By IET Communications
Eight hundred million unreached Hindus in India. Two hundred million Muslims in another impoverished Asian nation. Those numbers can seem overwhelming. But, with God’s calling, perhaps you can help.
“When you learn about what’s happening among the Muslims in this poor nation, it breaks your heart,” said our regional director (RD) for Asia-Pacific. “We have no words to describe how they suffer. They are gripped by the darkness. Economically they are suffering, trying to survive on simple jobs and low wages. Other nations in the region look down on them. They are always treated as the lowest, as if they were animals.”
Life is similar for many unreached Hindus in India. They also face staggering poverty, overcrowded living conditions, lack of medical care, and spiritual darkness.
But, our RD said, “The people in both countries are open to the Gospel. They have soft hearts.” For these reasons, Navigator leaders in Asia-Pacific are making a strong push to raise up new missionaries to advance the Gospel in these countries.
Reaching Muslims in Asia
To reach Muslims in the country described above, the Asia-Pacific Leadership Team (APLT) is seeking at least one couple, or a small team of single men and women, to serve for at least two years (preferably longer). These missionaries would be joining a team comprising an experienced couple who God is using to carry the Gospel into relational networks.
Access to people would come from work in a legitimate and exciting missional enterprise start-up. This business would also provide much-needed jobs for local people.
The new team would need to avoid traditional Christian forms and embed among local people, offering a pure Gospel and having a strong knowledge of the culture and religion. As a result of the faithful service of previous missionaries, there are believers and emerging laborers scattered in Muslim family networks. The APLT hopes to find people who have cultural sensitivity and business abilities, and who can equip local believers to advance the Gospel deeper into the culture.
This work is suited to people from any ethnicity or nationality. Those from younger generations are especially encouraged to consider this opportunity. The APLT has formed a strong task force and missional enterprises team to support this exciting and important work.
Other Ways to Help
In addition to serving in-country, there are three ways to help. First, the APLT has already raised $40,000 to launch the missional enterprise, but hey need to raise an additional $15,000. Second, they hope to recruit more Navigator investors who can provide strong joint venture investment in the missional enterprise. Third, the APLT welcomes prayer warriors for this nation.
Reaching Hindus in India
Nearly 80 percent of people in India practice Hinduism. The APLT is seeking a pioneering team composed of couples and/or a small team of single men and women to work among Hindus. One couple should be experienced enough to lead the team. There are no limitations on the nationalities of those on the team. However, the team must be able to adapt and create new pathways for the Gospel rather than relying on traditional methods. To best gain political and relational access, the team members should be able to work in professions such as business, teaching, community development, medicine, etc.
The APLT has also established a task force of people who are committed to working with the pioneering team in developing a ministry strategy and supporting the effort.
And . . . Melbourne, Australia
The APLT also has a priority goal of recruiting spiritually mature young singles and/or a couple to bring new energy to our campus ministries in Melbourne. The city is home to eight universities that teach close to 300,000 students, with more than a third from overseas. Many students come from China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other unreached Asian nations, which makes this a strategic opportunity to equip them to serve Christ in their home countries. We also aim to reach the Australian secular/postmodern students.
The new missionary team would join three Navigator staff couples and one single staff who are already working among college students. The new couple and/or singles would serve in two capacities: 1) to participate in grassroots ministry primarily among the postmodern population of Aussie students; and 2) to serve the existing laborers.
“This is a new era in Australia,” said our RD. “There is a new culture among young people. About 51 percent say they have no religion. We need more support from people who are comfortable working in this secular culture and able to adapt and create new pathways for the Gospel.”
Next Steps
If you are interested in any of the missionary partnering opportunities described above, please contact Glenn at glenn.ilc.communications@gmail.com. We will guide you forward.
