Our purpose
Our purpose is to strengthen and equip Christians around the world who are facing persecution and discrimination because of their faith in Jesus Christ, and to encourage their involvement in world evangelism by:
- Providing Bibles and literature, media, leadership training, socio-economic development and through intercessory prayer;
- Preparing the body of Christ living in threatened or unstable areas to face persecution and suffering; and
- Educating and mobilising the body of Christ living in the free world to identify with threatened and persecuted Christians and be actively involved in assisting them.
We do so because we believe that when one member suffers, all members suffer with it (1 Corinthians 12:26), all doors are open and God enables His body to go into all the world and preach the gospel.
Our 7 core values
WE ARE:
- Part of the Body of Christ; a 'people to people' people
Brother Andrew, inspired by Revelation 3:2: 'Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die', tells us that we are more valued by our physical presence than the ten best sermons we could bring. Simply being there' alongside our fellow persecuted brothers and sisters is the single most important thing we can do.
- 'Persecuted church' driven
Wherever there are needs to be met, whether that is in a church, school, home or market place, Jesus meets them there, because that is where we can be found working alongside them.
- People of the Bible
As we read the Bible we see the unfolding picture of God before us and are encouraged to live as his new creations. When we understand who God is and who we are in Him, it completely takes away our fear in any situation or confrontation.
- People of prayer
We recognise that we are in a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:10-18) and see the power of prayer being a powerful weapon in meeting the needs of others. It is always in relation with reaching out to a lost world with Jesus.
- Living and working by faith
We believe the door has always been open for the Gospel, because the door has never been closed (Matthew 28:19). We will never lose sight of this fundamental truth. It keeps us outward-focused.
- Devoted to Jesus Christ with His commission
We want to show the world that there is a different lifestyle available for those in Jesus Christ and to conquer the world as his witnesses to that eternal truth. As the last spoken words of Jesus say in John's Gospel, "You must follow me" (John 21:22). Therefore, we see the outside world as a challenge, never a threat.
- Motivated solely for the glory of God
Our only motivation should not be for ourselves, but a compassion for the lost, bringing glory to God through His son Jesus Christ.
Our Statement of Faith
Open Doors is an evangelical Christian ministry
Our Trinitarian faith is enshrined and expressed in the historic creed of the church:
We believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit;
born of the Virgin Mary;
suffered under Pontius Pilate;
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell,
the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
from where He will come to judge the living and the dead.
We believe in the Holy Spirit;
the holy Christian Church;
the communion of saints;
the forgiveness of sins;
the resurrection of the body;
and the life everlasting.
“God invites us to influence our community, our nation, and the world - to literally direct history while we're on our knees.”
Brother Andrew
