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Nik concludes a series investigating why unreached nations are still unreached by exploring the practical components that keep churches from sending and going. Nik looks at everything from the cost of personnel to weather. There are surprising reasons that are hard to overcome on our way to the hard places of the world.

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Extreme Climate

Extreme climatic conditions can create formidable challenges for evangelistic efforts in specific regions. Nations may be located in extreme climates, such as polar regions, deserts, dense jungles, or isolated islands. These environments pose difficulties for missionaries to reach and sustain their presence. These areas often lack proper infrastructure, making transportation arduous and unreliable. Harsh weather conditions, such as freezing temperatures, scorching heat, or torrential rains, can further deter missionaries from establishing long-term communities.

Moreover, the inhabitants of these regions may have adapted to their environment, leading to unique cultural and religious practices that resist outside influences. Isolation and survival priorities can overshadow religious curiosity, making missionary work a daunting task.

Expensive Costs

The financial burden associated with establishing and maintaining missionary operations in unreached nations is substantial. The cost of transportation, especially in remote areas with limited access, can be exorbitant. Missionaries may require specialized training, equipment, and resources to adapt to the specific challenges posed by the environment and culture of the region.

Additionally, language barriers and cultural differences demand the need for translators and local guides, adding to the expenses. In some cases, a lengthy period of language and cultural adaptation is necessary before effective evangelism can occur, further increasing the financial investment.

Low Number of Conversions and Baptisms

The low number of conversions and baptisms in unreached nations can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the entrenched religious beliefs and practices of the local population often create resistance to outside influences. Traditional belief systems and religious ideologies may be ingrained for generations and difficult to change.

Secondly, the absence of religious freedom or legal protections in these regions can hinder missionary work. Governments may enact restrictive laws that make proselytizing illegal, punishable, or heavily regulated. This hostile environment may lead to fear among locals and deter them from embracing new faiths.

Thirdly, the absence of established religious infrastructure, such as churches, religious leaders, and places of worship, makes it difficult for new converts to access resources and support for their newfound faith. This lack of support networks can lead to the isolation of individuals who are considering converting.

Reduced Funding

Insufficient funding is a recurrent issue faced by missionaries attempting to reach unreached nations. Missionary work is often carried out by faith-based organizations, churches, or individual volunteers relying on donations and contributions. However, due to competing global priorities, the limited attention paid to unreached nations can result in reduced funding for evangelistic efforts in such areas.

Moreover, the perception of high-risk and low-yield outcomes in unreached regions can dissuade potential donors from allocating resources to these endeavors. As a result, missionaries might struggle to secure the necessary funds for their operations, limiting their reach and impact in unreached nations.

These Factors Hinder Evangelism

Unreached nations remain a complex challenge in missionary work due to multiple factors such as extreme climates, expensive costs, low numbers of conversions and baptisms, and reduced funding. Overcoming these barriers requires innovative approaches, collaborative efforts between organizations, and strategic planning.

By addressing these factors, we can better adapt our strategies. Missionaries can leverage advancements in technology and communication, and foster meaningful connections with unreached people groups. Moreover, collaboration with local communities, respecting their cultures, and understanding their needs are essential to building trust and successfully spreading religious beliefs in these regions. With determination, sensitivity, and adequate resources, we can gradually break down the barriers to reaching unreached nations. This will allow us to usher in new opportunities for spiritual growth and cultural exchange.

Nik argues that believers cannot ignore the call to reach people from every tongue and tribe, simply for the sake of convenience. First, he challenges the common idea that funding should be reduced in unresponsive nations. Next, Nik redefines missionary success based on the depth of relationships formed and the transformative power of sharing the story of the resurrection over a shared meal. In summary, this episode is about reaching the unreached nations.

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Embrace the Great Commission

The Great Commission compels believers to go into all the world and make disciples of every nation (Matthew 28:19-20). Yet, it is tempting to focus our efforts on the places where the response is more immediate and where the journey is easier. However, Nik reminds us that missionary work does not need to be convenient or comfortable. On the contrary, mission boards must support work in places that are hard to reach.

