87. Smuggling Bibles Behind the Iron Curtain, with “Thomas”

Smuggling bibles into the Communist East Bloc of Europe was a high stakes game back in the 1970s and 1980s. Back then, many Christians in the West had no clue that fellow believers under authoritarian regimes were actively persecuted for their faith. Some Christians did, however. A handful even took it upon themselves to try and help those suffering under Communism, by getting them Bibles and Christian literature. “Thomas” was one of those Western Christians taking risks to help the Persecuted Church. He and a small band of believers ran smuggling routes to equip and encourage the faithful. This is a part of Christian history that far too few know about. But the growing cultural pressures today resemble the authoritarian pressures endured by Christians under Communist regimes during the Cold War. So it’s critical we ramp up our knowledge of this historical era. That is precisely why Thomas joined this episode of the Christian Emergency Podcast. Thomas relates his experience taking risks to help the faithful. Those risks eventually led to real costs, including jail time. A costly faith is what Christians need to ponder today. How can you respond to growing cultural pressures? What lessons can you take away from the believers who ran bibles behind the Iron Curtain? How can we collectively play small roles to help the Church stand? Listen in and learn fascinating insights relevant for today’s challenges. If you find this episode helpful, please give us a positive rating and review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Also share this episode with a friend so they too can be blessed by these insights. To learn more about resources mentioned in this episode, see the following. Tripping: The True Story of Bible Smugglers in Germany, by Thomas Henderson (book) Christian Emergency Alliance (Website) Christian Emergency Alliance (Twitter / X): @ChristianEmerg1 Christian Emergency Alliance (Facebook): @ChristianEmergency Christian Emergency Alliance (Instagram) The Christian Emergency Podcast is a production of the Christian Emergency Alliance. Soli Deo Gloria