering natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes.

During his five years at Open Doors USA, Dykstra has met with persecuted believers in such countries as China, Vietnam and Chiapas, Mexico. His duties include writing stories and press releases on the ministry of Open Doors, arranging interviews, editing written materials and working with members of the media. He travels extensively around the country as a representative of Open Doors USA.

---