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Christian Heroes: Then & Now #30
Brother Andrew: God's Secret Agent
When he became God's smuggler, Brother Andrew was already familiar with risk. As a boy, the intrepid Andrew van der Bijl joined the Dutch Resistance against the Nazi occupation. As a young man, he fought eagerly in the Dutch East Indies - until the horror of war turned the adventure seeker to a life of alcohol and desperation.
Redeemed by God, the Dutchman became a daring messenger of hope, smuggling Scripture through closed borders and equipping persecuted Christians behind the Iron Curtain. Today Brother Andrew and the ministry of Open Doors continue to shine the light of Christ in the world's darkest places (1928-2022).
Redeemed by God, the Dutchman became a daring messenger of hope, smuggling Scripture through closed borders and equipping persecuted Christians behind the Iron Curtain. Today Brother Andrew and the ministry of Open Doors continue to shine the light of Christ in the world's darkest places (1928-2022).
220 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
46 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
About the author
Janet Benge
175 books306 followersJanet and Geoff Benge are a husband and wife writing team with twenty years of writing experience. They are best known for the books in the two series Christian Heroes: Then & Now series and Heroes of History. Janet is a former elementary school teacher. Geoff holds a degree in history. Together they have a passion to make history come alive for a new generation. Originally from New Zealand, the Benges make their home in the Orlando, Florida, area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
October 6, 2022
An amazing book, as these all are. But after reading God's Smuggler I felt this was a very short version of the whole story. Still an amazing read!
February 15, 2025
Another book w Momma P — we gasped, we giggled. Good story!
February 22, 2019
I had never heard of Brother Andrew before reading this book for required reading for My Father’s World curriculum but I was inspired and in awe by this incredible missionary. I read this to my 7th grade daughter and my 6th grade son while we are studying history from this time period.
This book starts off with a boy, named Andrew, who just turned 11 in the year 1939. His safe harbor in the Dutch village of Sint Pancras is about to become a life where evil is lurking in the form of German soldiers. But Andrew is a brave, ornery boy who sees opportunities to both annoy the German soldiers and help the underground cause. My son especially enjoyed listening to Andrews antics during this period of time. After WW2 ended, and Andrew becomes a man, he decides to join the Dutch military and they send him off to the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) to fight off the gorillas trying to take control. Through both his childhood and young adult experiences as a soldier, God spoke to him through the Bible his mother gave him and he not only accepted Jesus as Saviour but dedicated his whole life to serving Him.
The rest of the book is dedicated to Andrews missionary life. This part gave me goosebumps as God used Andrew to go behind the iron curtain to smuggle Bibles! I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll leave it at that. But I couldn’t help thinking back to Andrews antics as a child and seeing how God was using his personality and strong will to His advantage to do brave and scary things!
This is a must read, especially if you are studying Eastern Europe during and after WW2 and the effects of communism!
This book starts off with a boy, named Andrew, who just turned 11 in the year 1939. His safe harbor in the Dutch village of Sint Pancras is about to become a life where evil is lurking in the form of German soldiers. But Andrew is a brave, ornery boy who sees opportunities to both annoy the German soldiers and help the underground cause. My son especially enjoyed listening to Andrews antics during this period of time. After WW2 ended, and Andrew becomes a man, he decides to join the Dutch military and they send him off to the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) to fight off the gorillas trying to take control. Through both his childhood and young adult experiences as a soldier, God spoke to him through the Bible his mother gave him and he not only accepted Jesus as Saviour but dedicated his whole life to serving Him.
The rest of the book is dedicated to Andrews missionary life. This part gave me goosebumps as God used Andrew to go behind the iron curtain to smuggle Bibles! I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll leave it at that. But I couldn’t help thinking back to Andrews antics as a child and seeing how God was using his personality and strong will to His advantage to do brave and scary things!
This is a must read, especially if you are studying Eastern Europe during and after WW2 and the effects of communism!
November 11, 2025
Good, but not as good as God Smuggler
October 10, 2025
Audio book with the family
January 14, 2024
I give five stars for kid lit because of the excellent moral value in the material at an elementary reading level. As with almost all YWAM books, this one provides children with an easy-to-follow biography of a worthy, real-life hero.
However, for adult or YA reading... I highly recommend the actual autobiography by Br Andrew himself (God's Smuggler) as it is much more captivating.
However, for adult or YA reading... I highly recommend the actual autobiography by Br Andrew himself (God's Smuggler) as it is much more captivating.
October 1, 2018
Read with my two sons, aged 8 and 11 who have throughly enjoyed it. It’s written in an easy way for children to understand but also gives historical and political information when needed. During the last few months of reading this we’ve ended up studying WW2, the Berlin Wall, Eastern Europe and other areas where Christians are persecuted today.
