Birth of a Church Inside IDP Camp

Greetings from Myanmar. I hope you are doing well by the grace of God. Though we are passing through the most difficult time in our nation, because of the political and economic situation, our faithful God is at work among our people through His Word! We are just instruments for His Kingdom and righteousness.

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Spring 2024 Update

During one of my recent trips, I met the owner of a brick kiln in Pakistan. On the surface, he appeared to be a well respected, successful business leader in his community. Behind the scenes, he exhibited many of the cruelest expressions of humanity.

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Witch doctor turns to Christ — “I saw them burn up”

Pakistan (MNN) — When Unknown Nations gospel workers entered a slum in Pakistan, a prominent witch doctor thought he was ready for them.

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Pakistan’s 2024 general election came in the wake of violence

Pakistan (MNN) — Pakistan’s general election reaches its climax today as people go to the polls for national as well as provincial leaders amid recent tensions. On Wednesday a pair of explosions near the offices of two election candidates in Baluchistan killed more than two dozen people and wounded dozens more.

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Testimonies From A Closed Country

We received these testimonies from inside a closed country in Asia. God recently opened doors for our indigenous leaders to begin working in this area, and we’ve been so encouraged by the fruit coming from their ministry. They’ve asked us to refrain from mentioning this country’s name in any written communication. Preaching openly about Jesus is grounds for harsh punishment.

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Stories of Impact

From Impossible Places

Bigger Heart Than Hunger Issue

Bigger Heart Than Hunger Issue

March 7, 2023 5:13 PM
March 7, 2023 5:13 PM

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The two year anniversary of the infamous Myanmar military coup came and went this past month. This unlawful regime continues its crackdown upon millions of innocent lives. Now, the UN is saying that 5 million children are in dire need of humanitarian aid due to the conflict.

The two year anniversary of the infamous Myanmar military coup came and went this past month. This unlawful regime continues its crackdown upon millions of innocent lives. Now, the UN is saying that 5 million children are in dire need of humanitarian aid due to the conflict.

The carnage taking place is unimaginable and is going largely unnoticed by the global community. It is another example of the worst of both worlds being met by silence. 

Since its independence in 1948, this precious land in Myanmar has experienced decades of repressive military rule and civil war among minority ethnic groups. During that time, millions of people have been displaced, sexually assaulted and subjected to mass killings - in short, textbook genocide. All the while, Myanmar’s delicate economy suffers and hangs on by a thread. The most weak and vulnerable people are victimized over and over again.

The church has a tremendous opportunity to be a light!

We certainly should not respond as the world, plowing endless relief into chaos and turmoil in the absence of a long term goal. We have the only - and best - solution! Myanmar, facing a tragic scenario like so many other places, requires the Good News of Jesus Christ!

The atrocities in Myanmar are a perfect example of how the Body of Christ can make a significant impact in a place that seems hopeless. Unfortunately, Myanmar has a far bigger heart issue than a hunger issue. Making people temporarily more comfortable on their way to eternity is beneath the Body of Christ. Our calling is much higher, which is why the gospel message MUST be the forerunner alongside any strategic humanitarian assistance that is required. That makes Myanmar a country facing the worst of both worlds.

Despite much of the country being an active war zone, our leaders on the ground have never stopped going to the most dangerous spots and doing what the church should be doing. Our leaders are committed to telling the broken communities and villages about the love of Jesus!

Sometimes, the primary fact lost on followers of Jesus is that in the midst of this physical carnage is a country that has a chronic spiritual condition. 83% of the people in the country live within people groups without access to the gospel! 

Because of our faithful men and women (same culture missionaries) on the ground, we are seeing hearts transformed by the power of the gospel. Just recently an outreach took place that impacted approximately 3,000 people. Here is the summary of that encounter:

Among those 3,000 people:

  1. 60% of them were completely unreached people and had never heard the name of Jesus. This was their first time hearing the gospel in their whole lives.
  1. 98% of them were unbelievers (75% of Buddhists, 15% of Hindus and 10% of Muslims).
  1. We distributed 212 Burmese and Mandarin Treasures to key people who could not read or write well. (This was an area near the border with China which requires Mandarin).

After the distribution, more than 200 received Jesus and requested water baptism. 30 new leaders from that outreach are being trained at our training center designed to develop disciple makers! Friends, Myanmar is ripe for the gospel despite it being gripped in chaos and uncertainty.

