china

egypt

Travel 2011
Matthew 9:37 india
colombia
bangladesh
ethiopia
Kenya
Indonesia
travel
Southern Sudan
china
“I heard the voice of the Master: ‘Whom shall I send? Open Doors UK & I, PO Box 6, Witney, OX29 6WG
Ministry colombia
Travel with us... Walk
egypt
india
with Them
Who will go for us?’ I spoke up, ‘I’ll go. Send me!’ ” T 01993 885400

Isaiah 6:8
E info@opendoorsuk.org
I www.opendoorsuk.org/travel
bangladesh
Open Doors Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 1125684 © Open Doors 2011 ethiopia
www.opendoorsuk.org/travel
2 Open Doors Travel: From Traveller to Friend
“Pray to the Lord who is in charge
of the harvest; ask him to send
more workers into his fields.”
Matthew 9:38
Millions of Christians around the world face discrimination, isolation and
rejection from their families and friends because of their faith in Christ.
They need their Christian family to
come alongside them to encourage,
strengthen and pray with them – to
walk with them.
Travelling with Open Doors is an
amazing opportunity to follow in the
steps of Brother Andrew, who first
travelled to visit persecuted Christians
behind the Iron Curtain in 1955. It was
on that visit that a pastor said to him:
“We want to thank you for being here.
Even if you had not said a word, just
seeing you would have meant so much.
We feel at times as if we are all alone in
the struggle.”
That is what travelling with Open Doors
is all about: meeting your family in
faraway places, to support and pray with
Welcome
them. To stand alongside a brother or
sister you’ve never met before but feel
so much love for you – it is worth every
penny!
We are looking for people who want to
make a difference, to stand with those
who suffer; people who are flexible and
ready to put the needs of others before
their own convenience. Although you
may visit tourist sights, your trip will not
be anything like a holiday!
Do you have a servant heart? Are you
ready to travel to the ends of the earth
to hear the stories of those who suffer
for Jesus, and then to speak up for
those who have no voice? If this is you,
please consider applying to travel. Once
you return, you will be well equipped
to raise awareness of the plight of
persecuted Christians and the ministry
of Open Doors, and we will be happy to
work with you, to help you share your
experiences.
For more information and to hear stories
from those who have already travelled,
visit www.opendoorsuk.org/travel,
email travel@opendoorsuk.org or
phone 01993 885400. I look forward to
hearing from you.
Every blessing,
Serving persecuted Christians worldwide 3
4 Imagine an ancient land of Pharaohs and pyramids…
Egypt
…birthplace of Moses and home of Tutankhamen. A country where Islam
meets one brave church – a church that needs our encouragement!
Off the tourist trail
Evangelical churches in particular Muslims who convert to Christianity and livelihood training, and supporting
are under constant pressure from may be ostracised by their community, Muslim-background believers.
the government. Christians may be thrown out of their homes or even
watched by the authorities and are murdered. By visiting our family
frequently discriminated against in in Egypt you can show
the courts and the workplace. Many Open Doors helps to strengthen them that you care for
women face severe discrimination the church by distributing Christian them. Come, walk with
and children may be treated unfairly literature, providing discipleship and them – they need your
at school and in their community. leadership training, offering literacy encouragement!

