Unreached People Groups

https://odb.org/MY/2021/11/02/the-critical-link

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus asked us to reach out and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Not just people we know like our family and friends but people who may never have heard of the Gospel, about the gift of salvation by the grace of God through Jesus Christ, His Son. The verse speaks of making disciples and not just preaching. It goes beyond just delivering the Good News on a “take it or leave it” basis, but it involves training, supporting and nurturing a community of believers over a long period of time, perhaps a lifetime or for generations.

My cousin Sharene and her hubby Ricky are directly involved in this ministry and just last Sunday, two days ago, she spoke on the pulpit at my church (via Zoom from my home) and preached a message on making investments into this ministry that reaches out to unreached people groups. In private, they spoke about their vision of one day establishing trust funds and foundations for unreached people groups so that this ministry may be perpetuated beyond their years here on earth.

I think there is a serious need for us to be involved in such a ministry as all communities should have the opportunity to not only hear the Gospel but also be part of the outpouring of the blessings of God through Abraham. When God comes into our lives through our acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we not only gain eternal life but His heavenly blessings. As mentioned yesterday, the life transformation that comes with knowing Jesus and the blessings of heaven will surely lift up our lives and our generations to come.

There are still many unreached people groups scattered across the world especially in dark or closed countries and there could be communities within our own nations too who are yet unreached. The work is ardous and long and the gestation period may span a lifetime of a missionary. We have heard of past stories of missionaries toiling the field for years and years only to see fruition in the next generation. Maybe they only managed to disciple two to three faithful believers over their lifetime. But these few who were discipled, went on to lead villages and provinces for Christ! The key to sustainable mission work is discipleship – teaching, training, support and nurturing – not just in spiritual matters or theology but often necessarily with life skills to earn a living or run a business. A disciple of Christ who is self sufficient and successful earning his or her keep for their families is a beacon of hope in such closed communities and as much as they may face severe persecution, they will gain the respect and admiration of their communities if they emerge successful in their own right. The glory of God shall indeed shine forth as they triumph despite such odds and adversity!

I urge you, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, to be involved directly in such ministries as a missionary while carrying out our vocations in such dark or closed countries if that is our calling from God. Plan our lives such that we may secure gainful employment in such nations so we may reach out and make disciples out of such unreached people groups. But if that is not our calling, consider seriously to invest into such ministries with our money and prayers. As this is a lifelong commitment, we can start by investing some money and praying for them. But the key to this ministry is consistency and fervency whether we are directly or indirectly involved. The work spans generations. Thus we should support such initiatives in the long term – in the investment of our money, in our prayers and also our physical efforts in the field whenever the opportunity arises. Lay up for yourself treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:20). To me, investing our money, time and efforts in unreached people groups is surely an investment into our treasures in heaven!