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Spring 2023 Update

Spring 2023 Update

March 1, 2023 7:38 PM
March 1, 2023 7:38 PM

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On February 21, 2021, the country of Myanmar (formerly Burma) was scheduled to endorse the results of their national election from the previous November. The brutal military regime opposed the woman who won in a landslide, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The result was a violent military coup that led to the imprisonment of the legally victorious candidate and destroyed hopes for democratic reforms in this strategic Southeast Asian nation.

On February 21, 2021, the country of Myanmar (formerly Burma) was scheduled to endorse the results of their national election from the previous November. The brutal military regime opposed the woman who won in a landslide, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The result was a violent military coup that led to the imprisonment of the legally victorious candidate and destroyed hopes for democratic reforms in this strategic Southeast Asian nation. That occurred two years ago, and today, the residual effects are still having tragic consequences, especially among Christians. 

As atrocities mount, the suffering of the Burmese people has become unimaginable.

Over 1.2 million people are internally displaced because of government oppression. Christians have stood firmly against this brutal regime and are paying the price. The military has attacked many villages and indiscriminately targeted those who oppose their illegal siege of the country. Innocent men, women and children have been imprisoned and killed for standing up for peace. Credible sources estimate more than 34,000 civilian structures, including homes, clinics, schools and churches, have been destroyed during the coup.

Our key relationships in the country shared a recent incident where an entire village was destroyed. It had been the home of Unknown Nations partners and friends sharing the gospel throughout Myanmar. These innocent people have lost everything! We immediately equipped our indigenous leaders who were going into these areas to minister. Many had fled during the attacks, and some were still missing, but the remaining villagers needed urgent assistance to help them survive the winter cold. Our leaders consoled the victims and offered humanitarian assistance alongside Treasures (audio Bibles). 

Now, even the Buddhist leaders in the community are feeling a different kind of love in the midst of despair. They are eager to learn more about Jesus. 

In the past month since mobilization of aid to that village, ten people have received Jesus and are eagerly listening to the audio Bibles. 

The atrocities in Myanmar are a perfect example of how the Body of Christ can make a significant impact in a place that seems hopeless. We choose to go where the environment is hardened and looks the most bleak. That is where Jesus would go! Now it is our opportunity. 

More Burmese leaders have come forward who want to be further discipled, trained and mobilized in the midst of these two challenging years. 

They realize the only hope for their country is the gospel message. Eternal hope! 

Together in the Harvest, 

Greg Kelley, CEO

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Afghan Ministry Update

Afghan Ministry Update

March 1, 2023 2:18 PM
March 1, 2023 2:18 PM

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An underground team member in our indigenous missionary network was distributing audio Bibles in a dangerous location when two robbers stopped him on a motorbike. Both of these robbers had weapons which they pointed at the missionary and ordered him to hand over his phone, cash, and watch or they would shoot him.

An underground team member in our indigenous missionary network was distributing audio Bibles in a dangerous location when two robbers stopped him on a motorbike. Both of these robbers had weapons which they pointed at the missionary and ordered him to hand over his phone, cash, and watch or they would shoot him.

He handed over the requested items along with his bag that was holding the Treasure audio Bibles. When one of the robbers looked inside the bag they found the Treasures and accidentally hit the power button on one of the devices.

Surprisingly, the Treasure started playing loudly from 1 Corinthians chapter
6. The robber was trying to turn it off but the sound kept getting louder and louder. In their frustration they were going to toss the audio bible away when they heard 1 Corinthians 6:10 start playing, “Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.”

The robber looked at the missionary and said, “What is the Kingdom of God? What does it mean that thieves can’t enter? Who is speaking from this audio device?”

The missionary answered their questions as the robbers continued to ask more about God and His kingdom. After two hours of conversation on the side of the road, both robbers received Jesus as their personal savior!

They took the missionary to their home where they prepared a feast for him and gathered more from their tribe so they could hear about Jesus and His kingdom too. What a miraculous testimony, nothing is impossible with God! Your support is making an impact in spreading the good news to ALL Nations!

Your support is making an impact in spreading the good news to ALL Nations!

Matthew 28:18 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations”

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The Rohingya of Bangladesh

The Rohingya of Bangladesh

February 15, 2023 3:06 PM
February 15, 2023 3:06 PM

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The 100% Muslim Rohingya people have been pushed out of Myanmar (a Buddhist country) into Bangladesh. The UN described the atrocities inflicted upon the Rohingya as “textbook examples of genocide and ethnic cleansing.”

Today, there are about 1 million Rohingya living in Bangladesh. Myanmar does not allow them to return and Bangladesh tolerates them as long as they remain confined within massive refugee camps. These precious people are sprawled in ghettos and tent cities in an area of Bangladesh called Cox’s Bazar. In a short period of time, it has become the world’s largest refugee camp. The Rohingya people face a tragic humanitarian crisis and more importantly, have never been exposed to the gospel.

