Tributes have been paid to Eddie Lyle, former chief executive and president of Open Doors UK & Ireland and later a consultant for Open Doors International, who has died at 73 following complications from heart surgery.
An official announcement by Open Doors UK & Ireland expressed “deep sadness” after Lyle’s death in Oxford, England, on Sept. 19.
Born in Northern Ireland, Lyle joined the charity for persecuted Christians in a leadership role in 2005, with the support of his wife, Christine, after serving with Youth for Christ and Release International.
Tiffany Barrans, chief executive officer of Open Doors UK & Ireland, said Lyle was “so much more than a Chief Executive or President.”
“To many of us, he was a friend and mentor, remembered for his conviction, kindness, wisdom, vision and wonderful sense of humor,” said Barrans.
“So much of who we are today as a ministry, both in the UK and Ireland and around the world, was shaped by Eddie. He will be greatly missed and long remembered.”
Lyle visited persecuted Christians in various countries for 25 years and used his skills in Bible teaching to encourage them. He galvanized churches in the UK and Ireland to remember those persecuted for their faith.
He spoke often of Christians who share the faith but not freedoms, and he made it his life’s work to close the distance between the two, said the Open Doors tribute.
“Every now and then in life someone crosses your path who in just a few minutes can make a lifelong impact. Eddie Lyle was one of those people.
“My first encounter with Eddie was when he led devotions at my first trustee meeting. His love for our persecuted brothers and sisters, his passion for ODI, but most importantly his deep devotion to our Lord and Saviour was evident from the first moment,” said Andre Holtshausen, chair of the board of Open Doors UK & Ireland.
“Many people know Eddie far better than I do and from their stories and the few encounters I had with Eddie, his legacy will last for a very long time. One day he gave all of the trustees a little wooden cross and encouraged us to carry that with us wherever we go as a reminder of what Christ did for us and as a prompt to pray for those that suffer for their faith.
“That was Eddie — big picture heart, small detail actions. We will miss his inspirational visionary leadership, but through building strong connections, he has left a lot of himself amongst us. Now he is free of earthly limitations and living in eternal freedom, cheering us on to run the good race like he did.”
Lyle recently co-authored a book about his experiences, “Witness: Sharing the Faith of the Persecuted Church.” He also founded Medic Assist International, which builds health care capacity in persecuted communities. In later years, he supported Christian missions in northeast Ukraine and co-founded Springbrook Partnership, a leadership coaching consultancy.
Lyle is survived by his wife, Christine, and their son, Adam.
“I have lost a very dear ‘older’ brother in Christ,” said Bishop Emeritus Rennis Ponniah, ninth bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Singapore and former president of the National Council of Churches of Singapore.
“The persecuted church has lost an elder statesman. He combined sound theology with courageous faith and compassionate companionship with the suffering. Empowered by the Spirit, Eddie came alongside so many, including myself, in such a humble, kind, loving and empowering way. He helped me enter more fully into the task of shepherding the global flock of Christ. Our thoughts and prayers are with Christine and Adam, and all those nearest to Eddie. He is home with the God he served with all his heart and his indefatigable energy.”
Dan Ole Shani, CEO of Open Doors International, recalled meeting Lyle at a spiritual retreat focused on Psalm 23 and called Lyle’s life “a gift to Open Doors” with a lasting impact on “countless people he coached, taught and advised.”
“Eddie will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered,” said His Grace Mar Shimun Daniel, bishop of Adiabene, The Ancient Church of The East.
Ho Peng-Kee, elder of Mt. Carmel Bible-Presbyterian Church and former member of Parliament and senior minister of state in the Singapore government, said Lyle flew often to Singapore despite his advancing years to encourage others.
“Eddie Lyle, man of God, who loved God’s people wherever they are found worldwide,” said Peng-Kee. “Meeting him each time motivated me to pray and care for God’s people worldwide too. We will miss his wry humor and indomitable spirit.”
New Wine Movement also issued a tribute, recalling Lyle’s “deep warmth” and passion for supporting the persecuted church.
“Perhaps unknown to many was that Eddie also invested in leaders across this country, encouraging them in their ministry, whether it was leading a church or an organization. There are so many that have benefitted from his wisdom, grace and care. We pray for Christine and all of Eddie’s family in this difficult moment.”
Youth for Christ called Lyle, a former leader in the mission, a “much-loved friend” and said his “passion for Jesus, young people and the persecuted Church shaped and encouraged many people over the years.”
“His life was marked by a deep commitment to sharing the good news of Jesus and standing alongside Christians facing persecution around the world. We give thanks to God for Eddie’s life, his faithful service and the many lives he touched. Our prayers are with his family and all those who knew and loved him at this time.”
In a statement, Christian Solidarity Worldwide said Lyle left a “significant legacy and touched many lives, not only through his work with Youth for Christ, Release International, Open Doors and Medic International, but also as a father, husband, friend and colleague.”