Countering the Funding Conundrum

Mission board leaders sometimes face a difficult decision when allocating resources to different nations. The prevailing notion recommends reducing financial support in unresponsive nations, as if the absence of immediate results indicates failure. Nik challenges this notion and redirects our attention to the true measure of success.

Rather than measuring success solely by the number of conversions or the growth of churches, he proposes a paradigm shift. Specifically, we can measure success by the depth of relationships built, the lives transformed, and the number of times missionaries engage in sharing the stories of Jesus while breaking bread in the homes of the people they are serving.

Nik emphasizes the significance of storytelling and personal connection as catalysts for transformation. By sitting down with people, sharing a meal, and engaging in genuine conversations, missionaries create spaces for trust, vulnerability, and the exploration of faith. This organic approach allows for a deep understanding of cultural contexts and individual needs, fostering sustainable change from within.

Perhaps the ultimate measure of success should be how many times a missionary gets to witness the transformative power of the resurrection while sharing stories of the resurrection. When lives are resurrected from despair, hopelessness, and brokenness, the impact extends far beyond mere conversions. Above all, planting churches improves and repairs families, communities, and entire nations.

Redefine Success

The Great Commission challenges us to go beyond boundaries, language barriers, and cultural differences. Nik Ripken urges us to embrace a new measure of success. In this new mode, the power of shared experiences, storytelling, and the resurrection become the cornerstones of our mission work. This is how we can reach the unreached and transform lives, one meal and one story at a time.

In the early years of their friendship, Pastor Tim learned from Nik Ripken that being a missionary involves actively participating in the spread of the Gospel. Today, both speakers ask us to embrace a mindset of sending and going while empowering others to do the same. So, what does a missionary do, and what does it mean to be one?

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What Does a Missionary Do?

In this episode, Nik and Tim emphasize that being a missionary involves active participation in spreading the Gospel. It goes beyond passive involvement and requires believers to step out of their comfort zones and engage with the world around us. Whether it’s sharing the love of Christ in our local communities or venturing into distant lands, missionaries are called to be living testimonies of God’s grace.

Additionally, embracing a mindset of sending and going is crucial for effective missionary work. Nik Ripken encourages individuals and churches to cultivate a culture where sending and going are central. This means not only supporting missionaries financially or through prayers but also actively equipping and mobilizing believers to be missionaries themselves.

Furthermore, empowering others is an integral part of a missionary’s role. Nik Ripken highlights the importance of nurturing and equipping believers to become effective witnesses of the Gospel. Missionaries are not just bearers of good news. They are also mentors, trainers, and catalysts for growth. By empowering others, missionaries multiply their impact exponentially, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond their individual efforts.

Through Nik Ripken’s early teachings, Pastor Tim and the churches in Kentucky experienced a paradigm shift in their understanding of missionary work. They realized that being a missionary is not confined to a select group of people who travel to far-off lands. Instead, it is a calling for every believer to actively participate, embrace a mindset of sending and going, and empower others to do the same.

Missionaries Embrace the Unfamiliar

As Pastor Tim embarked on his missionary journey, he encountered a profound sense of aloneness. He realized that the unfamiliar surroundings mirrored the isolation that many missionaries experience in their host countries. From the language barrier to cultural differences, every aspect intensified the feeling of being a minority. After he returned home, Pastor Tim’s honest reflections shed light on the internal struggles faced by missionaries. Finally, he highlighted the courage required to persevere in the face of such challenges:

Wow. I had never felt so alone. This is really what it must feel like sometimes for folks that go over there. I’m a complete minority over here. All of these experiences, from getting sick on food to the airplane trip back… that was its own nightmare. I got back and I thought – okay – now I’ve been on a mission trip.

This was the real thing.

You feel the lostness… everywhere you look.

Missionary work is not meant to be comfortable. It demands stepping beyond the boundaries of familiarity and embracing the unknown. Pastor Tim’s experiences, from falling sick due to unfamiliar food to enduring the hardships of an arduous airplane trip, shows us that true missionary work pushes individuals outside their comfort zones. It is through these challenges that personal transformation takes place, strengthening faith, resilience, and empathy.