August 5, 2024
Another great biography by Janet and Geoff Benge! It has been a long time since I've read about the life of Brother Andrew and I am once again amazed at how God used him to spread the Gospel and strengthen Christians worldwide.
January 21, 2022
Wow. I had never heard of Brother Andrew, but what a testament of God’s provision and power. Andrew’s passion for strengthening the church is contagious, even in this simple story format for kids. I wish I had started reading biographies sooner. What an encouragement and reminder of the ordinariness of their subjects (oh, my weakness!), the opposition to expect, and the might and active movings of our King! Praise be to Jesus - He loves His bride!
March 24, 2022
This is just basically an abridged version of God's Smuggler for children. If you're an adult, read the real thing. My kids loved this book and I'm super happy I invested in a copy so they can pull it off the shelf whenever they want. I wouldn't be sad if they reread it every year.
May 1, 2023
No matter how many times I read Brother Andrew’s story, I am always just amazed at what God did through him. This is a fabulous biographical account written for youth. If an adult is interested in his life, I would strongly recommend the biography God’s Smuggler.
May 5, 2021
Beautiful and challenging faith journey. Encourages me to push harder in life.
June 28, 2023
So inspiring and edifying. What an amazing man of God. Great read aloud for children.
December 7, 2024
Creo que no soy el público para este libro. No me gustan las biografías y además es demasiado histórico para mi gusto. Sí bien valoro todo lo que cuenta, se me hizo horriblemente aburrido.
April 30, 2025
Fast paced and adventurous!
May 7, 2025
Read as our school missionary read aloud. This story was so encouraging, though a little much for my children at times, it was such an encouragement to my faith. I would recommend this to anyone that wants to learn more and have their faith encouraged.
January 16, 2025
“…he once asked Brother Andrew if he had his life to live over would he do anything differently. Andrew van der Bijl, he related, nodded and in reply said he would be more radical- step out in faith more, speak up louder, love the outcast and the enemy without counting the cost.”
February 14, 2018
Great book! This book centered in on the life of Brother Andrew van der Bijl, a Bible smuggler. I enjoyed this series the most because the books are not written like most history books. They are more connected with the featured person's life and family. Recommended for middle-schoolers of all ages.
August 31, 2019
Brother Andrew's life is so inspiring. But I'm giving this four stars, because I've read God's Smuggler, and I'd put it in one of my top favorite biographical reads ever. So for 7th grade up, I'd say just read the real thing. We have God's Smuggler on audio, and that's amazing as well. This version shortens God's Smuggler and removes some of his more adult struggles with sin before his conversion. It is actually not as exciting at the end as it has to cut out so much to make it more of a children's book length. But still, you can't mess up Brother Andrew's life. We need more courageous men like him today!!
March 21, 2022
Inspiring
It is incredible how Brother Andrew history can be inspiring. He shows us that we have a lot grow in our service. This book is worth reading twice!
It is incredible how Brother Andrew history can be inspiring. He shows us that we have a lot grow in our service. This book is worth reading twice!
August 2, 2025
"Yo creo que nosotros los occidentales (estoy haciendo una confesión), creo que somos cobardes. Necesitamos volvernos personas valientes de carácter y con convicciones firmes y no tener cuidado excesivo con nuestras propias vidas".
Anne van ser Bijl, conocido como el hermano Andrés y fundador del ministerio puertas abiertas, vivió una vida realmente acorde a esta frase, que él señaló en una entrevista.
A partir de la necesidad de hacer algo con su vida, ingresa al ejército para vivir "las aventuras de un espía" que le fascinaban y para lo cual tenía habilidades personales. Lejos de ser una aventura entretenida, la experiencia con las muertes y dolor, lo destruyó emocionalmente, llevándolo a la necesidad de ahogar sus emociones en el alcohol. En esa condición es encontrado por Dios y se inicia el cambio radical en su vida.
Comprende lo fundamental de la Palabra de Dios para la transformación de las personas y es así como todas las cualidades que poseía las utiliza para poder ingresar biblias a países que no tenían acceso a ella, asumiendo grandes desafíos y riesgos por alcanzar a los necesitados y proveerles de este tesoro tan valioso.
Fue testigo de muchos sucesos sobrenaturales en esta tarea, lo que incrementaba su tesón por seguir la labor y que se mantuviera. Su claridad por su Misión, da lugar al Ministerio "Puertas abiertas" que nace en 1955, constituyéndose en una organización internacional que actúa en más de 60 países donde existe algún tipo de amenaza a la vida de los cristianos y/o a su libertad de creer y rendir culto a Jesucristo.
