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The Importance of Ministry in the 40/70 Window

Walking down the local streets of Rome or London—or most streets across Europe for that matter—you’re likely to notice the cultural diversity in the people. The truth is, Europe has become a melting pot of cultures, its inhabitants now unmistakenly diverse. From a mission’s perspective, seeing the nations of the world becoming increasingly accessible—many of which coming right to our doorsteps—is inspiring.  

For the past few decades, the focus of many mission organizations has been, and still is, the 10/40 window—a rectangular, geographical area spanning over north Africa through to Asia—10°N to 40°N latitude—with the intent of reaching the world’s most unreached populations. With ongoing refugee and immigrant movements taking place, though, the unreached are trickling into other parts of the world. Greater Europe Mission is well suited to take on the unique opportunity of reaching those who have left their 10/40 window homes for a new start in Europe.    

  

Reaching Beyond the 10/40 Window 

The 40/70 window—which includes Europe—covers the area above the 10/40 window. If we take into consideration where most refugees are fleeing from—mainly countries in the 10/40 window—and where Europe is situated, it should come as no surprise that it has welcomed more refugees than any other continent. By the end of 2023, Europe hosted over 30% of the world’s refugees; partner this number with other migrants—European-born or not—and this equates to millions of new inhabitants within the countries of Europe.  

As refugees vulnerably relocate and build new lives within European countries—carrying with them their religious beliefs, their strongholds, and their potential lack of knowledge of Jesus—they are widening the 10/40 window, drawing a greater need for prayer and additional workers to Europe.

New inhabitants aren’t the only reason to widen our focus area of ministry, though. Did you know that of all the continents across the world, Europe has the least number of evangelical Christians? Despite Europe’s deep roots in Christianity, it has since become labelled “post-Christian” in recent decades. Skepticism and secularism have polluted society and the true Christian faith, and most Europeans live for worldly pleasures rather than for their Creator.   

Many of its inhabitants—especially the older generations—continue to claim Christianity as their religion, though mostly due to the cultural tradition it has become. They won’t deny having visited a church or hearing about God in some capacity, but the number that have laid down their old selves for a new identity in Christ, is incredibly, and sadly, low. There is much need for more prayer and workers in the 40/70 window.  

Latin America has revival fires burning brightly. Asia is experiencing the greatest evangelistic harvest in the world. Africa south of the Sahara is now majority Christian. Revival reports are coming from virtually every part of the world, except from the 40/70 Window.”

Mell Winger – from mycharisma.com

Reclaiming Christ for Europe 

There is potential to draw Europeans back into meaningful relationships with Jesus, though. With many of their Christian-based holidays celebrated, and often taken seriously—Easter or Christmas for example—just imagine the impact that could further be made when global workers are in place to explain the redemptive power of a living God to those who are already hoping for one.   

There is much to be done in the 40/70 window. There are new inhabitants from other countries making Europe their home, and there are Europeans who have stepped away from the church and their faith, making way for the influences of the world to replace what only God can fill. The continent with the least number of evangelical believers needs to be included in our focus area of ministry; we need to expand the 10/40 window to include the lost souls in Europe.  

Do you feel compelled to share the Gospel within the 40/70 window? There’s always a need for more workers! Contact us today to find out how you can be involved; or become a prayer warrior and pray for the hearts of the European people to soften and accept the Truth. Let’s help bring the freedom found only in Jesus back to Europe!  

Written by:

Leanne Monge Barrera

Leanne Monge Barrera is currently serving in central Canada as a storyteller and social media content creator with GEM Canada. She also serves at home, homeschooling her four children.

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The Importance of Cities and Why We Should Serve in Them

What do you think of when you hear the words populated, busy, and traffic? How about nightlife, museums, and restaurants? Do you think of a place where you might live? A place where you might want to live? With God calling us to be ‘fishers of men’, would it be beneficial to seek out a place encapsulating the words mentioned above?   

With over half of the world’s population living in cities, it’s no wonder long-time church planter and GEM worker Stephen Beck encourages Christian believers to fulfill the great commission within them.   

“Cities are where decisions of the future of the world are being made,” Stephen starts.  

“They’re places of productivity and creativity; where universities and businesses are; where the poor look for work and survival; they’re gathering places of special interest groups,” says Stephen. “The city is a magnet that draws all kinds of people with all kinds of backgrounds to itself. If we’re going to think missions, we need to understand that the world is moving into cities.”  

Take Brussels, for instance. The capital city of Belgium is home to over 185 nationalities. Like a growing number of other cities in Europe, Brussels has attracted a melting pot of cultures. The nations of the world have been flocking to the cities, bringing a diversity of religions and beliefs with them.     

“If winning the nations is the goal, into the cities we should go.”  

Stephen Beck

We can see God’s heart for cities through Nineveh, one of the more famous of pagan biblical cities. Jonah, horrified at the thought of being sent there, offers us something to consider—how much do we relate with him? How often do we feel superior to those living sinfully in the cities around us? How often do we choose to, instead of leading them to Christ, avoid or ignore their behavior altogether?  

Is God still concerned for the Ninevehs of today?   

