1993 | ACP IN SIBIRIA
To reach Siberia's labor camps in rough terrain, the prison administration provides helicopters to transport our outreach team and literature.
To reach Siberia's labor camps in rough terrain, the prison administration provides helicopters to transport our outreach team and literature.
Our history / How it all started
On the road with God for the persecuted and the needy
The impetus for the founding of ACP was a demonstration for Romanian pastors. These pastors were in prison because they had accepted Bibles from a group of German pastors in addition to relief supplies after heavy flooding in 1970 - a major crime committed by Romanian Christians behind the Iron Curtain at that time, which was punished with imprisonment.
To stand up for those arrested, Bible-carriers from Germany, including Gerhard Heinzmann, Ludwig Eisenlöffel, Hans Ollesch and Waldemar Sardaczuk, organized a rally in Cologne. ACP was set up as the organizer of the demonstration. Surprisingly, the court acquitted the Romanian pastors. ACP continued to work to further publicize the cause of Christians under persecution and mobilize support.
Growing international ACP family
The organization has since grown internationally and become a large family. Today, ACP includes independent partner organizations in several European countries and in Canada. Together, we are active in over 60 countries worldwide.
»The encounters with persecuted people in various Eastern Bloc countries motivated me to take on the hardships and dangers of Bible smuggling. In 1987, I gave up my job as a construction manager to devote myself full-time to building up ACP Switzerland.«
»I read the book 'Tortured for Christ' by Richard Wurmbrand. Meeting him and others who endured decades of imprisonment and torture made a deep impression on me. On a 'Bible smuggling trip' to Russia, I was arrested and interrogated - a tiny taste of what persecuted Christians suffer.«
»As students in Erzhausen in the 1980s, my wife Ingeborg and I were invited to work at ACP in the clothing warehouse and learned about the suffering of Christians in the East. That moved us to later help found ACP Austria.«
News
March 11 2026
The Miracle of Pata Island
For years, persecution was a reality for the small Christian community on Pata Island in the southern Philippines. The threat was clear: “Stop wor ...
March 06 2026
Unconditional Love
“Winning Muslims for Christ”: Under this title, two ACP partners organized a seminar in Bulgaria. Around 80 participants from Eastern Europe were ...
March 04 2026
When Suffering Is Grace
In one region of Ethiopia, the work of our evangelists was hampered for a time. The reason was a young man named Biniam*, whom our co-workers had ...
March 03 2026
Freedom Behind Walls
The goal of the ACP mission in Thailand and Cambodia was to win many people for Jesus. Refugees from Myanmar, prison inmates, Buddhist students, a ...
News
March 11 2026
The Miracle of Pata Island
For years, persecution was a reality for the small Christian community on Pata Island in the southern Philippines. The threat was clear: “Stop wor ...
March 06 2026
Unconditional Love
“Winning Muslims for Christ”: Under this title, two ACP partners organized a seminar in Bulgaria. Around 80 participants from Eastern Europe were ...
March 04 2026
When Suffering Is Grace
In one region of Ethiopia, the work of our evangelists was hampered for a time. The reason was a young man named Biniam*, whom our co-workers had ...
March 03 2026
Freedom Behind Walls
The goal of the ACP mission in Thailand and Cambodia was to win many people for Jesus. Refugees from Myanmar, prison inmates, Buddhist students, a ...
February 27 2026
Improved, but Unstable
It may take years before the Christian Bawms in southeastern Bangladesh can return to normal life. Thankfully, however, the situation has eased so ...
February 24 2026
In a Vice
Since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan, many Afghan refugees have been living illegally in Pakistan. Their situation is desperate. Our projec ...
February 20 2026
A Light on the Hill
In the jungle of Assam, India, our school has led more than half the population of the village of Hangrum to Jesus. However, the new Christians im ...
February 18 2026
Testimonies of Hope
Since January, thousands have been protesting against the corrupt political and religious system in Iran. In the midst of darkness, Christians are ...
1972
First rally for Christians under persecution
The impetus for the founding of ACP was a demonstration in Cologne for imprisoned Romanian pastors. Their "crime": accepting Bibles as part of an aid shipment from Germany.
First rally for Christians under persecution
The impetus for the founding of ACP was a demonstration in Cologne for imprisoned Romanian pastors. Their "crime": accepting Bibles as part of an aid shipment from Germany.
Feb 21, 1972
ACP Germany is founded
Gerhard Heinzmann, Ludwig Eisenlöffel, Hans Ollesch, Waldemar Sardaczuk and others found ACP under the name "Action Committee for Christians under Persecution".
ACP Germany is founded
Gerhard Heinzmann, Ludwig Eisenlöffel, Hans Ollesch, Waldemar Sardaczuk and others found ACP under the name "Action Committee for Christians under Persecution".
1972
Support behind the Iron Curtain
ACP visits the persecuted and families of imprisoned Christians in the territory of the former USSR - an important support and encouragement for those affected.
