Day for the Unreached is June 4 – Pentecost Sunday
Bibles For The World is once again part of an alliance of globally focused ministries that is promoting June 4, 2017 as the International Day for the Unreached (IDU). The intent of IDU is to inform, inspire and mobilize Christians to help reach out to more than 2 billion people around the world who have yet to hear the gospel.
The annual event was announced during a press conference at the annual National Religious Broadcasters convention in Orlando last month and is sponsored by the Alliance for the Unreached, a group that includes Reach Beyond, Bibles For The World, Operation Mobilization, Missio Nexus, Global Mapping International (GMI), Partners International and World Mission.
“We want to remind people that there are literally billions of people around the globe in desperate need of the good news of Jesus, but have never heard His name or story. We’re called to bring it to them,” said Wayne Pederson, executive director of IDU.
Scores of Christian leaders are urging people to get involved. Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren made a direct appeal to all Christians:
“With more than 2 billion people who haven’t had a chance to meet Jesus, it’s time for the Body of Christ to take a radical stand and say, ‘This has to end in our generation.’ Join me in committing to pray, give, go, and advocate for those who need to know Christ by participating in the International Day for the Unreached.”
The Day for the Unreached will include a variety of efforts to raise awareness.
Many major media networks and stations around the country will promote the event for weeks leading up to May 15. Pastors around the country are urged to preach sermons on the topic, while small groups focus on Jesus’ command to go to the nations. Individuals have the opportunity to join a 30-day prayer movement, interceding for the salvation of the unreached.
People interested in learning more about the unreached or to get involved can download a free Great Commission Action Guide from the website, DayForTheUnreached.org. An abundance of other resources are available at the site, including bulletin inserts, sermon outlines, promotional posters, web banners, videos and radio spots.
Information is also available on the International Day for the Unreached Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/dayfortheunreached.
It’s fitting that The International Day for the Unreached falls on Pentecost Sunday, the day the Holy Spirit came upon the first followers of Jesus, empowering and charging them to share the gospel with people from all over the world.
“Thousands of people heard God’s Word preached in their own language on that day, and more than 3,000 were added to the number of believers, said John L. Pudaite, president of Bibles For The World. “Let’s not forget that the return of Christ is tied to every nation hearing the good news. We’re not saying we can usher in the Second Coming. But we can be a part of a last days move of God that is foretold in scripture. And that’s both a privilege and a profound responsibility.”
Individuals, churches and media outlets can learn about creative ways to participate in the International Day for the Unreached by visiting DayForTheUnreached.org.