When you hear the phrase “unreached people group,” the tribe
with no written language on the jungle island is likely to come to mind. While you
wouldn’t be wrong - the modern, better-off, European-style nation may be just
as cut off from the Gospel and a strong Church presence.
So in a very real sense, the people as a whole in Uruguay
are unreached. With half the population considering itself “non-religious”
(which is the highest for a country in the Western Hemisphere), atheism, agnosticism
and skepticism reign supreme over the closest competitor of Catholicism (of
which only 2% attend Mass).[1]
The great missionary Paul did his part in the Christian mission
to “make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19), by making it his ambition to “preach the Gospel where Christ was not known”
instead of “building on someone else’s foundation” (Rom. 15:20). That’s why he asked the Roman church to join with him by supporting his
Gospel-expansion to Spain (Rom. 15:23-24).
While it was Paul’s role in the mission to go to unreached
people groups, he saw the senders’ role (whether giving, praying or both) as truly
joining with him. To his faithful financial supporters in Philippi, Paul wrote,
“I always pray with joy because of your partnership
in the Gospel” (Phil. 1:4-5). He
urged others, “Join me in my struggle
by praying to God for me” (Rom. 15:30).
Supporting me prayerfully and financially extends your reach
to Uruguay. The lives that God changes in that country will, in part, be a
result of your effort from the place that God has you.
I’ve been incredibly encouraged, in my first couple weeks of
meeting with people, by God’s hold on people’s hearts! Some have committed to
give generously before I even say anything! You’re right, God - this all
depends on you, not my ability - thanks for the clear reminder!
[1] Jason
Mandryk. Operation World: The Definitive
Prayer Guide to Every Nation. 7th ed. (Colorado Springs, CO: Biblica
Publishing, 2010), 870.
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