“I came back a different person; a person with

a heart for the lost, broken and poor; a person
who could make a difference; a person ready
to step out of the boat and play my part.”
Rhonda, Egypt Traveller 2010
Turn over to find out more about joining this trip…
 Egypt Itinerary
Meet and worship with local believers
and church leaders, to gain a better
understanding of what it is like to live
as a Christian in a Muslim society. Be
ready to be moved!
The itinerary will include spending time
in Cairo as well as rural Egypt. You will
get an opportunity to meet with staff,
have fellowship with local Christians and
worship with the Egyptian church.
Although every itinerary is slightly
different, we hope to be able to offer you
the chance to visit the Cave Church in
Garbage City under the Mokattam Hills.
Here you will see the reality of the poor
Christian community making a living
from collecting garbage from Cairo city.
You may also get an opportunity to
spend time in prayer during a visit to a
mosque.
6 Serving persecuted Christians worldwide
“We loved you dearly.
Not content to just
Imagine coffee plantations, lush jungles and vast mountains…
Colombia
pass on the Message,
we wanted to give …towns and villages scattered against a backdrop of hills. At the heart of all
you our hearts.” this beauty is a warm, hospitable church that would do anything for Christ!
1 Thessalonians 2:8
Off the tourist trail Visiting Colombia is an adventure, but
Colombia has been gripped by the only risk you will face is that you will
violence for over 50 years – rape, want to stay.
kidnapping and murder are all too
common. The indigenous population You will truly be touched as you share
is often caught in the crossfire the experiences of believers who have
between left-wing guerrillas, right- faced persecution and have come out
wing paramilitaries, government victorious, thanks to the power of God
forces and the drug militias. that is evident in their lives.
Destination: Egypt
Dates:16–23 April (7 days)
1–10 September (10 days)
Cost: April – approx £950
September – approx £1100
Group Size: 16
Turn over to find out more about joining this trip…
 “We have this
treasure in jars of
Colombia Itinerary clay to show that 9
Your itinerary may include visits this all-surpassing
to church leaders, local believers,
widows, refugee camps, Bible
power is from God...”
seminaries, Open Doors projects and 2 Corinthians 4:7
our Latin America office.

These trips provide opportunities

to pray and enjoy fellowship with
Christians who need to know that they
have not been forgotten. The love these
people have for God’s church is beautiful
and they want to share it with you!

You may be asked to give a word of

encouragement to the believers or
to share in a church service. You may “It was a huge privilege, and very humbling, to hear and see
also minister in the refugee camps,
particularly amongst the women, as Destination: Colombia people face-to-face telling their stories instead of reading about
well as joining in with the children’s
games and activities. This is a great trip Dates: August them in a magazine. Now I feel they are not so far away; they are
for creative people and anyone who
loves children!
Cost: Approx £1500 very much alive in my mind and I can pray for them more easily.”
Group Size: 3–12
Clare, Traveller 2010

8 Serving persecuted Christians worldwide

10
“Visiting the church in
Ethiopia was a humbling
experience. I had my eyes
opened to what God
was doing. Many of the
Christians I met were towers
of faith, spreading God’s
love courageously despite
hardship and opposition.”
Allen, Traveller 2010
Spectacular natural beauty and an abundance of natural resources…
Africa
… yet Africa remains the world’s poorest and most undeveloped continent. But
the warm-hearted spirit of its people makes this a destination well worth visiting.
Off the tourist trail Many church leaders have little
The influence of Islam is growing education or formal training,
across Africa. In Muslim-majority yet the church is growing, and
countries like Zanzibar and North Christians are starting to reach
Sudan, church activities are restricted Muslims with the gospel.
and Christians struggle to gain access
to jobs and education. Believers who Open Doors provides Bibles
come from a Muslim background
may face threats, physical abuse and
and Christian literature,
discipleship and training
damage to their homes and property. courses, literacy and livelihood
support, and advocacy
services to help strengthen
the church in Africa.
By visiting your African
family you can show that
you care for them.
Turn over to find out more about travelling to Africa…
 Please note:
UK places are limited!
Destination: Ethiopia
General Itinerary 13
Dates:16–26 May
Itineraries may include meeting and
encouraging local believers, church Cost: Approx £1700 – £1850
leaders and students, as well as Group Size: 4–8
visiting some Open Doors projects.
Destination: Southern Sudan
These trips also provide an opportunity
to share fellowship with our brothers Dates: End of November
and sisters in Africa, to hear their stories Cost: Approx £1650
and to pray with them – to show them
that they have not been forgotten! Group Size: 3

Due to the hot climate and strenuous Destination: Kenya

nature of these trips, age may be a
Dates: April

Ne r 201
limiting factor.

fo
“There is simply no

w 1
Cost: Approx £1600
Please note that travellers must be
prepared for some accommodation Group Size: 10 substitute for meeting
to be basic.
Destination: Zanzibar people, hearing their
“If you suffer as a Dates: 7–12 Sept stories and seeing

Ne r 201
fo
Christian, do not them in the flesh.”

w 1
Cost: Approx £1250
be ashamed…” Group Size: 10 Julia, Traveller 2009
1 Peter 4:16
12 Serving persecuted Christians worldwide
14 The second largest economy in the world with a population of 1.3 billion
China
From busy cities to remote mountain villages; from the splendour of the Great
Wall to the magnificent temples of the Forbidden City, China overwhelms the
senses with its vastness and diversity. But, officially, there is still no God!

