1993 | AVC 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 AVC 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. AVC was set up as the organizer of the demonstration. Surprisingly, the court acquitted the Romanian pastors. AVC continued to work to further publicize the cause of persecuted Christians and mobilize support.
Growing international AVC family
In the meantime, the ministry has grown internationally and become a large family. Today, AVC includes independent organizations in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria as well as the "Nehemia Christliches Hilfswerk e.V." Together, we are active in about 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 AVC 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 AVC in the clothing warehouse and learned about the suffering of Christians in the East. That moved us to later help found AVC Austria.«
News
July 04 2022
Dem Tod von der Schippe gesprungen
Wie der Einsatz in Togo zu einem Kampf auf Leben und Tod wurde. ...
May 09 2022
Auf Schleichwegen in die Gefahr
Idi Amin – der Schlächter von Afrika. Uganda war auch ein Jahr nach seinem Sturz geprägt von Gewalt und einem wirtschaftlichen Niedergang. Ein Rüc ...
January 10 2022
Gejagt in China
Gegen Mitternacht erreichen wir unser Ziel, irgendwo am Yangtze River. Ein Boot wartet auf uns. Motorengeknatter zerreisst die nächtlichen Stille ...
January 07 2022
Blick zurück in Ehrfurcht und Staunen
Zusammen mit Hilfsgütern brachten wir nach der Flut von 1970 in Rumänien auch heiss begehrte Bibeln und christliche Literatur ins Land. ...
News
July 04 2022
Dem Tod von der Schippe gesprungen
Wie der Einsatz in Togo zu einem Kampf auf Leben und Tod wurde. ...
May 09 2022
Auf Schleichwegen in die Gefahr
Idi Amin – der Schlächter von Afrika. Uganda war auch ein Jahr nach seinem Sturz geprägt von Gewalt und einem wirtschaftlichen Niedergang. Ein Rüc ...
January 10 2022
Gejagt in China
Gegen Mitternacht erreichen wir unser Ziel, irgendwo am Yangtze River. Ein Boot wartet auf uns. Motorengeknatter zerreisst die nächtlichen Stille ...
January 07 2022
Blick zurück in Ehrfurcht und Staunen
Zusammen mit Hilfsgütern brachten wir nach der Flut von 1970 in Rumänien auch heiss begehrte Bibeln und christliche Literatur ins Land. ...
January 06 2022
Weil sie uns brauchen!
»Dieses Bild ist für euch als Andenken. Ich werde es nicht mehr zu Gesicht bekommen!« Am 17. Juli 1972 erhalten die Eltern ein Telegramm: »Ihr Soh ...
1972
First rally for persecuted Christians
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 persecuted Christians
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.
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 Persecuted Christians".
AVC Germany is founded
Gerhard Heinzmann, Ludwig Eisenlöffel, Hans Ollesch, Waldemar Sardaczuk and others found AVC under the name "Action Committee for Persecuted Christians".
1972
Support 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.
Support 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.
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
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..
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.
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..
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 persecuted Christians 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 persecuted Christians 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.
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 persecuted Christians, 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 persecuted Christians, 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.
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 persecuted Christians 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 persecuted Christians 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.
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.
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.
1972
First rally for persecuted Christians
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 persecuted Christians
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 persecuted Christians, 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 persecuted Christians, 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 Persecuted Christians".
AVC Germany is founded
Gerhard Heinzmann, Ludwig Eisenlöffel, Hans Ollesch, Waldemar Sardaczuk and others found AVC under the name "Action Committee for Persecuted Christians".
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 persecuted Christians 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 persecuted Christians 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 persecuted Christians 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 persecuted Christians 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 AVC history
Vorgetäuschte Panne in der Ukraine
Vorgetäuschte Panne in der Ukraine
Vorgetäuschte Panne in der Ukraine
