“Lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” John 4:35
When we hear the phrase “global missions,” our minds often travel to distant lands and faraway nations. But what if the mission field also includes your neighborhood, your school, or your local grocery store?
To effectively pray, give, and go, we must expand our understanding not just geographically, but spiritually. Global missions isn’t only about where people live; it’s about who has access to the Gospel and who doesn’t. These key terms help us better understand the people and places involved:
- Unreached People Groups
- Frontier People Groups
- Nominal Christians
- Reached People Groups
- The 10/40 Window
Missions is not a side project; it’s central to God’s redemptive plan. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s heart for the nations is clear.
“In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 12:3
“A great multitude… of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues…” Revelation 7:9
More than 3 billion people still live without access to the Gospel. Some are separated by culture or language, others by war or trauma but many simply have no one near them living out the message of Christ. This is why the Great Commission was given not just to missionaries but to the entire Church. Missions is not for a few specialists.
It’s a shared responsibility of every believer.
While we send missionaries across oceans, we cannot overlook the global harvest at our doorstep. Refugees, immigrants, international students; they are all part of the mission field.
“And hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord…” Acts 17:26–27
God is positioning His Church including you and me. Global missions isn’t just overseas; it’s also across the street.
So, how can you respond?
- Pray intentionally for unreached and frontier groups especially those represented in your city.
- Learn about global needs and cross-cultural ministry.
- Give generously to mission workers and churches reaching the unreached.
- Go…whether it’s to a global field or simply across town. Step out in faith.
May we rise to the call with hearts awakened and eyes open to both the nations abroad and the neighbors next door. The mission is global. The harvest is local. And the time is now.
ISC Global Missions 