Join us for an incredible journey into the life of Brother Andrew, famously known as "The Smuggler in Our Living Room". This episode draws from excerpts of the book God's Smuggler, co-written with John and Elizabeth Sherrill, to explore the remarkable story of this seemingly "ordinary person" who God used to accomplish the impossible.
Discover the early life of Andrew, the son of a village blacksmith in Holland, who never even graduated from high school but dreamed of derring-do and adventure from the time he first put on wooden shoes. Learn about his experiences growing up during wartime occupation, hiding radios and Jews, and joining the flight from the dreaded "razzia".
Explore his journey into the Dutch troops in Indonesia, marked by reckless bravado, symbolized by a bright yellow straw hat worn into combat. Hear how a bullet wound ended his military career and led to a period of searching, marked by a struggle with guilt and physical pain from his injury.
The episode details his pivotal conversion experience, influenced by a simple song, "Let my people go," heard at a tent meeting. This was a "crisis conversion," followed by a period of intense study and seeking God's direction. Despite a bad back and limited education, he felt called to missionary work and attended the WEC Missionary Training College, where the emphasis was on learning the nature of faith.
Follow Brother Andrew on his first audacious trips behind the Iron Curtain, beginning with the Warsaw Youth Festival in 1955. Experience his discovery of the spiritual hunger and severe lack of Bibles among believers in countries like Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia. Learn about his unique methods, such as "bringing greetings" from the Lord when forbidden to preach, and the powerful impact simply "being there" had on isolated Christians.
The description touches on key moments like receiving the "Cup of Suffering" in Czechoslovakia, witnessing the struggles of the Underground Church versus the "Puppet Church" in Bulgaria, and encountering the State-sponsored "Counterfeit Church" ceremonies in East Germany designed to replace Christian rites.
Hear how God provided for his missions, notably through the gift of a blue Volkswagen from Mr. and Mrs. Whetstra, which became his primary tool for smuggling Bibles. Discover the development of his ministry, including partnering with others like Hans and Rolf and training "part-timers" to join the work and spread the message of faith.
Finally, the episode hints at the expanding vision, from printing pocket Bibles to larger initiatives like Project Pearl, aiming to deliver Bibles on a massive scale, and his later ministry focus on the Islamic world, using practical skills to gain welcome. Join us as we delve into the compelling, faith-filled adventures of Brother Andrew, a testament to what God can do through a willing heart.
Works Cited
Andrew, Brother, et al. God's Smuggler. Chosen Books, 2015. ebook.
