Because You Told Me

Steve was recently with us at Prayer for the Unreached, a weekly prayer meeting the Antioch Society hosts on Thursday evenings. Steve and his family have served many years in Asia, working on humanitarian and educational projects as they share the Good News with many who still need access to the Gospel. 

While with us, Steve shared about going to Tanzu,[i] a village Steve had started visiting many years ago for the purpose of starting a school. Soon after first arriving in the village, Steve met Li,[ii] a boy about three years old. Li was one of many children in Tanzu with whom Steve interacted in the process of seeing a school established in the village. 

About fifteen years later Steve was in Tanzu again and recognized Li, who was now about eighteen. Steve struck up a conversation that eventually turned spiritual, with Steve asking, “Li, do you believe in God?’ 

Li’s answer shocked Steve: “Yes, Steve, I believe in God.” 

Steve replied, “Li, that is great that you believe in God. Most of the people in your village do not though.” 

 Li looked down at the ground and replied, “Yes, Steve, you are correct. Most of the people in my village do not believe in God. Most of them think that is odd.” Then Li looked up and said, “But, Steve, I believe in God.” 

Steve then questioned further, “Li, why? Why do you believe in God?’

Li then looked straight in Steve’s eyes and said, “Why? Why do I believe in God? Steve, I believe in God because you told me about Him.”

“Steve, I believe in God because you told me about Him.”

Romans 10:14b asks, “How are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”  

About 42 percent of the world are part of unreached people groups, with no one to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with them unless God’s people take missionary intention to cross cultural barriers to share Christ’s love with them. 

So many are like Li, open to hearing the Good News and open to believing, even if many in their culture are resistant.  

The Church must prioritize proclaiming Christ to those who do not have access to the Good News. Jesus commanded us to proclaim the Gospel to all of creation (Mark 16:15). Persons from every people group must have the opportunity to respond to Christ.

[i] The name of the village has been changed for security reasons. 

[ii] Li’s name has been changed for security reasons.