“We need to replace our indifference with zeal, and our dislike for the city with compassion,” Stephen offers. “In Matthew 9:38, Jesus went through the city and saw many who were confused and lost. Today, many people in cities don’t know who Jesus is—they’re still confused and lost.” We need to participate in God’s mission for the people.   

With years of church planting involvement in Canada, Germany, and now the US, Stephen’s seasoned experience sheds light on the ways God can move when we’re obedient, especially regarding planting churches within cities.  

“Church planting is a mission strategy for people who don’t know Jesus,” he states. With the presence of spiritual warfare evident in both urban and rural areas, it’s important to have these ‘beacons of light’ for non-believers to find the Truth.  

“Church plants should be Gospel-centered, where there are no expectations for non-Christians to instantly fit into a church code of behavior, but have an open-arms approach, being patient as new Christians go on their journey,” Stephen says. “As we plant churches, we need to include all nations and languages; multiculturalism is the way to go, because nations are gathering in cities.”  

As we make our way into the cities, we need to be patient and prayerful. We live in a world where many believe they don’t need God. Men and women try to prove they can make it on their own and can decide what is true. When they discover that they themselves can’t fulfill what their souls are aching for, we need to be ready to offer true fulfillment.  

“If we’re going to reach the nations, we need to reach our nation. To reach our nation, we need to reach the cities. We need to be concerned, have compassion for the people in our cities. We need to be fishers of men—it is our purpose. We need to be proactive missionaries with hearts burning for the people where we live,” Stephen concludes.  

Cities—with all they offer and contain—offer such rich opportunities for Christians to make an impact. Will you choose to be part of the movement, going after the people in the places where they gather?  

Pray with me.  

Lord, give us a heart for the people—a heart that longs to see them set free, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zones and into the busyness of the city to find them. We pray for you to instill in us a heart for Your mission, that all may hear Your name and be set free.   

Amen  

To hear Stephen’s sermon in its entirety, click here. 

Written by:

Leanne Monge Barrera

Leanne Monge Barrera is currently serving in central Canada as a storyteller and social media content creator with GEM Canada. She also serves at home, homeschooling her four children.

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Why Should We Care about Missions?

 Do you remember your first exposure to missions? If you grew up in a Christian church, perhaps the idea was first planted in Vacation Bible School. There we would be regaled of the Apostle Paul’s adventures in prison, earthquakes, and on rough seas. We would hear fantastic stories of people suddenly understanding foreign languages, and tragic tales of young men martyred by villagers. For a young child, foreign missions was understood as a global adventure to be taken on by only the most spiritually mature among us. 

Even as adults, these ideas still linger. We’re taught about great spiritual needs in church, we hear from missionaries in Sunday school, we may even host a missionary family for a night or two. But the concept remains slightly out of reach. Missions is something other Christians do, right? “Good for them,” we are tempted to think, “but it’s not really for me.” 

We think missions is for you: for you to pray about, participate in, and support. But why?

Why should you care about missions? 

Because God cares 

If we claim to love God, we should love the things He loves, and the things that matter to Him should matter to us.  

We know that He loves His children—we’re the reason He sent His only Son as a sacrifice to save us (John 3:16) and an example for us to follow (John 20:21). He wants His children—from every people group and nation—to experience His glory. Acts 13:47 says that He has made us a light for the gentiles, that we may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.  

God longs to redeem and restore us (1 Peter 5:10). He doesn’t want any of His family to miss this gift, which is why, like Jesus, we need to go into the world to ensure no one misses out!  

Because salvation is only available through Jesus Christ 

The Word is clear that Jesus is our only hope for salvation (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). If this is the case, then everyone needs to know. Unfortunately, there are still people in this world that haven’t even heard the name ‘Jesus’, never mind choose to follow Him.  

According to The Joshua Project, out of the earth’s 17,400 people groups, over 7,000 have never heard the Gospel. This means about 40% of the world’s people groups haven’t had a chance to hear about the redemptive power of God. It wouldn’t be fair to let those who do not yet know Jesus to pass away before knowing this life-saving truth. And as God’s children, it is our duty to tell them. 

“No one has the right to hear the Gospel twice, while there remains someone who has not heard it once.” 

Oswald J. Smith

Because all people should have access to a local church 

The community created through the local church is so important. Time and time again, Scripture reminds us of God’s intention for us not to be alone (Hebrews 10:24-25, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, and Matthew 18:20, to name just a few). Local churches allow believers, both new and old, to meet and encourage one another in their faith, to build one another up and sharpen each other’s “swords”. We are simply stronger with others. It’s God’s plan and intention for us. 

The best thing we can do to build up the global Church is to build and support these local churches. Though planting a church isn’t always easy, the resulting light that is brought to the dark areas of our communities make it all worthwhile! 

Because it’s instrumental in multiplying disciples 

Jesus says in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…” This isn’t simply an option, but a command for all who believe. Jesus continues: “…and surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Though the task may seem daunting, we aren’t alone—Jesus is with us. As we obey, He will lead and guide us in the process.  

