By Stanley Ow Chong Kheng
Stanley is the GMMI National Lead Facilitator in Singapore.
Who are the unreached?
John the Apostle unfolded this awesome and exciting gathering of countless saints in Revelation 7:9, ‘After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb’.
This is the last-day vision that John was allowed to perceive and for our anticipation of what’s going to come in the near future. Countless individuals from all nations, languages, peoples, tribes with various cultural ethnic backgrounds including the indigenous groups gather before the King of all Kings and Lord of Lords through the shed blood of the sacrificial Lamb of God.
In the Western world, including Singapore upbringing through British’s education and Christian influence, many have experience the grace and mercy of God. We are blessed with various translation of the Bible tucked into our bookcases. We can also have free access from the internet including Bible reading with readers of our choice. Yet, there are still many nations which have no access to the internet or modern day facilities such as drinking water and electricity. How about the countless tribes, ‘stateless’ and gypsies who have no access even to a written translation or section of the Bible? These people have not heard or know about “JESUS”. ‘Who is Jesus’ is their question. Can you tell me about Jesus? Can you send someone to my tribe or peoples group? ‘What took you so long to bring us the gospel?’
According to the organization, ‘Finishing the Task’ (www.finishingthetask.com) , ‘today there are 418 Unengaged, Unreached People Groups with populations more than 40,000 who are still beyond the reach of the gospel of Jesus Christ. These nearly 130,401,741 people are spiritually lost and helpless. They remain unknown, unacknowledged and unadorned about Christ.’
Joel 3:14 reminds us that there are “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.’
Romans 10:13-15 is the declaration for the call of message bearers, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,’ How then can they call on the one (Jesus) 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 (message bearer) preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news?’
Go to another culture to serve and learn. At the right time and moment, share with them another culture- Kingdom culture or God’s culture. Let Him use you as an effective message bearer.
