Before embarking on this journey, I had many expectations and assumptions regardless of the fact that I was trying my best to keep from forming them. One of these preconceived ideas related to the presence (or lack thereof) of established churches I would encounter. My pre-travel research informed me that the area I am currently residing in is the highest in unreached, unengaged people groups worldwide. The best studies also report that the percentage of Evangelical Christians present is less than 2%. These numbers in mind, I guess I did not expect to see several Christian church buildings within reasonable walking distance of my flat.
In fact, at first I wasn’t sure what all to think. I have visited several of the congregations so far and have been both happily surprised as well as grieved at what I’ve seen. One thing I need to clarify before I go farther is that there are true Christians here. I have heard Truth spoken, participated in heartfelt worship, and met devoted believers.
That said, the prevailing “Christian” presence is not so. I spoke with a local pastor this week and he confirmed what I have been observing. “Christians” to the majority of my city’s residence are almost viewed as simply a different type of cast. One can tell if someone is a “Christian” from their surname. It’s more of a societal identity adopted from one’s parents. My teammate asked one individual how she became a Christian and the individual answered she was simply born one because her family is such.
A local university had a Christmas Choir performance that we attended recently. The songs sung and scripture read were theologically sound. The guest speaker who took the podium for a time, however, was far from biblically sound in his speech. Much of his sentiment was a watered-down, secularized message telling the audience that even if they do not believe the Bible’s rendition of the Christmas story then at least accept the message of Christmas. This, according to him, was simply good will toward others.
My limited exposure so far has broken my heart for those in the city, both those under the Christian name and those who understand what they see to be what Christians are. This, however, doesn’t even touch on the rural population. I have yet to see these areas. These first two and a half months focused on learning language have only allowed me to see the country’s capital and that of one of the states. Outside of urban areas even this limited exposure to the Truth is hard to come by.
Two months is hardly enough time to properly muse over all of these facts and experiences in order to come up with any sort of resolution or conclusion within myself. I can say that prayer and action are needed. Pray with me that God would both lift up teachers of sound doctrine from within his people already here in the cities and bring believers from wherever he can find willing followers to come help spread the News to the millions of souls living in unreached rural areas. And, as always, pray for me and my team that we would be given wisdom, insight, and understanding for our work here. What I have seen is also a challenge to me for when I return Stateside and for all of you there now; are you a good representation of Christianity for those looking on around you, and are you helping to spread the True message of Christmas this season?