Support behind the Iron Curtain
ACP visits the persecuted and families of imprisoned Christians in the territory of the former USSR - an important support and encouragement for those affected.
1973
Bible smuggling
Bibles have been smuggled into hermetically sealed countries by bold means and often at great risk. A precious treasure for the receivers!
Bible smuggling
Bibles have been smuggled into hermetically sealed countries by bold means and often at great risk. A precious treasure for the receivers!
Ongoing
Creating awareness
ACP repeatedly raises awareness in the “Western” world about the situation of the persecuted and organizes rallies against the imprisonment of Christians..
Creating awareness
ACP repeatedly raises awareness in the “Western” world about the situation of the persecuted and organizes rallies against the imprisonment of Christians..
1978
Latin America | Brazil
ACP's involvement in Latin America begins with support for soup kitchens in Brazil.
Latin America | Brazil
ACP's involvement in Latin America begins with support for soup kitchens in Brazil.
1980
Africa | Uganda
The road to state independence was painful for Uganda. ACP sends several containers with relief supplies, and courageous pastors from Germany visit the crisis area..
Africa | Uganda
The road to state independence was painful for Uganda. ACP sends several containers with relief supplies, and courageous pastors from Germany visit the crisis area..
1982
Middle East | Lebanon
The first aid transport to the Middle East goes to Lebanon where civil wars were already alternating with cruel massacres and ceasefires.
Middle East | Lebanon
The first aid transport to the Middle East goes to Lebanon where civil wars were already alternating with cruel massacres and ceasefires.
1987
ACP Switzerland is founded
In the spring of 1987, Daniel Hofer officially began to work for the cause of Christians under persecution and founded an independent association on January 23, 1988. ACP also works in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and in France near the border.
ACP Switzerland is founded
In the spring of 1987, Daniel Hofer officially began to work for the cause of Christians under persecution and founded an independent association on January 23, 1988. ACP also works in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and in France near the border.
1989
Fall of the Berlin Wall
On November 9, 1989, the fall of the Berlin Wall marked the end of an era. A new era dawned for Christians under persecution, and new opportunities opened for ACP to support them.
Fall of the Berlin Wall
On November 9, 1989, the fall of the Berlin Wall marked the end of an era. A new era dawned for Christians under persecution, and new opportunities opened for ACP to support them.
1990
Nehemia Christliches Hilfswerk e.V. is founded
For a better implementation of the humanitarian work, ACP Germany founds Nehemia Christliches Hilfswerk e.V.
Nehemia Christliches Hilfswerk e.V. is founded
For a better implementation of the humanitarian work, ACP Germany founds Nehemia Christliches Hilfswerk e.V.
1991
Asia | Russia
A first Russian plane carrying relief supplies from ACP is flying to Krasnoyarsk in Siberia; a second in September to the Urals and a third to Bratsk.
Asia | Russia
A first Russian plane carrying relief supplies from ACP is flying to Krasnoyarsk in Siberia; a second in September to the Urals and a third to Bratsk.
1992
Nehemiah Czech Republic is founded
For many years ACP supported Christians under persecution in the Czech Republic. Now a new ACP ministry, Nehemiah Czech Republic, emerges to support projects outside the Czech Republic. In 2013, Nehemiah Czech Republic becomes a partner organization of ACP International.
Nehemiah Czech Republic is founded
For many years ACP supported Christians under persecution in the Czech Republic. Now a new ACP ministry, Nehemiah Czech Republic, emerges to support projects outside the Czech Republic. In 2013, Nehemiah Czech Republic becomes a partner organization of ACP International.
1995
ACP Austria is founded
Thanks to the commitment of Edwin and Ingeborg Jung, ACP has been active in Austria since 1995. The official foundation of the association takes place in 2010.
ACP Austria is founded
Thanks to the commitment of Edwin and Ingeborg Jung, ACP has been active in Austria since 1995. The official foundation of the association takes place in 2010.
2015
ACP Italy is founded
In 2015, the association ACP Italia for Italy and Italian-speaking Switzerland is formed. 2017, it becomes an official partner organization of ACP.
ACP Italy is founded
In 2015, the association ACP Italia for Italy and Italian-speaking Switzerland is formed. 2017, it becomes an official partner organization of ACP.
1972
First rally for Christians under persecution
The impetus for the founding of AVC was a demonstration in Cologne for imprisoned Romanian pastors. Their "crime": accepting Bibles as part of an aid shipment from Germany.
First rally for Christians under persecution
The impetus for the founding of AVC was a demonstration in Cologne for imprisoned Romanian pastors. Their "crime": accepting Bibles as part of an aid shipment from Germany.
1972
Behind the Iron Curtain
AVC visits the persecuted and families of imprisoned Christians in the territory of the former USSR - an important support and encouragement for those affected.
