Share the Good News: The Heart of GFA World’s Mission
Jesus’ call to share the Good News with others is central to the mission at GFA World. The ‘Good News’ refers to the message of salvation and hope through Jesus Christ. This message is not a mere slogan but a profound call to bring hope to people who live in despair, to lift them out of poverty, and to shine the light of Jesus into places where hopelessness is overwhelming. Many people have not heard this Good News in parts of Africa and Asia. However, through the impactful work of national missionaries in these areas, the hope of the Good News is spreading to the hearts and homes of so many, inspiring hopefulness and transformation.
At GFA World, we train and equip national missionaries to share the Good News in their countries, establishing churches where there are none.These dedicated men and women, born and raised in the countries they serve, possess a significant advantage over foreign missionaries in reaching their people. They are fluent in the local language, deeply understand the culture, and share life experiences with those they meet. This gives them a blessed opportunity to connect with people personally and compassionately, making their mission highly effective.
In many of the countries we serve, foreign missionaries face severe restrictions and may even be prevented from publicly expressing their faith. National missionaries, however, can stay and minister much more freely. They blend in, not because they hide who they are, but because they are “one with the people.” In Paul’s words, they have learned to “become all things to all men” (1 Corinthians 9:22 NKJV). National missionaries are the hands and feet of Jesus, and they share His love in practical, tangible ways.
GFA missionaries[1] respectfully reveal the love of God with their words and actions. As they meet people’s physical and spiritual needs, they are examples of God’s love being lived out in their communities. For instance, national missionaries provide clean water through Jesus Wells, wells dug in the name of Jesus to provide local, safe water to communities that lack it.[2] They also give income-generating gifts to poverty-stricken families[3] and improve the living conditions in their villages with things like outdoor toilets.[4] These actions have led to tangible changes, such as better health as families gain access to drinkable water, children being able to attend school, and communities experiencing economic growth. GFA missionaries also help parents understand the importance of educating their children, which opens doors for a brighter future.
This is the heart of the Good News. National missionaries demonstrate a love that people can see and feel. Even when faced with resistance or persecution, their faithfulness to God and compassion for others shine brightly. Through the work of national missionaries, many people come to believe in Jesus—not because they were persuaded to believe but because they experienced God’s love firsthand.
Our GFA missionaries serve in the 10/40 window, a vast region stretching from West Africa to East Asia. This region, named after its latitude and longitude, is home to a significant portion of the world’s population, including many who have not heard the Good News about Jesus. Many live in remote, impoverished communities without access to essential resources, let alone the Good News.[5] The situation is urgent and should make us feel responsible and prompt us to act now to proclaim the Good News.
The work is far from easy, yet these GFA missionaries are not intimidated by the challenges of ministering in the 10/40 window. They understand the risks, yet they are deeply committed to bringing the hope of Jesus to those who need it most. They enter slums and rural villages, often putting themselves in danger to bring hope to hopeless people. Their dedication and commitment make those of us who support them feel connected and part of a shared mission as they humbly share the love of God in a way that resonates with the people they serve. Their courage is truly inspiring.
A compelling aspect of GFA’s World’s mission is the cost-effectiveness of supporting national missionaries. National missionaries can live on around $450 monthly on average depending on family size. They reside in homes like those of the people they serve, eat the same food and wear the same clothing. Jesus became one with the people he served, and national missionaries do the same by embracing a simplistic lifestyle to spread the Good News effectively.
Even a small monthly pledge from you can make a considerable impact in sharing the Good News. It can help sustain a national missionary, providing them with the necessary resources to continue their vital work. But your giving is not just a financial investment; it’s a spiritual investment in the lives of people who have dedicated themselves to sharing the Good News. Your small contribution can significantly affect a community and is a powerful way to be part of this mission. Sponsors can also pray for their missionaries, receive updates on their work and connect with the people whose lives are being changed through them.
For only $45 a month, you can become a sponsor and join the mission to go and tell the Good News to people who have not heard it. You will hear about villagers gaining access to clean water and families rising from poverty because of income-generating gifts they receive. Your partnership will allow you to share in the joy of knowing you are helping to bring the love of Jesus to people in desperate need.
Discover how to support GFA World’s Christian missionary work overseas[1] “About National Missionaries.” GFA World. Accessed November 04, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/sponsor/why-national-missionaries.
[2] GFA World. “The First Jesus Well: Still Going Strong for 20 Years.” Accessed June 20, 2025. https://www.gfa.org/videos/first-jesus-well/.
[3] GFA’s Christmas Gift Catalog. “Critter Campaign – GFA World.” Accessed June 20, 2025. https://www.gfa.org/giving/christmas/not-just-goats/.
[4] Ken Walker of InChrist Communications. “Taking the Toilet Challenge.” GFA World, May 18, 2021. https://www.gfa.org/special-report/open-defecation-outdoor-toilets-improve-sanitation/.
[5] Project, Joshua. “10/40 Window.” Joshua Project. Accessed June 20, 2025. https://joshuaproject.net/resources/articles/10_40_window.