0
What about the 62?
Posted by
Bob Fetherlin
,
16 September 2006
·
805 views
Today I'm on my way to Florida. As a part of this trip, I've been invited to meet with the leaders of a sister missionary-sending organization to talk about the 62 . . . the 62 countries of our present world that will not issue visas to Christian missionaries.
Some of these countries are blatantly anti-Christian. Others are simply uncomfortable with foreigners coming to try to "convert" their people. Whatever the reasons, 62 countries are closed to professional, clergy, Christian missionaries.
So what should missionally-minded followers of Christ do? We could just assume that these are closed doors, outside our realm of responsibility. Or we could try to discern ways to reach them.
One thing is for sure. No people can be separated from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). Not even the gates of Hades, viewed as inpenetrable in New Testament times, can prevail against the building of Christ's church (Matthew 16:18).
I want to be counted among those committed to getting the good news about Jesus to all peoples. Everyone deserves the privilege of hearing about God's incredible, awesome Son! To this end, let's press forward.
Some of these countries are blatantly anti-Christian. Others are simply uncomfortable with foreigners coming to try to "convert" their people. Whatever the reasons, 62 countries are closed to professional, clergy, Christian missionaries.
So what should missionally-minded followers of Christ do? We could just assume that these are closed doors, outside our realm of responsibility. Or we could try to discern ways to reach them.
One thing is for sure. No people can be separated from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). Not even the gates of Hades, viewed as inpenetrable in New Testament times, can prevail against the building of Christ's church (Matthew 16:18).
I want to be counted among those committed to getting the good news about Jesus to all peoples. Everyone deserves the privilege of hearing about God's incredible, awesome Son! To this end, let's press forward.