Behind the Iron Curtain
AVC visits the persecuted and families of imprisoned Christians in the territory of the former USSR - an important support and encouragement for those affected.
Ongoing
Creating awareness
AVC repeatedly raises awareness in the “Western” world about the situation of the persecuted and organizes rallies against the imprisonment of Christians.
Creating awareness
AVC repeatedly raises awareness in the “Western” world about the situation of the persecuted and organizes rallies against the imprisonment of Christians.
1980
Africa | Uganda
The road to state independence was painful for Uganda. AVC sends several containers with relief supplies, and courageous pastors from Germany visit the crisis area.
Africa | Uganda
The road to state independence was painful for Uganda. AVC sends several containers with relief supplies, and courageous pastors from Germany visit the crisis area.
1989
Fall of the Berlin Wall
On November 9, 1989, the fall of the Berlin Wall marked the end of an era. A new era dawned for Christians under persecution, and new opportunities opened for AVC to support them.
Fall of the Berlin Wall
On November 9, 1989, the fall of the Berlin Wall marked the end of an era. A new era dawned for Christians under persecution, and new opportunities opened for AVC to support them.
1990
Nehemia Christliches Hilfswerk e.V. is founded
For a better implementation of the humanitarian work, AVC Germany founds Nehemia Christliches Hilfswerk e.V.
Nehemia Christliches Hilfswerk e.V. is founded
For a better implementation of the humanitarian work, AVC Germany founds Nehemia Christliches Hilfswerk e.V.
1995
AVC Austria is founded
Thanks to the commitment of Edwin and Ingeborg Jung, AVC has been active in Austria since 1995. The official foundation of the association takes place in 2010.
AVC Austria is founded
Thanks to the commitment of Edwin and Ingeborg Jung, AVC has been active in Austria since 1995. The official foundation of the association takes place in 2010.
Feb 21, 1972
AVC Germany is founded
Gerhard Heinzmann, Ludwig Eisenlöffel, Hans Ollesch, Waldemar Sardaczuk and others found AVC under the name "Action Committee for Christians under Persecution".
AVC Germany is founded
Gerhard Heinzmann, Ludwig Eisenlöffel, Hans Ollesch, Waldemar Sardaczuk and others found AVC under the name "Action Committee for Christians under Persecution".
1973
Bible smuggling
Bibles have been smuggled into hermetically sealed countries by bold means and often at great risk. A precious treasure for the receivers!
Bible smuggling
Bibles have been smuggled into hermetically sealed countries by bold means and often at great risk. A precious treasure for the receivers!
1978
Latin America | Brazil
AVC's involvement in Latin America begins with support for soup kitchens in Brazil.
Latin America | Brazil
AVC's involvement in Latin America begins with support for soup kitchens in Brazil.
1982
Middle East | Lebanon
The first aid transport to the Middle East goes to Lebanon where civil wars were already alternating with cruel massacres and ceasefires.
Middle East | Lebanon
The first aid transport to the Middle East goes to Lebanon where civil wars were already alternating with cruel massacres and ceasefires.
1987
AVC Switzerland is founded
In the spring of 1987, Daniel Hofer officially began to work for the cause of Christians under persecution and founded an independent association on January 23, 1988. Under the name ACP, AVC works in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and in France near the border.
AVC Switzerland is founded
In the spring of 1987, Daniel Hofer officially began to work for the cause of Christians under persecution and founded an independent association on January 23, 1988. Under the name ACP, AVC works in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and in France near the border.
1991
Asia | Russia
A first Russian plane carrying relief supplies from AVC is flying to Krasnoyarsk in Siberia; a second in September to the Urals and a third to Bratsk.
Asia | Russia
A first Russian plane carrying relief supplies from AVC is flying to Krasnoyarsk in Siberia; a second in September to the Urals and a third to Bratsk.
1992
Nehemiah Czech Republic is founded
For many years AVC supported Christians under persecution in the Czech Republic. Now a new AVC ministry, Nehemiah Czech Republic, emerges to support projects outside the Czech Republic. In 2013, Nehemiah Czech Republic becomes a partner organization of AVC International.
Nehemiah Czech Republic is founded
For many years AVC supported Christians under persecution in the Czech Republic. Now a new AVC ministry, Nehemiah Czech Republic, emerges to support projects outside the Czech Republic. In 2013, Nehemiah Czech Republic becomes a partner organization of AVC International.
2015
AVC Italy is founded
In 2015, the association ACP Italia for Italy and Italian-speaking Switzerland is formed. 2017, it becomes official partner organization of AVC.
AVC Italy is founded
In 2015, the association ACP Italia for Italy and Italian-speaking Switzerland is formed. 2017, it becomes official partner organization of AVC.
Impressions from ACP history
Vorgetäuschte Panne in der Ukraine
Vorgetäuschte Panne in der Ukraine
Vorgetäuschte Panne in der Ukraine