Off the tourist trail Today, conservative estimates put

China has been on the heart of
Brother Andrew since 1965 when
he helped orchestrate Project Pearl,
delivering 1 million Bibles in one
night to a beach in Southern China.
Time Magazine called it ‘the boldest
missionary expedition ever’.
“Visiting persecuted Christians and
equipping them is such an honour. It is a
challenge I am so glad to have finally met.”
the number of Christians in China at
between 60 and 80 million. Amazingly,
thousands of people are coming to
know the Lord every day! But these new
converts need Bibles and they need to
be discipled.
In 2009 Open Doors delivered 2.5 million
Bibles and items of Christian literature to
China. You can be part of this amazing
ongoing ministry and at the same time
walk with your family there to share with
and encourage them.
What a wonderful
opportunity!

Margaret, Traveller 2010

Turn over to find out more about joining this trip…
 Please note: Due to the ongoing demand for Christian literature in China, we also
UK places are limited! “… man does not have an opportunity for you to deliver literature as part of your holiday
live on bread alone or business trip, setting your own budget and making your own plans.
General Itinerary but on every word It must fall within allocated times and you must be prepared to visit
anywhere in China – we will work with you to put a trip together.
The purpose of these trips is to deliver that comes from the The trip could involve a number of deliveries.
literature to several places and at the
same time pray for the country. You mouth of the Lord” South East Asia
will also gain an understanding of Deuteronomy 8:3 This year we can also offer you
China and its churches. There will be
opportunities to visit countries in
opportunities for sight-seeing, but
South East Asia, deliver literature,
this may be overridden if a ministry Destination: CHINA meet with believers and church
opportunity arises.
leaders, and see places of interest.
Cost: Approx £1300 – £1850
Accommodation is basic and you may
have to sleep on a train. Your trip will Age: Under 70 Please email travel@opendoorsuk.org
involve a lot of travel – by air, boat and/ for more information.
Group Size: Up to 13
or train – and may be uncomfortable,
especially as you will be carrying heavy
suitcases. For this reason, you will need “The fellowship was
to be physically fit and we suggest an
age limit of 70. You will need to have instant, genuine
a flexible attitude for these trips as
itineraries are unpredictable. Destination: VIETNAM and deep as if we
Please be aware – we cannot Dates: 7–17 June had known each
guarantee you will meet any Christians Cost: Approx £1200 other for years.”
but it is our hope that you will hear
their stories and encourage them. Group Size: 10 Duncan, Traveller 2009

16 Serving persecuted Christians worldwide Serving persecuted Christians worldwide 17

18
Prayer trips
These trips go to some of the most ‘closed’ countries in the Muslim world
You will have the opportunity to pray for the country and its people as you prayer
walk through winding alleys and busy markets. An ideal trip for prayer warriors!

Off the tourist trail As part of the body of Christ, it is our

In some of these countries,
Christianity is tolerated, but
evangelism is expressly forbidden.
In most, however, Christians do
not even know each other because
meeting together is dangerous
and they fear for their lives.
responsibility to make sure that
Christians in these countries have Bibles.
We also need to pray for believers and
for those who do not know the love of
God. Prayer is essential if the gospel is
to break through, and local Christians
are so encouraged when Christians from
around the world come to pray for them.

We have many delivery opportunities in

“We can pray from our knowledge of countries where there is these countries and you can be part of
the revival that is being prayed for in this
persecution, but to actually be in the country helped me to pray part of the world!
and experience how God feels at a depth I’ve never felt before. It
helped me to realise that my prayer life can be so much deeper.”
Sylvia, North Africa, 2010
Turn over to find out more about joining one of these trips…
 Please note: ATTENDING
A BRIEFING IS COMPULSORY

