Who Wrote 'God'S Smuggler' And When Was It Published?

'God's Smuggler' is one of those rare books that changed how I view faith in action. Brother Andrew penned this masterpiece in 1967, documenting his dangerous Bible-smuggling missions into Soviet bloc nations. What many don't realize is that he originally wrote it under the pseudonym 'Andrew van der Bijl' to protect ongoing operations. The book gained massive traction because it wasn't just about covert deliveries - it showed how ordinary people could do extraordinary things when driven by conviction.

The historical context matters here. Published during the height of Cold War tensions, 'God's Smuggler' revealed the brutal repression Christians faced under communism while offering tangible hope. Brother Andrew's writing style grabs you by the collar - no flowery prose, just straight-talking accounts of miraculous narrow escapes and divine guidance. Later editions include updates about his work with persecuted churches worldwide, making it a living document rather than just a memoir.

For readers who connect with this, I'd suggest exploring 'The Heavenly Man' about China's underground church or 'Tortured for Christ' which covers similar themes. Brother Andrew's organization Open Doors still operates today, proving the book's legacy extends far beyond its initial publication date.

I just finished reading 'God's Smuggler' recently, and it's one of those books that sticks with you. The author is Brother Andrew, a Dutch missionary who risked his life smuggling Bibles into communist countries during the Cold War. He wrote this incredible autobiography to share his experiences, and it was first published back in 1967. What makes the book special is how raw and personal it feels - you're right there with him as he dodges border guards and trusts God in impossible situations. The publication timing was perfect too, coming out during a period when people needed stories of hope behind the Iron Curtain. If you enjoy real-life adventure with deep spiritual impact, this belongs on your shelf alongside 'The Hiding Place' and 'Through Gates of Splendor.'

I geek out over details about 'God's Smuggler'. Brother Andrew authored this classic in 1967, but the backstory fascinates me more. He actually dictated much of it to journalist John Sherrill during recovery from a car accident - talk about divine timing. The first edition had a tiny print run, but word-of-mouth made it explode among Christian communities worldwide. Unlike dry historical accounts, Brother Andrew wrote with gripping immediacy, like when he describes praying 'Lord, make my seeing eyes blind' to avoid detection at checkpoints.

What newer readers might miss is how revolutionary this book was for its time. Most Cold War literature focused on politics or spies, but here was a guy risking everything for faith, not ideology. The 50th anniversary edition adds photos and mission updates that show how relevant the message remains today. If this style of writing resonates with you, 'Shadow of the Almighty' about Jim Elliot or 'Bruchko' set in tribal Colombia deliver similar raw spiritual adventure.