Part 2: Why Haven't the Unreached Heard Yet?
If the Gospel has been spreading for over 2,000 years, why are there still billions who have never heard?
It’s a fair question—and the answer reveals just how complex this challenge really is.
1) Many unreached people live in remote and isolated regions—places difficult to access, with little infrastructure and few outside visitors.
2) Others are separated by language barriers, with no or few Scripture or Christian resources available in their heart language.
3) Cultural and religious traditions can make it incredibly difficult for the Gospel to be shared or even received.
4) There are often simply too few workers—too few people able to go, build relationships, and share the Gospel in meaningful ways.
The two most unreached nations where we serve are China (with an estimated 450-700* million unreached) and Indonesia (with approximately 170* million unreached). In China, for example, government restriction and surveillance greatly limits outreach. On the other hand, Indonesia is a primarily Muslim nation. In both instances, it can be very dangerous and challenging for local Christians to share their faith, meet regularly, and establish churches.
These are not small obstacles. They are significant, deeply rooted barriers, but they are not impossible!
As we look ahead to May 24th, the International Day for the Unreached, we’re reminded that awareness is the first step toward change. When we understand the barriers, we can begin to pray with purpose—and believe God to move in powerful ways.
Thank you for taking this journey with us.
With gratitude,
Ellis Craft
Interim President
P.S. - For the numbers with an asterisk, note that these estimates vary from source to source. It can be challenging to get an accurate number for different reasons, but I believe these are solid estimates.
Read Part 1: Who Are the Unreached?
The photo in this article shows a village in Bulgaria.
