“Isn’t Easter just an American holiday?” asked Lee, an international student here at school. My heart started racing, ears ringing, my mind screaming, “Is she serious?!?!"
Each Monday over our favorite, Chinese food, a friend and i learn about who Jesus is and the need we have for Him. We’ve developed an incredible friendship, which has provided for the chance to share the Gospel.
This last Monday however, following Easter, i couldn’t believe the reality that Lee was opening my eyes to. She isn’t alone in thinking that Easter is similar to Thanksgiving, Presidents’ Day, or Labor Day. In fact, not one of her friends knew there was anything more to Easter than egg hunts and the fictional character the Easter Bunny.
Here at K-State in Fall 2010:
1812 International students enrolled in classes from 59 different countries.
Including: Afghanistan, China, Colombia, Hong Kong, India, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Japan, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Venezuela
They are being training as Agronomist, Chemist, Educators, Engineers, Financial Advisors, Journalists, Lawyers, Musicians, and Psychologists.
Yet, the question begs to be asked:
“How many leave K-State not knowing Jesus died on the cross for their sins?”
An even bigger question:
“How many people leave earth without hearing the Gospel?”
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After spending some time with the Traveling Team campus ministry, our group of ladies learned
- 50,000 people die each day without hearing the gospel
- 2.6 Billion people have yet to hear of Jesus
- 88% of the unreached people live in the 10/40 window
- A region of the world between 10 and 40 degrees latitude. (aka from Western Africa to Eastern Asia)
- Less than 1% of people who live in this window are Christians
- Yet, only 4% of missionaries go to the 10/40 window!
What Can We Do?
*Learn—We can’t act upon knowledge we don’t know about.
*Start Praying—Youtube “Operation World prayercast” to get your heart praying for the same things God’s heart is praying for!
*Reach Out to Internationals---They like us are looking for friendships!
*Check Out Ways to Go—It’s a reality. A reality we must act upon. Check out short-term, long-term, and mobilizing opportunities.
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Jesus told us generations ago that the harvest was plentiful and the workers few. It’s just as true still to this day. My friend Lee showed me this week that the harvest has literally come and sat down at our lunch table.
Jesus said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, beseech the Lord of the harvest that He may send laborers into His harvest.” ~Matthew 9:37-38
