God's Smuggler

God's Smuggler chronicles Brother Andrew's journey from a Dutch soldier to a missionary who transported Bibles into Communist countries during the Cold War. The autobiography begins with his early life in the Netherlands and traces his path to faith and eventual calling to serve Christians behind the Iron Curtain. The book details Brother Andrew's missions across borders in his Volkswagen Beetle, bringing scripture to places where religious materials were prohibited. His work expanded from Eastern Europe to other restricted nations, building networks and finding ways to deliver Bibles despite surveillance and tight controls. Through physical danger and numerous checkpoints, Brother Andrew's account demonstrates his reliance on prayer and what he viewed as divine intervention in critical moments. His organization, Open Doors, continues this work today in regions where Christians face persecution. The narrative illuminates themes of courage, faith, and the power of taking action in response to conviction. Beyond its historical significance as a Cold War memoir, the book raises questions about religious freedom and the lengths people will go to preserve access to their sacred texts.

Readers find Brother Andrew's first-hand account of smuggling Bibles behind the Iron Curtain compelling and inspiring. Many note that his straightforward writing style helps make complex geopolitical situations understandable. What readers liked: - Shows practical examples of faith in action - Balance of tense moments with humor - Details of creative smuggling methods - Historical insights into post-WWII Eastern Europe What readers disliked: - Some felt early chapters about his youth moved slowly - A few questioned accuracy of miracle accounts - Several wanted more details about specific missions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.34/5 (37,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (2,100+ ratings) ChristianBook.com: 5/5 (180+ ratings) Sample review: "Unlike many Christian biographies that focus on emotional experiences, this book shows what living by faith looks like in practical, everyday situations." - Amazon reviewer "Brother Andrew's matter-of-fact tone makes even the most dramatic encounters feel authentic." - Goodreads reviewer

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🔸 Brother Andrew smuggled Bibles behind the Iron Curtain in a bright blue Volkswagen Beetle, often praying what became known as the "Smuggler's Prayer": "Lord, when you were on Earth, you made blind eyes see. Now, I pray, make seeing eyes blind." 🔸 Before his Christian conversion, Brother Andrew (born Anne van der Bijl) served as a commando in the Dutch East Indies, where he was severely wounded in combat - an experience that later influenced his fearless approach to Bible smuggling. 🔸 The book has sold over 10 million copies and has been translated into more than 35 languages, inspiring countless others to join in missionary work behind the Iron Curtain. 🔸 Brother Andrew's organization, Open Doors, began with smuggling Bibles into Communist countries but grew to serve persecuted Christians in over 60 countries, becoming one of the largest Christian organizations of its kind. 🔸 Despite the dangerous nature of his work, Brother Andrew traveled openly under his real name and carried a valid passport, believing that God would protect him - and remarkably, he was never arrested or imprisoned for his activities.