Fulfilling the Call to Missions

The role of a missionary is a transformative journey where believers actively spread the Gospel, adopt a mindset of sending and going, and empower others who may live and think differently than themselves. Through the experiences of Pastor Tim and Nik Ripken, we begin to understand the challenges and rewards of missionary work. Stepping out of our comfort zone, engaging with resistant communities, and empowering others are not easy tasks. However, they are pivotal in fulfilling the call to mission.

In conclusion, Pastor Tim and Nik Ripken ask us to embrace the transformative journey of a missionary. May we leave a positive and lasting impact as we actively participate in God’s mission to reach the lost and empower others to do the same.

Ruth Ripken offers valuable insights into how to live out biblical hospitality. By embracing different cultures, understanding the needs of others, and extending a helping hand, we can demonstrate the love of Christ and fulfill the command to love our neighbor.

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We Don’t Eat Worms

Surprisingly, Ruth Ripken served spaghetti and meatballs to Muslim men who mistook it for worms. Following the command to love our neighbor involved responding with understanding, patience, and grace. Instead of reacting negatively or with offense, the Ripkens explained the misunderstanding with kindness and humor, fostering a sense of hospitality and acceptance:

Nik came into the kitchen, and he looked very puzzled. He looked at me. I said, “What’s wrong?” He said, “They don’t eat worms.” I said, “I didn’t put worms on the table.” He said (again), “They don’t eat worms…”

The command to love our neighbor is directed towards all people we encounter in our lives. It includes our immediate family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, acquaintances, strangers, and even those with whom we might have differences or conflicts. Consequently, it encompasses people from different backgrounds, cultures, religions, and ethnicities.

Ultimately, the command to love our neighbor requires us to go beyond our own preferences and biases, extending grace, empathy, and kindness to those we meet.

Biblical Hospitality Tips

Ruth believes biblical hospitality and building relationships with others depends on prayer. She suggests that the first step is to pray and seek God’s guidance in leading us to those individuals. Then, the second step is to ask God to instill in us a genuine love for these people.

According to Ruth, caring enough to share Jesus with others involves a genuine concern for their well-being. In other words, it means recognizing the transformative power of the gospel and desiring to share it with those who have not yet experienced it. Ruth reminds us to share the message of Jesus with humility, respect, and sensitivity, honoring the beliefs and cultures of others.

In contrast, looking the other way implies turning a blind eye to the needs and spiritual journeys of others. However, as believers, we are called to be attentive and responsive to the opportunities around us. In this way, we can seek out meaningful relationships and share the gospel in a way that resonates with others.

The Nations Have Come to Us

Ruth Ripken suggests many believers have failed to actively go and share the message of Jesus with people from other nations. Therefore, God has orchestrated circumstances where individuals from various nations have come to us. As a result, we have an opportunity to share our faith with those from different cultural and national backgrounds.

God works through different means to accomplish His purposes. For example, globalization and migration create opportunities for us to interact with people from different nations within our own communities.

By meeting with individuals from other nations within our own local contexts, we have the chance to build relationships. For example, we can demonstrate God’s love through acts of hospitality and kindness and share the good news of Jesus Christ. It is an invitation to embrace the diversity and richness of cultures and to fulfill the Great Commission by making disciples of all nations.

Effective Cross-Cultural Communication

Ruth Ripken emphasizes the importance of curiosity, asking questions, being humble, and recognizing the value and contributions of people from other cultures.

Be curious

Cultivating curiosity is essential when engaging with people from different cultures. For this reason, we show others genuine interest in their customs, traditions, beliefs, and experiences. This creates a foundation for meaningful conversations and deeper understanding. Similarly, ask open-ended questions and actively listen to their responses. This can help bridge cultural gaps and foster mutual respect.

Ask questions

Asking questions demonstrates a desire to learn and understand. It allows individuals from different cultures to share their perspectives and insights. However, it is important to approach questioning with sensitivity and respect. It’s important to be mindful of potential cultural differences and avoid intrusive or offensive inquiries.

