Why NATIVE MISSIONARIES 

In the USA, a change in our thinking regarding evangelization is needed.  Our perspective is fueled by the historical perspective that most missionaries came from the USA or the Christian west.  We tend to think of the Great Commission being fulfilled in other parts of the world by Evangelism Crusades from the USA and missionaries sent from the USA.  Our mistake is feeling that we are the only ones attempting to win the lost and it is up to only us to achieve success.  At one time in history, that view was not completely unreasonable but the world has changed dramatically and this view is no longer correct.

Laborers are Ready
In the late 1700’s, men like William Carey from England began to hear God’s call to carry his gospel to all part’s of the earth.  Summarily, the modern missions movement began and as a result, many countries now have a percentage of people who are Christians.  For instance, in India where Carey worked, the country is 2% Christian.  This does not sound too good but that 2% represents 20,000,000 people out of a country of over 1 billion people.  In the USA, many people claim to be Christians but there is little statistical distinction between the actions of “Christians” and non-Christians.  In many foreign countries, there is no benefit for claiming to be a Christian and in-fact invites persecution from family and friends.  In spite of the issues, a vast army of God is growing, ready to sacrifice their lives for his service in the harvest fields.

The organization Advancing Native Missions says that:

“More than 80% of world evangelization is being done by NATIVE MISSIONARIES.  Although we confidently affirm the important role that Western mission organizations have played and continue to play in many regions of the world, we also know that Western missions alone is not enough. As more and more countries close their doors to Western mission organizations, Advancing Native Missions finds that the best way to reach these nations with the Gospel is through native or indigenous missionaries: Indians reaching India, Iranians reaching Iran, etc.” 

The organization Gospel for Asia says that:

“With few or no cultural barriers to overcome, NATIVE MISSIONARIES can readily preach the Gospel to those who, unlike their western counterparts, have never heard. Although native missionaries do face many difficult obstacles as they take the message from village to village, they still have an enormous advantage over their coworkers from North America and other non-Asian lands.   Today, over 85 percent of Asian countries do not allow western missionaries to come and freely preach the Gospel and plant churches.”

Great Investment
NATIVE MISSIONARIES are a great investment because they already know the language and culture where they are working.  Also, they live and minister in the same socio-economic class.  In the eyes of the people, native missionaries do not represent a foreign country or a strange religion.

Financially, a western missionary would require an investment of over $75,000 USD per year for training, housing, salary & travel.  Assuming a 3 year program, 35 times more native missionaries than western missionaries can be sent during that time.

Great Harvest
CSCFM film teams average leading over 1000 people to the Lord every year.  You may be wondering how that many teams can be that successful.  Not only is it is possible, but it is a reality through a combination of the Holy Spirit’s guidance and witness, dedicated missionaries and a highly effective tool.  We are thankful for the opportunity to join God in His work.  Please pray about joining as well.