General Itinerary
Please note that due to the nature of
our ministry, not all travel opportunities
South East Asia
Imagine a continent of beautiful people and beautiful scenery…
can be advertised in this brochure. More
information is available on request.
You will form part of a small group …bustling cities and quiet villages, where four of the world’s major
of between two and ten people.
Due to the confidential nature of
North Korea Prayer Trip religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism – originated.
North Korea continues to be the toughest
the trip, you will not be able to tell
place in which to be a Christian. This
people much about your visit. If you are a church leader, a speaker Our training programmes focus on
trip will focus on praying for persecuted
Christians in this troubled land. or involved in training programmes, educating and helping the church
Circumstances can lead to a change these trips are for you. to cope with persecution, as well
For more information please email
in your itinerary at a moment’s notice, as providing support to Muslim-
travel@opendoorsuk.org
so you need to be very flexible. If it Open Doors’ ministry in these countries background believers. Participation in
is a courier trip, once the delivery is primarily involves providing leadership the seminars, which includes preaching,
made you will go on to follow your development and training programmes teaching or small group leadership, is
own tourist itinerary whilst praying to equip church leaders to confront the by invitation. However, you are most
for the country and people – the tour challenges they face. welcome to come along to pray with
will be arranged through a local travel and encourage those attending.
agent. You will need to be in good
health and good physical condition STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
to travel in these countries as these Dates: Middle East/North Africa
trips are physically and spiritually very
challenging. South East Asia
Dates: On request only
These trips are primarily for those
who have already travelled with Cost: Approx £900+
Open Doors.
Group Size: 2–10
Turn over to find out more about joining one of these trips…
20 Serving persecuted Christians worldwide
 Please note:
UK places are limited!
Destination: indonesia
General Itinerary 23
Dates: 19-30 May
You will visit Bible colleges, mission
agencies, training seminars and Cost: Approx £1200
perhaps refugee camps that the Group Size: 6
ministry supports.

If possible, your trip will also include Destination: bangladesh

a visit to a house church and you will
take part in a training programme Dates: November
among local believers. You may get Cost: Approx £1200
the opportunity to hear amazing
testimonies, and you may be asked to Group Size: 8
share with the local believers and to
offer prayer and encouragement. Destination: india
It is our hope that the visit will Dates: October
“By walking with them we
deepen your insight into the plight
of the persecuted church, as well as Cost: Approx £1200 were given a window into
encouraging and equipping those you
minister to, to stand strong in the Lord.
Group Size: 10 what it is like to live as a
persecuted Christian and it is
“I long to see you so that I may something I will never forget!”
impart to you some spiritual gift” Sarah, Traveller 2010
Romans 1:11
22 Serving persecuted Christians worldwide
 Youth trips
Are you looking for something worthwhile to do this summer?
Take part in a youth trip and meet other enthusiastic 18 to 25-year-olds
willing to use their time for God and to help those in need.
Standing with those who share our
faith but not our freedom is part of
being a Christian.
Family matters matter, and the Bible
speaks clearly about the church being
one body. Do you want the opportunity
to serve and unite with our suffering
brothers and sisters around the world?
24 Serving persecuted Christians worldwide
Get involved and take action!
For many Christians around the world,
we’re the only family they’ve got. This
summer, spend time getting to know
them, pray with them and help them.
“His command is
that you walk in love.”
2 John 1:6
Please note:
briefing is compulsory
General Itinerary
act quickly to ensure your place! For
more information about each destination 25
go to www.opendoorsuk.org/travel
In China you could participate in an
organised Christian Youth Camp, where Don’t let money be an object!
you might have the opportunity to Request a fundraising pack to find out
lead a small group in daily time with how you can raise money to fund your
God. You will have time to share with trip. Why not ask your church or University
Christian Union to support you?
Christians your own age in order
to encourage and understand one
another better.
Destination: North africa
This year we are also offering a Soccer Dates: 4–14 July
Ministry trip to China – for all you
football fanatics. Cost: Approx £800
In North Africa, you will take part in
Group Size: Up to 14
practical projects, helping to paint and
garden. You may have the chance to
Destination: china
meet young Christians and to pray and
Dates: Youth Trip
worship with them. And you will also
get an amazing opportunity to trek in Soccer Ministry Trip
the mountainous region of North Africa.
Cost: Fast Track – Approx £1200
All your travel arrangements will be Soccer Ministry Trip – Approx £1450
made by us and you will be fully briefed
beforehand. Places are limited so please Group Size: Up to 10

