The Enlarging Unreached
July 2024
The Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is an area of low pressure around the Equator where trade winds converge. These northeasterly and southeasterly winds collide in low-pressure systems, forming a ring of storm clouds around the Earth’s equatorial regions. This convergence gives rise to conditions necessary for violent storms, tropical cyclones, hurricanes, and floods seasonally in certain regions.
However, the ITCZ is not only responsible for forming rain clouds nearby; it also forces winds upward into high-pressure air systems that travel far north and south before descending as dry and hot air. The lands where this dry and hot air descends are perpetually barren. This phenomenon creates wastelands like the Mojave Desert in the Eastern US, the Sahara Desert in Northern Africa, and the Gobi Desert in Mongolia and China—terrains shaped by the absence of moisture. Just as darkness results from the absence of light and cold from the absence of heat, desert lands form due to the absence of life-giving water.
In the world of missions, lands void of the Gospel are typically referred to as the Unreached and is the foremost focus of the command to “go into all the world” (Mark 16:15). It is also called the
uttermost part, the regions beyond, or simply the Gentiles. The Church, however, has not ventured into all the world to preach to those devoid of the Gospel’s presence. Consequently, dry and thirsty peoples have multiplied in her absence. Yet, it is still the duty of local churches to send missionaries to invite those who lack water to come: “And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17). The Sahara expands by 900 square miles annually, the Gobi by 1,400, and even the Mojave sees growth due to massive wildfires. Similarly, spiritually dry and parched lands, lacking the life-giving Gospel, not only remain desolate but worsen with each passing generation. Around the year 1800, the unreached were estimated to number around 265 million people. Today it is no less than 3 billion, which is more than a 1,000% increase! As the unreached enlarges, we truly have an expanding need to spread the Gospel.
Just as streams in deserts and pools of fresh water in parched lands quenches the thirst, the Gospel can revitalize those who are spiritually weak. However, the Gospel must be carried in by the beautiful feet of preachers willing to go there. Otherwise, these regions will not only remain in despair but will also grow increasingly desolate. Join me in praying for these spiritually thirsty lands… that some may go far and preach that the thirsty may come freely and drink.
Going Farther on!
Going Further On,
GFF General Director