The world’s population by the Joshua Project shows that the world is populated by 8,078,539,000 people and 17,280 people groups. However, approximately 42% of this population is totally unreached, with around 34–36% still minimally or partially reached. Interestingly enough, most of this unreached populace falls within the 10/40 window. The Joshua Project report provides an extensive overview of the demographic and religious landscape of various people groups worldwide. It emphasizes the significant challenges faced in reaching unreached and minimally reached populations, particularly within the 10/40 Window, which encompasses regions with high concentrations of unreached individuals.
What must we do as a mission-concerned church???
- Focus on Unreached Groups: Mission Agencies and Mission-concerned churches should prioritize efforts in the 10/40 Window and among Indigenous populations where evangelical presence is minimal. This can be done via intentional training of both field missionaries and marketplace missionaries on how to reach out effectively while doing their mundane jobs.
- Collaborative Outreach: Building relationships with local leaders and organizations through the creation of skill acquisition programs, development initiatives, etc. would be essential for effective ministry and for fostering trust within communities.
- Continuous Learning: Agencies should stay informed about the evolving cultural and religious landscapes to adapt their strategies accordingly. Intentional trainings and fire rekindling retreats should be regularly organized at the missionaries’ home churches just like Paul would regularly go back to the Church in Jerusalem and Antioch to confirm his messages and also get encouragement from the brethren.
I strongly believe that Nigeria and Africa will be the modern-day Antiochan church to send missionaries to mission fields just like the church in the 19-20th Centuries experienced when missionaries came to Africa during a time when colonization was in its early stage. The church must arise to effectively equip leaders and mission-minded congregations who would carry the mandate of reaching the world with the message of the Gospel until the whole earth is covered with the knowledge of the Glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14)
Matthew 24:14 (KJV) And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.