Rewind
David Bryant points out that God cannot lead you based on facts you don’t know. The reason much of Christianity’s resources are misplaced isn’t because people are opposed to reaching unreached people. The reason is many well-meaning pastors, elders, deacons, and church members are unaware of the global status of Christianity. Jesus says in Mark 1:38, “Let us go on to the next town that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” Jesus wasn’t satisfied with one town, or group of people hearing about him, so neither should we. If it’s true that every tribe, tongue, people, and nation will be represented before God in heaven (Revelation 7:9), then our job should be to help others focus the majority of their time and resources in reaching those tribes, tongues, peoples, and nations that have yet to be represented.
One of the best ways to start is by learning about who these unreached people are. What are the names of the tribes? Where are they found? What languages do they speak? What is their worldview or main religion? What would be some of their objections to Jesus as the Son of God, the only way to the Father, the Savior, and the Giver of eternal life? How can we best communicate the gospel with them?
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There are many ways to help someone else learn about God’s World:
Call the International Mission Board at 1-800-999-3113 and ask for two “Global Status of Evangelical Christianity” maps (they give them out for free). Put one on your wall and give the other to your friend. Pray over it together choosing countries with unreached areas to focus on while you pray.
Take a friend to visit the worship center of another religion (Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, etc.) as a learner and ask questions about what they believe about Jesus, the Bible, Christianity, etc. Remember that you are there as a learner. Also, dress modestly and appropriately to show respect. After the visit, discuss what you learned and what scripture says concerning their worldview.
Lead a small group through a study on the THUMB, focusing on one group each week. Go to the Joshua Project website to research unreached people groups together. See who can find the “most unreached” group of people. Write a report together about one of the most unreached groups and submit it to your church or campus ministry to consider how you can be part of reaching those people.
Contact Wycliffe Bible Translators to adopt a Bibleless people to pray for regularly. Keep each other accountable by praying together at least once a week.
Invite a friend to participate in The Traveling Team’s summer training program – the Intensive Training Project. You will spend seven weeks in either Philadelphia or Los Angeles taking a college-level missions class, learning about the major world religions, and visiting a mosque and several temples. Also, you will both be trained and equipped to go back to your campus and church as better mobilizers to continue adding others who will embrace God’s heart for the world and live purposely as World Christians.
Soundbyte
“I’ve watched the DVD (that you gave me), read through the literature and am praying over the prayer cards I bought from you guys. On top of that, I had the opportunity to share the need for missions with some of my close friends and convinced them both to consider going overseas. Thanks very much for your guidance, advice and help. I pray that God blesses your ministry and you can revive the great commission in thousands of college student’s hearts.” - Dan
