Did you know that 1/3 of the world has been denied access to the Good News?
That’s right. About 3 billion people are cut off from hearing Jesus’ name.
Most of these live in nations closed off to the Gospel message because of oppressive governments and/or religions. Missionaries are forbidden, Christians are persecuted, and seekers risk their lives just by asking a question about Jesus. Nearly 7,500 people groups are considered unreached, 90% of those in closed countries. And about 4,ooo languages still have no Scripture portions at all, much less the whole Bible.
In the map below, the red areas are nations where Christians are persecuted. To the right of the nation’s name is the number of unreached people groups there. A “people group” is an ethnic population bound together by common language, culture, religion and/or other features which set them apart from the peoples around them. An unreached people group (UPG) has little or no way to hear the Good News about Christ. (For detailed information on all unreached people groups worldwide, visit JoshuaProject.net.)
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
Matthew 24:14 ESV
Unreached People Group Maps and Numbers by Region:
Check out these posts and prayers for UPGs:
Father please have mercy. More than 40% of the world’s population has yet to hear the Good News about Christ. Some unreached people groups are forbidden by law to convert to another religion. Others are isolated by rough terrain and lack of roads. Many languages still have no Scripture, and some don’t even have a writing system of their own yet. Many millions of people, especially in Asia and the Middle East, have never met a Christian. With no Bible and no witness, they live and die in total darkness. Speak to them in their dreams. Call out missionaries who will learn their languages and cross barriers to share the gospel with them. Give them access to the internet and connect them to Christian websites. Guide them to underground churches and brave believers willing to risk their lives to lead the lost to faith. Make a way for the Bible to be translated into every language and made available in a form they can easily understand. Lead persons of peace from UPGs to learn another language, hear the Word, and then take the Gospel back to their people. Tear down every idol and barrier. If the enemy has blinded the lost to Truth, then take the plaster off their eyes and show them Christ. May those not called by Your name seek You, find You and at last be known as Yours. Preach Your truth in every tongue in every language under Heaven, for what seems impossible unto man is not through You. Through You, all things are possible. We ask You now for signs and miracles and wonders, for dreams and visions from Your heart, for each one to hear Your Good News in their own heart language, for millions — even billions — to place their faith in You, for Your Kingdom to come to every nation and every heart all throughout the earth, and for every door closed to be opened now, in the name of Jesus!
So, what is this good news governments and religious leaders feel so threatened by?
There is only one God. He is the Creator of the Universe, infinite, all-powerful, perfect, holy. He created us because He loves us and wants us to enjoy Him and love others through His love. That is our whole reason for living. But sin (our prideful, selfish thoughts and actions) separates us from this holy God, preventing us from enjoying the abundant life and freedom we were created for. (John 10:10) Yet, still He loves us—so much, in fact, that He sent His Son Jesus to make the way for us to be reconciled to Him. (John 3:16) Jesus was born both fully God and fully human. Although he faced all the same frustrations and temptations we do, He did not sin. He preached and performed miracles to show us how much God loves us—healing the sick, lame, blind and deaf; casting out demons from those who were troubled; multiplying food for the hungry; calming storms: and even raising people from the dead. But the religious leaders—those who said they served God—hated Him. They spread lies about Him and arranged for Him to be executed (nailed to a wooden cross).
Yet, this was God’s plan all along. Our sin deserves death, but Jesus died in our place, a perfect sacrifice. Three days later, He rose from the dead. His resurrection is recorded in history. (More than 5oo people saw Him.) Jesus said, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6 NIV). He is the only way we can be reconciled to God and have eternal life. When we believe in Jesus and turn away from our sin to follow Him instead, we receive His forgiveness and step into God’s loving, good purposes for our lives. What’s more, He promises us eternal life in Heaven, where every tear is wiped away. The demons tremble at Jesus’ name—and so do governments and false religions—because His Kingdom is not one of killing, stealing and destroying like earthly kingdoms are; but of abundant life. (John 10:10) When we choose to believe in Jesus and let Him be our Lord and King, His Spirit fills our hearts and lives with love, joy, peace (Galatians 5:22-23) and true freedom no earthly power can take away.
Do you want this free gift? (Ephesians 2:8-9) God is waiting here right now, with His arms open wide. Believe in Jesus, receive His free gift of grace, and choose to follow this One whose way is love. Let Him transform your heart, and you will never be the same again.
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Pray for unreached people groups throughout the world through 30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening, Volume 2, available in both paperback or pdf format (for Kindle and other devices) at MoreThanAConquerorBooks.com.
Mikaela Vincent and her husband are missionaries who live by faith, trusting in God to provide for their needs as they pray for and share Christ with the nations. If you would like to help their ministry through giving a donation, shopping at Mikaela’s online bookstore, praying for them or inviting them to speak at your church, retreat or other event, click the buttons below:
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