GFF’s 6 Distinctive: Promoting the Gospel
November 2022
Not all that is done in the name of missions is “acceptable unto the Lord,” (Eph. 5:10) That’s why it is necessary to prove our methods as much as it is to prove our motivation when we involve ourselves in the task about which Christ cares deeply. For 5 months we have detailed those distinctives which make GFF unique. This month, I want to introduce you to the sixth and final one which makes the others so valuable. GFF has a burden and a vision to promote furthering the gospel among three major people groups in the world: the unreached, under reached, and misreached.
- The Unreached are those who have no true gospel witness either in their own culture or language or in a similar one. They will be born, live their lives, grow old and pass into eternity having never even had the accidental opportunity of being confronted with the powerful gospel which saves the sinner.
- The Under reached are those who dwell under an oppressive government system of communism, or behind an iron curtain of religion.
They may have the Gospel in their language and culture, but it is filtered out and purposely falsified to continue keeping their people enslaved by fear. Furthermore, there are those with a similar culture and language who could target them, but don’t for reasons of fear or apathy. The top 100 Under Reached peoples area’s are shown in the picture to the right. - The Misreached are those who have responded to a Christian message but have effectively traded the crude chains of heathenism for the contemporary chains of a Christianity which does not save. They have been misreached with another gospel and another Christ. (Gal. 1:7-9)
It is certainly a sobering thought to consider Paul’s rhetorical question to believers in Romans 10:14 where he asks: “And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?” The gospel is the “Good News” that Jesus saves sinners. However, it is only good news if it is received in time. It’s true that nobody deserves to hear the gospel; but nobody who has heard the gospel deserves to hear it more than those who have never heard! That’s why GFF especially targets those who live in reclusive and restricted locations in the world. It is in these locations we desire missionaries committed to independent and indigenous church planting to “preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Rom. 10:15) I believe that this is both good and acceptable unto the Lord! (Eph. 5:!0)
Thank you for your prayers and thank you for your support!
Only One Life,
Rodney Myers
GFF General Director