"When I first went to the camp people were coming in by the hundreds every day. Even today, there are still not enough shelters. These people are living in hazardous conditions with a quarter mile line for good drinking water. Young people are getting involved with drugs and smuggling without any opportunities for an education or jobs. There’s still a lot of opportunity to help these people."

- Unknown Nations Director of Bangladesh

Please pray for healing and comfort for the trauma they’ve experienced in losing their homeland. (Lam. 3:21-23)

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The Greatest Holdout

The Greatest Holdout

February 7, 2023 5:22 PM
February 7, 2023 5:22 PM

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India is a country that stands alone in so many ways as it relates to the Great Commission. They have a greater concentration of unreached people than any country in the world…and it’s not even close. Christianity has always been a minority religion despite significant mission efforts over the centuries. This is amazing, considering that Thomas, the disciple of Jesus, first brought the gospel there over 2,000 years ago!

India is a country that stands alone in so many ways as it relates to the Great Commission. They have a greater concentration of unreached people than any country in the world…and it’s not even close. Christianity has always been a minority religion despite significant mission efforts over the centuries. This is amazing, considering that Thomas, the disciple of Jesus, first brought the gospel there over 2,000 years ago!

During the 20th century, while much of Sub-Saharan Africa was exploding with the gospel, India has been largely unresponsive to the Good News. Followers of Jesus in Malawi started at 2% in 1900 and grew to 77% by the end of the century! Kenya went from .2% all the way to 79%. And, the massive country of Congo went from less than 2% all the way to 95%!! Africa’s response during this time was thanks to incredible investments, prayers and sacrifice.

Over that same time period, 1900-2000, India’s population started at 2% Christian and ended at 2%. This resistance toward the gospel still continues today.

As Christians, we need to understand the challenges and find ways to prayerfully be a part of seeing this country reached with the Good News. We are absolutely confident that India will one day call upon the name of Jesus in historic proportions! 

The first thing we must realize is that inside of India resides 2,135 people groups that do not have access to the gospel. They are unreached. That is more than the next 6 countries combined! This country also has 460,000 villages that do not have any kind of Christian presence. This land must become a priority for the Body of Christ. We must find the current situation unacceptable on our watch of stewarding the Great Commission.

Because of this, we have developed a network of four indigenous leaders across the country, three of them are in the north where Christianity is almost non-existent. In this area we heard of a Hindu man who received Jesus by listening to the Treasure. In his enthusiasm he declared “your God speaks my language!” He said he would share the gospel through the solar powered audio bible with 2,000 people in the next few months! This is the kind of determined approach it will take to reach all of India…the greatest holdout to the greatest story ever told.

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Chad Ministry Update

Chad Ministry Update

February 1, 2023 2:34 PM
February 1, 2023 2:34 PM

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Islamic extremists in Chad discovered one of our Treasure audio Bibles and have urgently alerted their Muslim community by circulating a strong video warning on WhatsApp (a popular global messaging app). Their message? “Start opposing this Christian thing!”

Islamic extremists in Chad discovered one of our Treasure audio Bibles and have urgently alerted their Muslim community by circulating a strong video warning on WhatsApp (a popular global messaging app). Their message? “Start opposing this Christian thing!”

The gospel has been spreading quickly and these extremists, Islamic missionaries in a way, are recognizing the threat that the Treasure brings.

One reason that Treasures are so effective is that they are made available to the people freely and in their own heart language. This is in stark contrast to the Islamic belief system, which is built upon the Quran being recited and read in the Arabic language alone. The Islamic leaders of this area are intimidated by the reality that the people now have access to the power of God’s Word in their very own language. In the video warning that’s being circulated (see screenshot on right), they noted that they’ve seen local men sitting together and listening to “this thing” underneath trees in the heat of the day.

Our indigenous leader shared, “[In their video message] they even threatened to identify all of those who have served their voice to record the Scripture on the Treasures, as well as those who are distributing them. Please pray for my network as they seek to distribute. Pray that God will preserve them. Pray that the message of salvation will do its ministry as a fire and a rain. Pray for God to provide, protect, and give wisdom to the Christian missionaries serving among the dark areas of Chad.”

Although this news is sobering, we feel strongly compelled to continue advancing into new territory! Thank you for standing with us. Your support is making an impact in spreading the good news to ALL Nations!

Your support is making an impact in spreading the good news to ALL Nations!

