CTK Kenya

One of the biggest obstacles facing native missionaries

During Pastor Austins visit to Siaya town in Nyanza province of Kenya, he noticed that the local men of God who have been called to reach the unreached/unchurched people in their communities face the same challenges that have been highlighted by this article from Christian Aid newsletter. Austin felt it was good to publish this item so that those who can read will have items to commit in prayer as the Lord Jesus leads ...

A well given in the name of Jesus often opens up a door to the gospel in a village.

Every day native gospel workers in poorer countries face opposition on many fronts. Very often they are persecuted by hostile authorities, religious extremists, or even family and friends.

However, one of the biggest obstacles for many of these humble servants is a lack of resources to purchase ministry tools needed to make their evangelistic efforts more effective. Bicycles, Bibles, medicines, sound equipment, horses, loudspeakers, and training, are just a few of the items many native missionaries are lacking in their outreach.

BIBLES AND GOSPEL LITERATURE in native dialects are not only needed for evangelism, but also for personal study and discipleship of new believers. A LOUDSPEAKER is useful for preaching in rural villages, on street corners, or mounted on vans, as native missionaries travel from town to town to reach thousands with the gospel. TRAINING is an ongoing vital need for indigenous ministries, as they seek to prepare more workers to be sent to the field. Once a native missionary establishes a body of believers in a village, he needs help to provide these new Christians with a simple MEETING PLACE, which becomes a beacon of light in the community.

A bicycle or a motorcycle can significantly shorten travel time and enable missionaries to spend more time sharing the gospel.

Native missionaries have dedicated their lives to bring the gospel to people who have never heard the name of Christ. Often, these villages are many miles apart. For the native missionary on foot, reaching these villages may take several days. A BICYCLE OR A MOTORCYCLE can significantly shorten travel time and enable these workers to spend more time sharing the gospel. In thick jungles and steep mountainous regions, a Donkey is the only suitable means of transportation for native missionaries trying to reach remote people groups. BOATS are especially crucial for native missionaries who reach island villages, like those in the Lake Victoria, as well as those who visit villages along riverbanks.

Native missionaries who have the means to drill a WELL and provide an entire village with clean water demonstrate Christ’s love and are welcomed into the villagers’ homes and hearts. GOATS are lifesavers to poor families struggling to survive. These animals reproduce and provide milk, which supplies families with a means of support. Native missionaries who share this kindness with a family open the door to further communication and eventual sharing of the gospel. MEDICAL CARE is not an option for poor villagers living in rural areas. Many sicknesses could be cured with simple antibiotics contained in medical kits that native missionaries bring with them. Without an alternative means of livelihood, many destitute women turn to prostitution as a means to survive. Several indigenous ministries assisted by Christian Aid rescue these women from the streets, provide them with shelter and teach them a vocational skill, like SEWING.

Medical care is not an option for poor villagers living in rural areas. Many sicknesses could be cured with simple antibiotics contained in medical kits that native missionaries bring with them.

Many indigenous ministries have opened shelters for homeless or orphaned children. They meet each child’s individual needs, while providing a loving environment to teach the truths of the Bible. Through Christian Aid’s child SPONSORSHIP program each sponsor will receive the name and photograph of a child and information about the ministry which cares for him/her. Thousands of poor, abandoned or homeless children rarely get the proper nutrition they need. Several ministries provide a balanced meal once a day for as many children as their resources allow. Many children come dressed in tattered clothing. A pair of shoes and clean shirts, pants, dresses and coats are greatly needed, as are simple hygiene kits with soap, toothbrush, towel, brush, comb, sandals, etc.

What better way to celebrate Christ’s birth than to equip a native missionary to take the gospel to people who have never heard it? As we prepare for the followup meetings in Bungoma town, Western Kenya, we have purposed to send the missioneries some christmas gifts. A PA system would be a great idea. We will also carry clothes, sanitary packets, soap and food stuffs to the mission ground to bless our needy leaders in small groups that are forming just to demonstrate the Love of God.