The winter months remind me that we were never meant to live in darkness. We are creatures that crave light. Something about the sun draws us out and fills us up. A day or two of darkness will have little effect on us, but extended periods of time in the dark have physical effects on our bodies that can be measured. This is one of the reasons why areas closer to the North Pole have higher depression and suicide rates. These areas get little to no sunshine in the winter months and it is draining.
This same concept can be applied to spiritual darkness. Most people reading this are living in a country with laws based on Judeo-Christian values. While we experience the consequences of a fallen world we have ample access to Christian resources. We have radio stations, books, and even TV shows broadcasting the Good News of Jesus Christ. Even in these environments, we can feel the weight of darkness around us. However, take a moment to imagine how much heavier you would feel with little to no Christian influence around you. Imagine laws based on control rather than love. Imagine a society in which the class you are born into cannot be changed. Imagine a faith in which you have to work for your God’s approval. This is the life of the unreached person.
An unreached people group is classified as a group that has less than 2% evangelical Christians among them. They are considered unreached because without outside influence it is highly unlikely that they will come to know the saving love of Jesus. Most of these people groups are found in what we call the 10/40 window (a geographical location between the latitudinal lines of 10° and 40° north of the equator over the continent of Africa and Asia) and can be dangerous to reach. People in this area live in constant darkness. A kind of darkness that can feel crushing. These are not easy places to go. Nevertheless, Jesus has commissioned us all to spread His Gospel to all nations. This is our heart at YWAM Idaho and we hope you will join us as we work to make Christ known to every tribe and tongue.