Almost half of the world population is considered unreached –roughly 42% of humans (over 3.1 billion!) on this planet are members of a people group among which there is no self-propagating, indigenous community of believing Christians.

These peoples are often difficult to engage and live in contexts that are difficult to access. Jesus Christ died for every people, tribe, and nation. We believe that His glory is worth sending called believers into uncertainty, difficulty, and even danger to meet, love, and serve these peoples where they are. This is why First Church invests and engages in this type of work globally.

The Miller* family lives in the Muslim world, using their professional skills in health and education to both equip nationals and establish a presence in the community as they pray and labor to see movements among the unreached peoples in their region.

With a vision to both “preach and heal” (Matt 4:23) as Jesus did, the Miller family uses their training model to be salt and light in a nation that is roughly 98% Muslim. The lack of acceptance of any other religion by government authorities coupled with rejection and hostility at a community level makes it understandable why it is often said that to be from this country is “to be Muslim”. There is simply no fathomable alternative to the overwhelming majority of its citizens.

Several years ago, the Miller family received a unique invitation to work in an isolated and arid region of this country that is home to few foreigners and no westerners. During this time, they have developed a project that strengthens their acceptance among the people, adds professional value to nationals, benefits the health of the community, and will open doors for future like-minded partners. It is due to the fragility of their opportunity to be there that we cannot provide more details about their work here.

The Miller family also has a vision to partner with nearby people groups that have existing (albeit persecuted) churches –the closest being a six-hour drive from where they live. They also have a desire to multiply opportunities for international believers to use skills within the country to live as disciples of Jesus in a place where they will literally be the first Christian many of their neighbors and friends have ever met.

Will you pray that the work God has started will lead to multiplying groups of believers? Will you pray for perseverance as the Miller’s learn the language to share deep truth, raise children in a difficult place, and continue to develop a sustainable, growing project? Will you pray for boldness and for fertile soil as they share?

*”Miller” is a pseudonym used to protect the identity and work of this family