Brother Andrew Books In Order

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Brother Andrew

Brother Andrew was a Dutch man whose real name was Andrew van der Bijl. He founded the organization Open Doors and became known for his work during the Cold War. He traveled into communist countries at a time when those borders were difficult to cross, and he brought Bibles and Christian literature with him. This work eventually earned him the nickname ‘God’s Smuggler,’ and his efforts were focused on supporting Christians who faced restrictions on their faith. His life took a direction that was different from most people’s, and that path led him into situations that many would find unusual.

The books he wrote about his experiences found readers all over the world, and part of their appeal came from how he told a story. He described complex situations in a way that felt clear and accessible, without making them seem simple or unimportant. Readers often found themselves pulled into the narrative because the events felt real and the people felt like actual human beings. His writing had a way of holding attention without relying on tricks or overly dramatic language.

What made his work stand out was his ability to take real events and present them in a way that felt immediate and personal. He wrote about border crossings and quiet encounters in a manner that put the reader in the moment without a lot of extra commentary. The situations themselves carried enough weight that they did not need embellishment, and he seemed to understand that instinctively. This natural approach to storytelling was likely why his books continued to connect with people across different countries and backgrounds.

As an author he had a way of writing that felt like he was simply talking with someone across a table. He did not use complicated words or try to impress readers with fancy sentences. Instead, he shared moments from his life in a manner that felt honest and unpolished in the best way. People from different countries and cultures seemed to connect with this approach because it felt genuine rather than manufactured.

His books remain in print and continue to reach new readers years after his passing. The organization he started, Open Doors, still carries out work related to the causes he cared about. People still refer to his stories and mention his nickname when discussing that period of history. In these ways, his efforts and his name have not faded away.

Early and Personal Life

Born in 1928, Brother Andrew grew up in a small Dutch town as one of six children in a family with limited means. His early years were shaped by simple surroundings and the everyday rhythms of life in the Netherlands during that time. Reading eventually became an important part of his world, offering an entry point into ideas and stories beyond his immediate circumstances.

His path took an unexpected turn when he left home as a young man and traveled to Southeast Asia as a soldier. The experiences he had there were difficult and left a deep impact on him. During a period of recovery from an injury, he spent time reading a Bible his mother had given him, and this proved to be a significant moment.

He later returned to the Netherlands and became involved with a local church, which marked a new direction in his life. In the early 1950s, he traveled to Scotland to study at a missionary training college. It was there that he likely developed the foundations for the writing he would eventually produce, learning to express the ideas and convictions that had taken shape over the previous years.

Writing Career

Brother Andrew’s books include God’s Smuggler, published in 2001 with John and Elizabeth Sherrill. He wrote The Ethics of Smuggling in 1974 and Battle for Africa with Charles Paul Conn in 1977. Building in a Broken World came out in 1981, followed by A Time for Heroes in 1988 and And God Changed His Mind in 1990.

The Narrow Road was published in 2001 featuring the band Jars of Clay, and The Calling followed in 2002. He wrote Light Force with Al Janssen in 2004 and Secret Believers with Janssen in 2007. His books have been released through publishers such as Chosen Books, Tyndale House, and Fleming H. Revell.

Prayer

Brother Andrew and Al Janssen wrote the nonfiction religious book titled Prayer: The Real Battle. Open Doors Resources published the work on January 15, 2010. The book came from the same organization that Brother Andrew had founded years earlier.

During their travels to meet persecuted Christians, Al Janssen and Brother Andrew heard one request repeatedly: “Please pray for us.” This prompted questions about how to pray effectively for believers in dangerous situations. Their booklet answers these questions by offering biblical lessons on prayer drawn from the experiences of those who suffer for their faith. The central message is that prayer itself is the real battle, with the power to impact individual lives, communities, and the wider world.

This booklet offers a fresh perspective on prayer by grounding its lessons in the real experiences of persecuted believers. Readers will find the examples moving and the biblical insights practical for daily life. The writing is clear and direct, making complex ideas easy to grasp. It is a short but meaningful read for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of prayer.

Building in a Broken World

The nonfiction religious book Building in a Broken World was written by Brother Andrew and Al Janssen. Tyndale House Publishers released the work in 1980. The book came from the two authors who had previously collaborated on other projects together.

Brother Andrew draws from his own experiences traveling around the world to help readers understand God’s purpose for his people today. He uses the biblical account of Nehemiah as inspiration for his message, offering hope and authority for those living in a troubled world.

The book challenges readers to proclaim the gospel without compromise. Brother Andrew emphasizes that God has not given up on this world and is calling all his people to participate in advancing his kingdom. He stresses that needs exist everywhere, not just in countries like Russia or China. His message is that anyone can build in a broken world, starting right in their own backyard.