What Is Christian Missionary Work?
Have you ever asked, “What is Christian missionary work?” If so, you are not alone. Christian missionary work is many things, but at its core, it is the passionate and selfless sharing of the Good News of Christ, especially in areas where His message has not yet reached. GFA missionaries are an extraordinary group of people called to serve their communities in Africa and Asia.[1]
The Lord is raising men and women in these regions who are uniquely positioned to reach their people with the Good News of Christ. National missionaries face no cultural barriers because they were born and raised in the countries where they minister. They speak the language, understand the local customs and share the same burdens as their neighbors. This cultural kinship allows them to minister in ways that outsiders cannot, bringing Christ’s love to people who have never felt it.
National missionaries meet the spiritual and practical needs of the people they serve. In addressing physical needs, we know that the Good News of Christ is most impactful when paired with genuine care. They pray for the sick, offer income-generating gifts to impoverished families, clean up villages, and help parents understand the importance of their children’s education and future. These actions demonstrate Christ’s love in tangible ways, opening doors for spiritual conversations and offering hope to those in desperate circumstances.
One of the most significant advantages of national missionaries is their ability to live in places closed to foreign workers. In Asia, more than 85 percent of countries restrict Western missionaries.[2] National workers, however, are citizens and can minister and continue to spread the Good News of Christ without interruption. While foreign workers can be forced to leave the country, national missionaries are able to continue the work that God has entrusted to them.
The impact of national missionaries cannot be overstated. Every day, they bring the Good News of Christ to countless people who have never heard it and establish new fellowships. Their efforts lead to the growth of autonomous, indigenous churches that are firmly rooted in the local culture. However, the path is not easy. GFA missionaries often suffer persecution misunderstanding and hardships as they faithfully serve their communities.
Through GFA World, you can support these courageous men and women. For as little as $45 a month, you can sponsor a national missionary and help ensure the work continues and spreads to even more villages and people. Your prayers and support will be a powerful part of the global mission to bring God’s love to those most in need.
Discover how to support GFA World’s Christian missionary work overseas[1] “About National Missionaries.” GFA World. Accessed December 11, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/sponsor/why-national-missionaries.
[2] Ibid.