Matthew 28:18 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations”

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Taking New Ground

Taking New Ground

January 3, 2023 5:42 PM
January 3, 2023 5:42 PM

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Happy New Year! All of us at Unknown Nations wish you a wonderful 2023. As you start this year, we pray that the Lord gives you faces and places to take the Good News. Find the lives that God intends for you to impact for eternity this year. If we all took that challenge, 2023 would end up being a phenomenal year! 

Happy New Year! All of us at Unknown Nations wish you a wonderful 2023. As you start this year, we pray that the Lord gives you faces and places to take the Good News. Find the lives that God intends for you to impact for eternity this year. If we all took that challenge, 2023 would end up being a phenomenal year! 

At Unknown Nations, when we think of lives to impact, the unreached are front and center.

They live in places where the name of Jesus has never been spoken, and do not have access to the gospel message! How is it still possible, in January of 2023, that this could be true? Unfortunately, it is true for billions of people. The good news is that we know where they live, which allows us to mobilize resources in a very strategic manner.

You probably wouldn’t believe me if I told you that 47 of the 100 largest unreached people groups in the world are living within the single country of India?! This is why India is a huge priority for us and why we send thousands of Treasures into this country every month. If you are curious, those 47 people groups amount to more than 670 million people—all without access to the gospel!

As you partner with us and take the gospel where it has never been, you are mobilizing world-changing leaders who love Jesus. YOU literally set them in motion through your investment. World-changers like Rinku, a precious leader who was crippled years ago by polio. She literally walks by moving her feet with her hands, urgently traveling from one village to the next to bring the hope of the gospel. Rinku came to know Jesus through listening to the Treasure last year. Since that time, she has led 100 people to Christ through the Treasure!

When one of our team members was praying for Rinku, they felt prompted to ask what she wanted from the Lord, her answer shocked us all! Without any hesitation, she said, “to receive more boldness and power in the Holy Spirit to share the gospel.” Because of you, she is taking the gospel where it has never been. Let’s consider Rinku when we ask the Lord what it looks like to take new ground in 2023.

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Kenya Ministry Update

Kenya Ministry Update

January 1, 2023 2:48 PM
January 1, 2023 2:48 PM

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Our Kenyan leader sent one of his indigenous missionaries to a village along the Ugandan border with Karamojong Treasures. This missionary preached and identified an elderly grandmother to entrust with one of the Treasures. He understood the high regard and position that she held in this particular village.

Our Kenyan leader sent one of his indigenous missionaries to a village along the Ugandan border with Karamojong Treasures. This missionary preached and identified an elderly grandmother to entrust with one of the Treasures. He understood the high regard and position that she held in this particular village.

This dear grandmother, who was very influential in the eyes of the people, began gathering all of the women in the clan each morning to listen to the Treasure. She was not a trained preacher, evangelist, or prophet. She was simply convinced that this Treasure contained God’s Word, saying, “This is the true Word of God that God has brought in my time. Even if we don’t have a preacher with us to stay, this is the voice of God. We need to believe in Him and assemble a church within our clan!” She appointed her grandson to be the pastor of their newly established church.

Recently, our Kenyan leader received a message from the grandmother saying, “Come back! We need to baptize!” Many people have come to know Christ through the Treasure and our team is now waiting for enough water in the area to baptize them. We do not know how many are ready and waiting, maybe the entire village! Praise God for this new church that was planted with a single Treasure! Please pray for these new believers and for the beautiful land of Kenya as they have been facing very serious drought conditions. While there is currently no water available, we wait expectantly for the opportunity to baptize these new believers.

Your support is making an impact in spreading the good news to ALL Nations!

Matthew 28:18 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations”

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Around the World in Seven Weeks

Around the World in Seven Weeks

December 6, 2022 5:15 PM
December 6, 2022 5:15 PM

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I just finished the busiest travel season of my 25 year tenure at Unknown Nations. It consisted of three separate trips to Asia within a seven week window … whew! The experiences of visiting refugee camps, seeing the impact of the Treasure, and dedicating water projects … Incredible!

I just finished the busiest travel season of my 25 year tenure at Unknown Nations. It consisted of three separate trips to Asia within a seven week window … whew! The experiences of visiting refugee camps, seeing the impact of the Treasure, and dedicating water projects … Incredible!

I also want to share with you the honor of being asked to speak at an International missions conference in Indonesia. This platform gave Unknown Nations the opportunity to speak from our experience on the topic of reaching oral learners in the 10/40 window. It was exciting to share the vision that you have all been supporting with missions leaders from around the world. This amazing opportunity came as a result of a relationship with one of our world changing indigenous leaders.

