Creative Access Nations

“(The rulers, elders and teachers of the law) called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” – Acts 4:18

There are countries where it is not possible for an expatriate (or foreign) missionary to get a visa. There are countries where church activities are greatly restricted and some countries where open evangelism by Christians is completely prohibited. Churches in areas where they have to meet in secret are sometimes referred to as Underground Churches. Some people have been tempted to think these countries – many of which have Islamic governments – are unreachable. While fulfilling the Great Commission in those countries can be challenging, it is not impossible. Closed to missionaries does not mean closed to the gospel, and that’s where the phrase “creative access” is utilized. Because the Good News spreads most easily through relationships, there are opportunities for evangelism in even the most difficult of circumstances. Relationships in which the gospel can be shared are developed through:

  • Students from those countries who study in another country

  • Christian business people whose job has taken them to those countries

  • Teachers whose particular specialty is in demand in those countries

  • Christian students who go to those countries to study

  • Tourists who develop contacts during brief trips to those countries

  • Internet contacts

  • Literature

  • Christian workers imported from third-world countries to provide service labor

  • Christian radio and television broadcasting from nearby countries

Article adapted by Howard Culbertson. For more content like this, visit: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert