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.«
1972
First rally for Christians under persecution
The impetus for the founding of AVC (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 AVC (ACP) was a demonstration in Cologne for imprisoned Romanian pastors. Their "crime": accepting Bibles as part of an aid shipment from Germany.
21. Feb. 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
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.
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
Raising awareness
ACP repeatedly raises awareness in the “Western” world about the situation of the persecuted and organizes rallies against the imprisonment of Christians.
Raising 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
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. 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
AVC / ACP Switzerland is founded
In early 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 / ACP Switzerland is founded
In early 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.
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 official partner organization of AVC.
ACP 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.
2020
COVID-19 Relief
Closed borders and lockdowns have turned the world upside down for months—but they have also opened many unexpected doors in various countries. Our local partners around the world are pulling out all the stops to help people and are encountering great gratitude and openness toward the Christian faith.
COVID-19 Relief
Closed borders and lockdowns have turned the world upside down for months—but they have also opened many unexpected doors in various countries. Our local partners around the world are pulling out all the stops to help people and are encountering great gratitude and openness toward the Christian faith.
2021
Southeast Asia
With a grand vision, ACP launches a new project in one of the most densely populated Islamic regions in the world. Social media plays a key role in this effort.
Southeast Asia
With a grand vision, ACP launches a new project in one of the most densely populated Islamic regions in the world. Social media plays a key role in this effort.
2022
War in Ukraine
We are supporting our partners in Ukraine and the affected neighboring countries with all available means and are witnessing tremendous solidarity and generosity among the Swiss population. The year 2022 breaks the record for in-kind and monetary donations in ACP’s history.
War in Ukraine
We are supporting our partners in Ukraine and the affected neighboring countries with all available means and are witnessing tremendous solidarity and generosity among the Swiss population. The year 2022 breaks the record for in-kind and monetary donations in ACP’s history.
2022
Leadership Transition at ACP Switzerland
We celebrate with nearly 700 people: Daniel Hofer, founder of ACP Switzerland, hands over leadership of the organization to his successor, Sacha Ernst, after 35 years.
Leadership Transition at ACP Switzerland
We celebrate with nearly 700 people: Daniel Hofer, founder of ACP Switzerland, hands over leadership of the organization to his successor, Sacha Ernst, after 35 years.
2022
Persecution Exceeds 350 Million
The year 2022 marks a tragic milestone: for the first time, according to Open Doors’ Persecution Index, more than 350 million Christians worldwide are facing high to extreme levels of persecution.
Persecution Exceeds 350 Million
The year 2022 marks a tragic milestone: for the first time, according to Open Doors’ Persecution Index, more than 350 million Christians worldwide are facing high to extreme levels of persecution.
2024
Founding of ACP Canada
As early as 2023, contacts with Canada were established through ACP Italy, leading to the official founding of ACP Canada in 2024—the first partner organization on another continent.
Founding of ACP Canada
As early as 2023, contacts with Canada were established through ACP Italy, leading to the official founding of ACP Canada in 2024—the first partner organization on another continent.
2025
Founding of ACP France
For many years, Marie-Josée and Rémi Barneoud have volunteered for the Christmas Gift Pack Campaign in France. In 2025, ACP France is founded as an official association to further expand its work as a partner organization.
Founding of ACP France
For many years, Marie-Josée and Rémi Barneoud have volunteered for the Christmas Gift Pack Campaign in France. In 2025, ACP France is founded as an official association to further expand its work as a partner organization.
2025
Africa-Conference
ACP invites project partners from eleven African countries to the first Sub-Saharan Africa Conference in Ethiopia. Strangers become friends and allies who understand similar challenges, share solutions, and move forward together.
Africa-Conference
ACP invites project partners from eleven African countries to the first Sub-Saharan Africa Conference in Ethiopia. Strangers become friends and allies who understand similar challenges, share solutions, and move forward together.
1972
First rally for Christians under persecution
The impetus for the founding of AVC (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 AVC (ACP) was a demonstration in Cologne for imprisoned Romanian pastors. Their "crime": accepting Bibles as part of an aid shipment from Germany.
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
Raising awareness
ACP repeatedly raises awareness in the “Western” world about the situation of the persecuted and organizes rallies against the imprisonment of Christians.
Raising awareness
ACP repeatedly raises awareness in the “Western” world about the situation of the persecuted and organizes rallies against the imprisonment of Christians.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2020
COVID-19 Relief
Closed borders and lockdowns have turned the world upside down for months—but they have also opened many unexpected doors in various countries. Our local partners around the world are pulling out all the stops to help people and are encountering great gratitude and openness toward the Christian faith.
COVID-19 Relief
Closed borders and lockdowns have turned the world upside down for months—but they have also opened many unexpected doors in various countries. Our local partners around the world are pulling out all the stops to help people and are encountering great gratitude and openness toward the Christian faith.
2022
War in Ukraine
We are supporting our partners in Ukraine and the affected neighboring countries with all available means and are witnessing tremendous solidarity and generosity among the Swiss population. The year 2022 breaks the record for in-kind and monetary donations in ACP’s history.
