Eight Billion People...and Counting

Billions of people live in ‘Unreached People Groups’ (UPG’s defined as a people group where there is no indigenous community of believing Christians with adequate numbers and resources to evangelize this people group without outside assistance).  Is it the responsibility of every follower of Jesus Christ to be involved in trying to reach those who have never heard the name Jesus?

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  

And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news Romans 10:14-15

“This generation of Christians is responsible for this generation of souls on the earth!” – Keith Green

“We must be global Christians with a global vision because our God is a global God.”  John Stott

5.3B people live in the 10/40 window (the rectangular area of North Africa, the Middle East and Asia between 10 degrees north and 40 degrees north latitude) and 60% of these people live in an UPG.  Despite the large number of unreached people, there Is much good news about efforts to share the Good News.

“Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed.   For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. Habakkuk 1:5

·      91% of the world’s population has at least the New Testament available in their heart language.   Bible translation organizations are working together to begin translation in every language needed by 2033

·      The Jesus Film (from Cru) has been translated into nearly 2000 languages covering 94% of the world’s population with the goal of translating it into every remaining language with commitment to use it.

·      The Youversion Bible app is available in 1400+ languages

·      For every one new believer in North America and Europe, there are nearly 16 new believers in developing countries like Nigeria, Brazil, India and China

·      Asia Harvest Ministries estimates there are 70M (and counting) Christ-followers in India

God is at work and He is using people all over the world to reach the world.  One idea to be involved…put a reminder on your calendar for 9:38 am or pm to pray over Matthew 9:38 “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

For more on the 10/40 window such as the Biblical history represented in that area, the percent of the world’s poor that live in the 10/40 window, please see joshuaproject.net.

“Expect great things! Attempt great things!”  William Carey, considered by many the Father of Modern Missions