Terms and Conditions
Financing trips
We are very aware of the financial
restrictions facing many people at this
time, but please can I urge you not to let
money be an issue! Every year we hear
amazing stories from travellers who had
no money to pay for the trip, but they
prayed and God provided!
Could you encourage your church,
family and friends to support you and/
or sponsor you to travel? Please ask for
a fundraising pack to find out how you
can raise money.
26 Serving persecuted Christians worldwide
“Your kindness has refreshed the
hearts of God’s people...”
Application process
A registration form must be completed
by every traveller and sent to the Travel
Co-ordinator together with a registration
fee of £40 (or £25 for students with a
valid student ID card).
On receipt of the registration form the
following process will be followed:
1. References will be sought.
2. You will be notified if your application
has been approved.
3. A deposit of £300 (£150 for youth
trips) is required immediately to confirm
your place. Please note: On most
occasions, the sooner you apply the
cheaper it is.
4. Four to six weeks before your trip
(sometimes less) you will receive the
itinerary and information to help you
to prepare. (Please be aware that,
due to the nature of our ministry, it
is not always possible to give specific
information until the last minute.)
Philemon 1:7
5. Balance of payment is due one month
before travel date.
6. Please note that all costs quoted are
approximate and subject to change due
to airline and tour operator surcharges.
Although unlikely, you may be billed
for something after a trip that wasn’t
accounted for/expected beforehand.
The cost of the trip will include a
flight from a London Airport to your
destination; additional flights to London
are not included in the price. If you
would like to find out how you can make
your trip cheaper please contact us.
General conditions
Health
• You need to be over the age of 18 to
travel with Open Doors.
• You need to be physically fit to travel.
• If you are over 65 we will require a
doctor’s certificate/note stating that
you are fit to travel. Please submit
this with your application form.
• For courier trips, because of the
weight of your luggage, you will
need to be under the age of 70
and physically able to pull and lift
luggage up to 20kg in weight.
• You will need to ensure you have
adhered to all medical requirements
for your trip.
• You must contact your doctor for
information on vaccinations once
your destination has been confirmed.
You will also be required to complete
and sign an Emergency Medical
Form.
Insurance
• You will automatically be covered
by the Open Doors Travel Insurance
Policy. Our specialist travel insurance
is fully comprehensive and has no
exclusions. You will be invoiced for
the amount of £40.
Preparation
• Please be aware that a prerequisite
for any trip is the ability to follow
instructions and prepare thoroughly.
• You will be expected to familiarise
yourself with information sent to you
to help you prepare. You should also
read up as much as possible about
your destination in books, on the
web and through the Open Doors
website.
• You should assemble a group of To indicate your interest and to receive an
prayer partners who can support you
before, during and after the trip. You
27 Response form application form, complete this form in BLOCK
capitals and return to the address below. 1st
may also be expected to attend a
pre-trip briefing meeting.
1 Please indicate your trip preference 2 Personal details
Important
• All dates are subject to change. Please tick appropriate trip and indicate the month you
• It is not always easy to plan or predict wish to travel. Please refer to travel pages for trip dates. Title: Surname:
all that is going to happen, so a
flexible approach is essential. It is 1. Encouragement trips: First name:
not always possible to meet local Egypt Colombia Ethiopia
Christians as it may endanger them. Address:
Kenya Zanzibar Southern Sudan
• All photographs taken and all
recorded materials gathered while Post Code:
on the trip must be submitted to 2. Equipping trips:
your Travel Co-ordinator and cleared Email:
China Vietnam
before publication, presentation or
any other use. Daytime telephone:
3. Prayer trips:
• Every traveller will be required to
sign a declaration stating that they “All of you together Middle East North Africa Date of birth:
will adhere to the requirements of
Open Doors.
are Christ’s body, South East Asia North Korea
and each of you is 4. Strengthening trips:
Please return this form to: Sarah F, Travel Co-ordinator,
Open Doors, PO Box 6, Witney, OX29 6WG
Please remember that a part of it.” Indonesia Bangladesh India
this is for the safety of 5. Youth trips: China North Africa For more information go to:
those we serve. 1 Corinthians 12:27
6. Month you prefer to travel? www.opendoorsuk.org/travel