International (MNN) — The International Day for the Unreached is six months from today. On June 9th, believers across North America will raise collective voices and prayers for the two billion people who lack access to Christ.
“That’s a third of the world population, and when we say ‘unreached’, we’re saying they don’t have the opportunity to be reached,” explains Marv Newell, Senior Vice President of Missio Nexus.
“Our goal is to continue to ‘fly that flag’ of unreached and unengaged peoples being able to have an encounter with Jesus Christ.”
Missio Nexus is a founding member of the Alliance for the Unreached. More about Missio Nexus here. Newell says the ministry leverages its wide network to resource groups working on the “frontlines” of the Great Commission.
(Photo courtesy Missio Nexus)
“Missio Nexus is not a missions agency as the other Alliance members are. We are an associations of missions,” Newell explains.
Sometimes, it’s hard for people to understand how Missio Nexus helps reach unreached people groups, he admits. He attributes this to the organization’s function as a “behind the scenes” player, or “resourcer.”
Instead of directly reaching unreached people groups – doing the work of Bible translation or church planting, for example – Missio Nexus operates in a support role. It educates and connects ministries and individual believers who are doing frontline work.
“We have information, services; we have webinars… even publications like Evangelical Missions Quarterly… that make sure the Unreached are foremost in what we’re doing in the world of missions.”
Admittedly, ensuring Gospel access for two billion people is an immense goal. It’s important not to overlook the importance of support roles when considering this vast vision. As the Apostle Paul mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12, every member of the Body of Christ is essential.
Pray for Missio Nexus and others serving “behind the scenes” to support the work of the Great Commission. Oh, and don’t forget to save the date – June 9 is the International Day for the Unreached. Share this story with your pastor or church secretary to make sure it’s on your church’s calendar, too.
While you’re waiting for June 9 to roll around, check out the IDU website and read the Manifesto for the Unreached. Newell says it’s what inspired him and other Missio Nexus leaders to get involved.
“We refuse to stand idly by as people enter eternity without Christ when we can share the Good News that transforms them through any means possible.”
Header image courtesy International Day for the Unreached via Facebook.