Be humble

Humility is crucial in cross-cultural communication. Therefore, it’s important to remember that we have much to learn from others and that our own cultural lens may limit our understanding. Specifically, approaching interactions with a humble mindset allows for open dialogue, mutual learning, and the development of genuine relationships.

Show how people from other cultures can help you

Recognize and acknowledge the strengths and contributions of people from other cultures. This creates an environment of mutual respect and appreciation. Further, embrace the idea that cultural diversity enriches our lives. Recognize the value of different perspectives to break down barriers and build bridges of understanding.

Follow Ruth on Instagram

Want to learn more about praying for persecuted believers? Then follow Ruth on Instagram at @6camelsthedesert for deeper insights and practical exercises. Gain valuable knowledge on how to pray effectively and engage in meaningful intercession. Expand your understanding of prayer and support persecuted believers.

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The Great Commission instructs believers to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Nik Ripken highlights the need to apply the Bible’s teachings in diverse cultural and geographic contexts. This includes the dry heat of Africa where water may be scarce or infested with crocodiles.

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Does Africa Have Water?

In regions where water may be scarce or difficult to access, the traditional method of full immersion may not be feasible. This is especially true during the dry season in parts of Africa. In these situations, pastors and missionaries develop creative alternatives to perform baptism in a manner that is both culturally appropriate and safe.

Nik Ripken shares his experiences of baptizing new believers in Africa where water sources were limited. Instead of using baptismal pools, Ripken immersed people in rivers and other natural bodies of water. He adapted to the local context and observed ways that local pastors were making the practice accessible.

In some cases, the water level may be too low for full immersion. Alternative methods such as pouring or sprinkling water may be used to symbolize the washing away of sin and the new life in Christ.

Are There Crocodiles in Africa?

Performing baptisms in certain regions of Africa can pose unique challenges due to the presence of fast-moving water and dangerous wildlife. During the rainy season in Africa, rivers and streams can quickly rise and become treacherous, making it difficult to perform baptisms safely.

Nik Ripken explains how a lead pastor took safety precautions. The pastor sent his staff downstream to catch people washed away by the fast-moving water. Then, he sent others upstream to watch out for and fight off crocodiles.

Crocodiles are a significant threat in many parts of Africa. They are responsible for a large number of deaths each year. Women and children, who often fetch water from rivers and streams, are particularly vulnerable to crocodile attacks.

Pastors and missionaries often take appropriate safety measures. Baptisms continue to take place in regions where dangerous wildlife and fast-moving water are present.

The Challenge of Performing Christian Sacraments in Africa

The work of spreading the Gospel can be challenging in many parts of Africa. Community leaders may face unique obstacles in their efforts to bring people to Christ. For example, there may be a lack of resources and support for performing baptism and marriage.

Some areas of Africa lack the trained pastors and missionaries needed to perform baptisms or conduct marriage ceremonies. This can discourage community leaders from pursuing the work of the Gospel. As a result, they may feel that they are unable to provide their followers with the Christian sacraments that they need.

In other cases, the lack of resources for baptisms and marriages may be due to broader issues such as poverty, lack of access to clean water, or political instability. Churches and other Christian organizations may struggle to establish a presence in the community. This affects their ability to perform baptisms and marriages.

How Christians Can Overcome Local Challenges in Baptism

Despite these challenges, Nik implies it is crucial for community leaders to persevere in their efforts to spread the Gospel. Community leaders need to focus on the core message of the Gospel and build strong relationships with their followers. This creates a foundation of faith that can sustain and guide their communities through difficult times.

Additionally, churches and Christian organizations can work to provide training and resources for baptisms and marriages to help support community leaders in their work. This may include providing access to trained pastors and missionaries, offering educational programs on performing sacraments, and providing funding and other resources to help build and maintain churches and other Christian institutions in the community.

Ultimately, the work of spreading the Gospel requires a collaborative effort between community leaders, churches, and other Christian organizations. By working together and adapting to the local context, Christians can overcome the challenges surrounding baptism. This is how we bring the message of the Gospel to those who need it most.