Ministering Where You Live

My wife and I have often found these concerns on the minds of many of the people we have talked with and shared our desire to go overseas. These people have told us a number of times something like, “Hey if you’re so interested in church planting and evangelism, why don’t you just stay here and do those things? Our city could use you!”

I’ve responded to these statements with a bit of my testimony. I used to be an atheist and although I didn’t believe in God, I knew there was something wrong with the world. So, I often studied philosophy to learn how to live a good life. About 6 years ago, I read a book that presented the Bible as a source of truth and wisdom. I hadn’t heard the Bible referred to like this before. So, I found a Bible online and, as I started reading, I had questions. I took my questions to Google and, over time, I discovered [resources] in my language to eventually lead me to the gospel, to a Bible study, and to membership in a local church.

However, the access I had to Christian resources is not universal. Specifically, about three thousand languages have yet to have any part of the Bible translated for them. Let alone any website, radio program, or other Christian information accessible in their language. There are no believers close by and there are no churches. Even if someone heard that the Creator God of the Universe has spoken and His words are recorded, there is no way for a person in these areas and within these languages to access the gospel on their own. “And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?” (Romans:10:14-15 [14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? [15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
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For me – knowing this truth and how God chose to save me – I cannot simply stand by while millions are dying without the opportunity to hear and perhaps claim as their own the saving gospel message that was so abundantly accessible to me.

Of course, there are needs in the States; there always will be. But there are also millions of believers equipped with the largest amount of Christian resources ever known to man including over 900 Bible translations (counting revisions) in English. These men and women can evangelize, disciple, and plant churches in their communities.

Our Savior is worthy to be praised by every tongue and tribe. Until that work is complete, we should have an outward, cross-cultural drive relentlessly pressing towards those who have yet to hear – those who have no Bible, no knowledge of Jesus – so that one day they will join in worshipping the only true God, now and forever.

—Current Student/Alumni, Radius International [Name withheld because of possible ministry in a “sensitive region.”]