May 2024
When discussing the length of a river, conventionally, it’s measured from its mouth (where it ends) to its headwaters (where it begins). Headwaters typically originate where surface runoffs from rainwater, meltwater, and spring water start accumulating into a more significant and consistent flow. For instance, the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River can be found in the serene landscapes of Itasca State Park in Northwestern Minnesota. Here, rivulets meander through lush forests and pristine meadows, gradually coalescing into the beginnings of a grand watercourse.
In much the same way, we can view the formation of headwaters as a metaphor for initiating efforts to spread the Gospel to unreached regions. Just as these growing streams gather momentum to become mighty rivers, our humble beginnings in sharing the Gospel can set in motion powerful transformations in remote and restricted areas.
As the Gospel flows, it encounters varied landscapes and challenges. Some regions may seem inhospitable, like the arid expanses of the Kalahari Desert where the Okavango River’s waters eventually dissipate. On the other hand, some efforts to spread the Gospel may mirror the journey of the Nile River, which traverses vast distances, nourishing civilizations along its banks before finally merging with the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt. Similarly, our endeavors to bring the message of Jesus to remote corners of the world can yield remarkable results, touching countless lives and communities over a deep and distant pathway.
Regardless of the outcome downstream, we have the opportunity to play a crucial role in initiating the Gospel, particularly in regions like the Middle East, Central Africa, and the Arctic Circle. In these areas, communities such as the Mahara, Waswahili, and Reindeer herders lack access to resources for hearing the Gospel. Unreached People Groups face significant barriers to receiving the message of Jesus without access to Bibles, believers, or Baptist churches. However, through prayer and active participation in initiatives like the GFF Directive, we can make a difference. Your commitment to participate in the Great Commission cause is invaluable, as it targets those dwelling in dark and derelict corners of the world with the Living Waters of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for standing with us as we strive to bring the light of the Gospel to unreached nations.
To the Regions Beyond Us
GFF General Director