One of the wonderful aspects of making disciples is that the weight of the task doesn’t fall on any one person’s shoulders alone. As we make disciples, these disciples then go on to make more disciples. This beautiful cycle can only begin when someone first brings the Gospel to where it isn’t yet known… could that be you? 

“…And you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”  

Acts 1:8

Because the need is so great! 

Have you read Luke 10:2? “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

How about this verse: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” Matthew 7:13-14. 

If you were to do a quick online search as to how many Christians there are in this world, you may disagree with the above verses, thinking: “There’s plenty of believers; I’m not really needed to do missions.” The reality, however, is that these numbers often represent people who have no relationship with Jesus. Many, in fact, simply identify as “Christian” because of their traditions and upbringing but haven’t actually dedicated their lives to God.  

For example, in France, it appears 61% of the population is Christian, but in reality, only 1% are Evangelical. Italy, a country that is known for its Christian roots, claims more than 80% of its population is Christian, yet Evangelicals make up a mere 1.1%. Looks–and terminology–can be deceiving. There truly is a great need for Jesus to be shared with the nations! 

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’”  

Romans 10:14-15

We all have a role to play in getting the Gospel to where it has not yet been heard, understood, or experienced. Whether sending people, prayer, money, or resources for others to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ, we must all play our part. As long as there are unbelievers among us—and as long as we are still on this earth—our job is not yet done.

Why not start where you are, and knock on a neighbor’s door? Perhaps the Gospel hasn’t yet been heard there. 

Written by:

Leanne Monge Barrera

Leanne Monge Barrera is currently serving in central Canada as a storyteller and social media content creator with GEM Canada. She also serves at home, homeschooling her four children.

Cross-posted from gemission.org : Five Reasons to Care About Missions.

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The Spiritual Impact of Music in Discipleship and Evangelism

What would happen if something as universally beloved as music was used as a means of both stirring up believers and reaching the lost? Music inspires emotion and provokes thought. It reaches down into a person’s soul, uncovering joys and sorrows. Churchgoers are well aware of the role music plays in worship and drawing nearer to God, but can music also be a means to draw in the lost?

Richard Mauney, a GEM worker in Romania, states: “A healthy worship life of the church will fuel the other aspects of the total church ministry – discipleship, spiritual growth of members, evangelism, missions, social ministries, and fellowship. Attention given to congregational worship can both reflect as well as produce a proper balance in the overall ministry of the church.”

It’s important to note that although music is certainly an expression of worship, it would be wrong to claim that it’s the only form of worship. In fact, our entire lives should be an act of worship! Within a church setting, music is one form of worship that brings praise and glory before God, and the music team’s role is to help lead others into His presence. As we enter into God’s presence, we’ll often receive a boldness in serving Him, which is evident in how we live.

With a passion for music, Germany’s Zachary McKay has used it as an outlet for ministry in his church, and more recently his home, for the last fifteen years. Music is universally familiar and appealing, so it can sometimes become a ministry unexpectedly. “On three separate occasions, my neighbours had told me that my singing was really good – I suppose [my apartment] walls were either thinner than I figured, or I was a bit louder than I thought,” Zachary jokes. After explaining to them that he plays music at his church, his neighbours expressed that they’d never heard church music played like that.

People often create certain expectations of what different genres of music should sound like – especially ‘church’ music. “I think singing more contemporary worship music or a different style than people are used to, creates interest that creates curiosity, and then ultimately leads to people asking questions to learn more about it – not just to enjoy the art, but to get to the heart of it,” Zachary explains.

Aside from these meaningful encounters with his neighbours, Zachary also makes a point to meet regularly with others who are passionate about music for a time of encouragement and training. “We’re creating a space for developing relationships because of the natural camaraderie in the arts and in music,” Zachary says. Between coaching those who come wanting to improve their skills, or those who just need a safe place to do what they love, these jam sessions become a great opportunity to reach others.

“There isn’t necessarily that understanding of being in a holy space,” Zachary says about these jam sessions, “or the song may not be recognizably about Jesus. That, to me, is a fun space to enter, because although nonbelievers may not recognize the subject matter of the music at first, they recognize the emotion behind it.” 

Richard Mauney’s idea that all aspects of ministry are impacted by healthy worship within the church is evident in the unique ways people are choosing to serve missionally. “Evangelism or discipleship doesn’t conform to a strict kind of model,” Zachary explains. “Music can be a form of discipleship and evangelism… I can name four people who came to faith explicitly because of exposure to Christian music, and three of them are now pastors! So, in regard to music and art as mission, if the Holy Spirit is in it, then lives are going to be transformed.”

To those who would love to get started in this type of ministry, Zachary suggests diving right in! “Just immerse yourself in it and trust that God is there and in it with you. If it’s something you really want to do, your actions [should] reflect that, but it’s really about surrounding yourself with people in an environment that will nurture that desire.” Are you someone who enjoys worshipping through music? Have you considered using your gifts to break barriers with the unsaved or uplift local Christians? If so, would you consider stepping out of your comfort zone and playing your music for God where others can join in? Perhaps some may experience new life as they meet the transforming God behind your lyrics!