Un testimonio inspirador por su convicción férrea, su perseverancia, su valentía, su capacidad de gestión, su obediencia a cumplir el mandato dejado por el Señor de "ir a todo el mundo y predicar el evangelio".
Además de su valor intrínseco, me deja una fuerte reflexión de la importancia que tiene la Biblia en nuestro mundo occidental, donde por tenerla en abundancia, perdemos la perspectiva de su gran valor es importancia como regla de vida.
Un verdadero ejemplo de amor a Dios de entrega y de desprendimiento propio. Es inspirador ver cómo Dios utiliza nuestro carácter para usarlo para Su gloria y la evangelización. Cada cualidad que poseemos, al ponerla en las manos del Señor, hará el cambio que El necesita hacer a través nuestro.
Anne van ser Bijl, conocido como el hermano Andrés y fundador del ministerio puertas abiertas, vivió una vida realmente acorde a esta frase, que él señaló en una entrevista.
A partir de la necesidad de hacer algo con su vida, ingresa al ejército para vivir "las aventuras de un espía" que le fascinaban y para lo cual tenía habilidades personales. Lejos de ser una aventura entretenida, la experiencia con las muertes y dolor, lo destruyó emocionalmente, llevándolo a la necesidad de ahogar sus emociones en el alcohol. En esa condición es encontrado por Dios y se inicia el cambio radical en su vida.
Comprende lo fundamental de la Palabra de Dios para la transformación de las personas y es así como todas las cualidades que poseía las utiliza para poder ingresar biblias a países que no tenían acceso a ella, asumiendo grandes desafíos y riesgos por alcanzar a los necesitados y proveerles de este tesoro tan valioso.
Fue testigo de muchos sucesos sobrenaturales en esta tarea, lo que incrementaba su tesón por seguir la labor y que se mantuviera. Su claridad por su Misión, da lugar al Ministerio "Puertas abiertas" que nace en 1955, constituyéndose en una organización internacional que actúa en más de 60 países donde existe algún tipo de amenaza a la vida de los cristianos y/o a su libertad de creer y rendir culto a Jesucristo.
Un testimonio inspirador por su convicción férrea, su perseverancia, su valentía, su capacidad de gestión, su obediencia a cumplir el mandato dejado por el Señor de "ir a todo el mundo y predicar el evangelio".
Además de su valor intrínseco, me deja una fuerte reflexión de la importancia que tiene la Biblia en nuestro mundo occidental, donde por tenerla en abundancia, perdemos la perspectiva de su gran valor es importancia como regla de vida.
Un verdadero ejemplo de amor a Dios de entrega y de desprendimiento propio. Es inspirador ver cómo Dios utiliza nuestro carácter para usarlo para Su gloria y la evangelización. Cada cualidad que poseemos, al ponerla en las manos del Señor, hará el cambio que El necesita hacer a través nuestro.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2023
This is probably my favorite of this missionary book series. It follows very closely to Andrew’s autobiography (God’s Smuggler) but leaves out topics and language that may be considered a bit mature for younger audiences. But it isn’t abridged in a way that neglects important parts of his story.
Andrew is best known for smuggling bibles into the Soviet Union during the Cold War, as well as other communist countries. Like the autobiography, I appreciate the antiwar and subversive messages of his story. We see the Church’s participation in State ceremonies and it’s “secular gospel” that end up subverting the faith of the people.
The miraculous is there but unlike God’s Smuggler, it’s not presented in a “Christian karma” sort of way.
There are also additional documentations of Andrew’s life after the publication of his autobiography. I like Andrew’s rejection of violence against communists- “We are not fighting the Muslims or the communists, we are fighting the devil.”
I also like the distinction between the officially sanctioned churches of the state, and the house (or underground) churches.
⚠️ Parental Warning ⚠️
Young Andrew thinks a very religious person will be so surprised by a prank they “might even cuss”.
There is a lot of death mentioned, as we read about Andrew’s experience in the military.
Lots of drinking mentioned, but it’s portrayed negatively.
Prostitution is mentioned.
Andrew is best known for smuggling bibles into the Soviet Union during the Cold War, as well as other communist countries. Like the autobiography, I appreciate the antiwar and subversive messages of his story. We see the Church’s participation in State ceremonies and it’s “secular gospel” that end up subverting the faith of the people.
The miraculous is there but unlike God’s Smuggler, it’s not presented in a “Christian karma” sort of way.
There are also additional documentations of Andrew’s life after the publication of his autobiography. I like Andrew’s rejection of violence against communists- “We are not fighting the Muslims or the communists, we are fighting the devil.”
