A Global Opportunity We Can’t Miss

Why the next chapter of missions could be the most fruitful in history

Imagine a global relay race with the greatest prize in history: the chance for every person to hear and respond to the good news of Jesus Christ. For over 2,000 years, the baton has been passed from one generation of believers to the next. Today, we find ourselves in a remarkable moment—more connected, more resourced, and more able to finish the race than ever before.

And yet, there is still work to do.

According to the Joshua Project, 3.42 billion people—over 42% of the world’s population—live in unreached people groups (UPGs) where there is little to no access to the gospel. These are places without a local church presence, without nearby believers, and without an easy way to hear the story of Jesus.

Celebrating the Work That’s Happening

The global Church has done extraordinary work. In many nations, vibrant churches are multiplying, people are meeting Jesus daily, and communities are being transformed by the gospel. This is cause for great joy and thanksgiving. Every life changed is a victory worth celebrating.

But alongside these stories of growth, there remain whole cultures and communities where the gospel has yet to take root. The mission is not yet complete.

An Invitation to Focus

The data shows us an opportunity:

• 87% of cross-cultural missionaries currently serve in areas where the gospel is already accessible.

• Only 3% serve among the unreached.

• Out of every $100 given to missions, less than $1 goes to work among those with no access to the gospel.

(Joshua Project, 2023)

This doesn’t diminish the value of ministry happening in already-reached areas—it’s essential and life-changing. But it does invite us to imagine: what if we increased the portion of our resources aimed at the places still waiting?

The Power of Local, National Believers

At There and Now, we believe the most effective way to accelerate gospel access is to equip and empower local, national believers to reach their own people and neighboring cultures. They know the language, understand the customs, and can often navigate challenges more quickly and sustainably than outsiders.

This approach doesn’t replace traditional missions—it complements it. It’s a partnership, multiplying the impact of the global Church by connecting resources where they can make the fastest and deepest difference.

Why Now Is the Time

We live in a moment of unprecedented possibility:

• Technology allows Scripture translation and gospel media to reach remote places in real time.

• Migration has brought unreached peoples into cities all over the world, placing them within reach of local churches.

• Global networks enable believers to share strategies and encourage one another across continents in seconds.

The harvest is ready, and the tools are in our hands.

A Call to Join the Movement

Imagine if even a small shift happened—if 10%, 20%, or 30% of mission giving and sending focused on the unreached. The impact would be exponential. Entire people groups could have access to the gospel within a generation.

Here’s how we can all take part:

1. Pray with intention – Ask God to open doors among the unreached and to raise up local leaders.

2. Give with strategy – Direct a portion of your missions giving specifically to unreached people groups.

3. Partner with nationals – Support ministries that work alongside local believers already living in these contexts.

4. Share the vision – Help others see that the Great Commission is not a distant dream but a reachable goal in our lifetime.

The Moment Is Here

We are not starting from scratch. We are standing on the shoulders of generations who have carried the gospel to the ends of the earth as they knew them. Now, we get to write the next chapter—together.

Billions are still waiting. Let’s be the generation that closes the gap. Not someday. Not eventually. But there and now.