CEO, Open Doors USA
Persecuted Christians in Nigeria, Afghanistan, and North Korea are to benefit from the gift of 100,000 Bibles, ChristianHeadlines has reported.
The Bibles will be sent to the countries by Open Doors USA, a ministry that monitors persecution of Christians around the world.
Faithwire reports that the ministry had reached the goal of raising money in November to send the Bibles to the beneficiaries.
Open Doors said it would cost about $7 per Bible “to get Scripture and discipleship materials into the hands of a persecuted Christian.”
President of the ministry, David Curry, said it would be the greatest outpouring of support it has seen in the U.S.
He said, “The need is greater than ever, and it’s encouraging to see Americans rise to meet that challenge. It will make a tremendous difference in the lives of persecuted Christians around the world.”
The fundraiser was launched on November 23 when an email was sent to supporters. The email said “God’s word can help so many people stand strong for Him.”
Open Doors was launched in 1955 when Brother Andrew, its founder, hid Bibles in his Volkswagen Beetle and drove them into countries where God’s word was banned.
“Today, Bible-smuggling efforts continue into the world’s most difficult places to be a Christian. Now modern methods enable everyone to help put Scripture into the hands of Christians living in places without religious freedom,” Curry said in late November.
“We believe people living in volatile places should have the freedom to worship or not worship as they choose,” Curry added. “This includes making their own choice to own a copy of God’s Word for themselves – rather than having the government or militants make that decision for them. We know from experience that having access to Scripture can provide not only spiritual growth, but comfort and strength when faced with difficult circumstances.”