I also like the distinction between the officially sanctioned churches of the state, and the house (or underground) churches.
⚠️ Parental Warning ⚠️
Young Andrew thinks a very religious person will be so surprised by a prank they “might even cuss”.
There is a lot of death mentioned, as we read about Andrew’s experience in the military.
Lots of drinking mentioned, but it’s portrayed negatively.
Prostitution is mentioned.
January 10, 2021
(NOTE: I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book or a B. 3 stars means a very good book or a B+. 4 stars means an outstanding book or an A {only about 5% of the books I read merit 4 stars}. 5 stars means an all time favorite or an A+ {Only one of 400 or 500 books rates this!).
The great news is that I can listen to a book a day at work. The bad news is that I can’t keep up with decent reviews. So I’m going to give up for now and just rate them. I hope to come back to some of the most significant things I listen to and read them and then post a review.
This series is always good.
The great news is that I can listen to a book a day at work. The bad news is that I can’t keep up with decent reviews. So I’m going to give up for now and just rate them. I hope to come back to some of the most significant things I listen to and read them and then post a review.
This series is always good.
April 9, 2023
Never heard this story before so I'm left wanting to know more.
While I find the non-stop miracles / "God told me to tell you" almost questionable, this book held my attention as well as my older children's.
I am impressed to learn the mission society that trained him basically gives them a little money, tells them NOT to ask for money and to live by faith for a year while preaching around the country, then return and pay the money back at the end of the year. How different from modern missions!
Overall, a sobering look at mission work to Communist countries around the world,but gently put for young readers. It focuses mostly on the miraculous ways God provided for his servant.
While I find the non-stop miracles / "God told me to tell you" almost questionable, this book held my attention as well as my older children's.
I am impressed to learn the mission society that trained him basically gives them a little money, tells them NOT to ask for money and to live by faith for a year while preaching around the country, then return and pay the money back at the end of the year. How different from modern missions!
Overall, a sobering look at mission work to Communist countries around the world,but gently put for young readers. It focuses mostly on the miraculous ways God provided for his servant.
October 22, 2019
Inspiring Story Of A Christian Goliath
Quickly read this inspiring true story of a man that was not equipped or trained to be a world wide evangelical messenger of Jesus Christ, but trusted God to equip him for the task. I did think that the writer could have given more details about how Andrew lived while distributing Bibles in closed countries; how he was housed and who helped him, protecting those identities, of course.
The end of the book felt truncated and unsatisfying. I think it should be developed more and reprinted.
Quickly read this inspiring true story of a man that was not equipped or trained to be a world wide evangelical messenger of Jesus Christ, but trusted God to equip him for the task. I did think that the writer could have given more details about how Andrew lived while distributing Bibles in closed countries; how he was housed and who helped him, protecting those identities, of course.
The end of the book felt truncated and unsatisfying. I think it should be developed more and reprinted.
December 28, 2024
I thought this book was great! A simple and easy read, yet packed with great and inspirational stories to encourage you along the way. I love seeing how God worked in Brother Andrew's life. This book helped me understand a little better how God acts and who HE is. I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like an inspirational read, yet easy and quick, and wants to see how God acts in History in normal men and women.
February 1, 2025
Brother Andrew (1928-2022) was Andrew van der Bijl, a Dutch missionary to countries behind the Iron Curtain. This account of his life is so well written. The incredible faith of this man and the miraculous intervention that God provided each step of his Andrew's journey fill the pages of the biography. Today Brother Andrew's mission and the ministry of his organization, Open Doors continue to impact the dark world with the glorious light of Christ.
September 26, 2019
I loved this book! It was incredible and I just love the story of Brother Andrew! It is amazing how God worked in his life and I just want to cry because this was... mghhm… so good! I just can't get over the story of Andrew and how he was so faithful and trustful of God. It just reminds me that I need to be better at that.
Highly Recommended!
Highly Recommended!
March 4, 2021
This a great story. I tried to read it previously but never ended up finishing it. This is such an amazing true story, that you need to read front to back. It is so honest and true to Andrew’s life story. It truly shows a man changed from a desperate alcoholic to a true man of God. All of Andrew’s work in Eastern Europe and other Communist areas is truly inspiring.👏👏👏
December 28, 2023
another wonderful book in a wonderful series about people who have done wonderful things. All thanks to a wonderful God who is our provider.
It shows how God takes ordinary people to fulfill His great purpose using the gifts He has given us. Just small steps of faith are required to make a start.
It shows how God takes ordinary people to fulfill His great purpose using the gifts He has given us. Just small steps of faith are required to make a start.
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