War in Ukraine
We are supporting our partners in Ukraine and the affected neighboring countries with all available means and are witnessing tremendous solidarity and generosity among the Swiss population. The year 2022 breaks the record for in-kind and monetary donations in ACP’s history.
2022
Leadership Transition at ACP Switzerland
We celebrate with nearly 700 people: Daniel Hofer, founder of ACP Switzerland, hands over leadership of the organization to his successor, Sacha Ernst, after 35 years.
Leadership Transition at ACP Switzerland
We celebrate with nearly 700 people: Daniel Hofer, founder of ACP Switzerland, hands over leadership of the organization to his successor, Sacha Ernst, after 35 years.
2025
Founding of ACP France
For many years, Marie-Josée and Rémi Barneoud have volunteered for the Christmas Gift Pack Campaign in France. In 2025, ACP France is founded as an official association to further expand its work as a partner organization.
Founding of ACP France
For many years, Marie-Josée and Rémi Barneoud have volunteered for the Christmas Gift Pack Campaign in France. In 2025, ACP France is founded as an official association to further expand its work as a partner organization.
21. Feb. 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
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.
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.
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. 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.
1987
AVC / ACP Switzerland is founded
In early 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 / ACP Switzerland is founded
In early 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.
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.
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.
2015
ACP 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.
ACP 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.
2021
Southeast Asia
With a grand vision, ACP launches a new project in one of the most densely populated Islamic regions in the world. Social media plays a key role in this effort.
Southeast Asia
With a grand vision, ACP launches a new project in one of the most densely populated Islamic regions in the world. Social media plays a key role in this effort.
2022
Persecution Exceeds 350 Million
The year 2022 marks a tragic milestone: for the first time, according to Open Doors’ Persecution Index, more than 350 million Christians worldwide are facing high to extreme levels of persecution.
Persecution Exceeds 350 Million
The year 2022 marks a tragic milestone: for the first time, according to Open Doors’ Persecution Index, more than 350 million Christians worldwide are facing high to extreme levels of persecution.
2024
Founding of ACP Canada
As early as 2023, contacts with Canada were established through ACP Italy, leading to the official founding of ACP Canada in 2024—the first partner organization on another continent.
Founding of ACP Canada
As early as 2023, contacts with Canada were established through ACP Italy, leading to the official founding of ACP Canada in 2024—the first partner organization on another continent.
2025
Africa-Conference
ACP invites project partners from eleven African countries to the first Sub-Saharan Africa Conference in Ethiopia. Strangers become friends and allies who understand similar challenges, share solutions, and move forward together.
Africa-Conference
ACP invites project partners from eleven African countries to the first Sub-Saharan Africa Conference in Ethiopia. Strangers become friends and allies who understand similar challenges, share solutions, and move forward together.
Impressions from ACP history
Vorgetäuschte Panne in der Ukraine
Vorgetäuschte Panne in der Ukraine
Vorgetäuschte Panne in der Ukraine
»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
August 14 2026
Open Skies Over Pattaya
No place is too difficult for Jesus. Even in dark alleys, His light finds searching hearts. We were able to experience this firsthand in Pattaya, ...
August 12 2026
New Life Despite Destruction
Church buildings in ruins—and yet: More than 50 people in North West Shewa have made a decision for Jesus for the first time in their lives. ...
August 11 2026
“Who, if not us?”
In Southeast Asia, AVC is reaching Muslims with the Gospel through social media. Local missionaries Markus and Rahmat* share about their ministry ...
August 08 2026
When Help Changes
No ID, no address, no support network: How a young man was able to keep his job and get his life back on track thanks to the new direction of our ...
News
August 14 2026
Open Skies Over Pattaya
No place is too difficult for Jesus. Even in dark alleys, His light finds searching hearts. We were able to experience this firsthand in Pattaya, ...
August 12 2026
New Life Despite Destruction
Church buildings in ruins—and yet: More than 50 people in North West Shewa have made a decision for Jesus for the first time in their lives. ...
August 11 2026
“Who, if not us?”
In Southeast Asia, AVC is reaching Muslims with the Gospel through social media. Local missionaries Markus and Rahmat* share about their ministry ...
August 08 2026
When Help Changes
No ID, no address, no support network: How a young man was able to keep his job and get his life back on track thanks to the new direction of our ...
August 05 2026
Place of Peace
Following a tragic incident at a church in Peshawar, our partners experienced great deliverance. ...
August 04 2026
In a Village with 400 Hindu Priests
In Uttarakhand, the “Land of the Gods” in the Himalayas, we visit various places to encourage local Christians and prepare for the establishment o ...
August 01 2026
New Leadership
After more than 20 years of service in Albania, Ueli and Dora Dietrich
are entering their well-deserved retirement. The couple has had a significa ...
July 29 2026
A Home at Last
The story of the Ukrainian couple, Natalia and Sergei, powerfully illustrates how God Himself can bring something new out of a complete dead end. ...