In fact, as I reflect on this season of travel, my biggest takeaway was the same thing that I’ve always considered our greatest asset at Unknown Nations … our indigenous leaders! Over the years, the most common question I get asked is, “How do you meet these incredible people?” My answer has consistently been the same. “Are you familiar with the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch?” While this is not the answer they were looking for, it paints a picture of how the Lord connects us and creates these kingdom relationships. 

Let me tell you that story, so you can appreciate the backbone of Unknown Nations.

When a great persecution broke out in Jerusalem, the church was scattered. As the believers dispersed to Samaria, the waiter Philip was transformed into the heroic evangelist Philip. Suddenly he was casting out demons, proclaiming the Messiah, praying and seeing the paralyzed and lame healed! This is a full blown revival scene and Philip is the leader of the move of God.

At the peak of the revival, we encounter one of the more fascinating verses in the entire bible. We read in Acts 8:26 – “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Go south to the road – the desert road- that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’” What?!! I think this angel got his orders mixed up. I mean, that seems like an utter waste of resources. Why would anyone take the most influential person in a revival and send them to a place where there will be more goats than people! 

As baffling as verse 26 is, verse 27 is even more remarkable. This verse demonstrates a tremendous level Christian maturity as Phillip heard the Lord’s voice and immediately obeyed. Acts 8:27 begins with, “So he started out…” There is no debate. There is no objection. And there is no reminder to the angel of how his role is irreplaceable. Just pure resolute and courageous obedience. Obedience that knew one assignment had ended and another was ready to begin. He simply knew his master's voice and trusted him enough to obey.

Philip would come to realize very quickly what his short term assignment would be, even though he never had the opportunity of seeing the long term impact. In a single moment, Philip’s life was intersected with an Ethiopian eunuch who was fumbling through a set of scrolls. He was a religious man without a relationship. The Spirit led Philip to explain to him the meaning of the words of Isaiah, describing the slaughter and humiliation Jesus would face in the absence of any justice.

It was in that moment Philip would realize the precision of the angel’s instruction. An intersection that changed a man and his country. Philip led the man to Christ and water baptized him so that he could pursue his own journey of obedience. Historians tell us that a revival, even greater than the one Philip led in Samaria, would break out in Ethiopia.

This encounter led to an historic revival. It involved the Holy Spirit, the Word of God and an evangelist. Is it possible that obediently carrying out Jesus' last four words could also follow this equation? At Unknown Nations, we know this to be true and we realize the importance of people like the eunuch … people like our world changing indigenous leaders.

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India Ministry Update

India Ministry Update

December 1, 2022 2:12 PM
December 1, 2022 2:12 PM

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Greetings from India! Members from our team just returned home from a two week trip. On the trip they were able to break bread with our indigenous leaders and build connections between our U.S. and international teams.

Greetings from India! Members from our team just returned home from a two week trip. On the trip they were able to break bread with our indigenous leaders and build connections between our U.S. and international teams.

They visited a community of believers from the state of Bihar, India (pictured in these photos). This state has the largest concentration of unreached people groups in the world. It has been considered the graveyard of missions. One of the world changers we met while traveling was Rinku (pictured in the purple shawl). She came to know Jesus through listening to the Treasure last year. Since that time, she has led 30 men and 70 women to Jesus!

Rinku is an inspiring model of dedicating everything she is and everything she has to sharing the gospel. She has physical limitations caused by polio, making it so that she can only walk by picking up each foot with her hand and placing it in front of the other. Yet, when one of our leaders knelt in front of her and asked, “If I could pray for anything for you, what would it be?” Without hesitation, she asked for more Holy Spirit boldness to share the gospel with others!

Also, as soon as she opened her eyes after praying with our team, Rinku said she would donate a piece of property she had just inherited to build a church for her community. Even though she lives in utter poverty, all she wants is Jesus. What an example of being totally sold out for the kingdom.

Your support is making an impact in spreading the good news to ALL Nations!

Matthew 28:18 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations”

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Winter 2022 Update

Winter 2022 Update

November 23, 2022 12:29 PM
November 23, 2022 12:29 PM

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In 2017, the world experienced one of the most egregious assaults upon a single people group that very few know about. Can you imagine one ethnic group being targeted by another with such hatred that children were ripped from the arms of parents and thrown into the flames of burning huts? Or a people group having every possession confiscated or destroyed, only to have a band of thugs encouraged by the enemy to brutally sexually assault terrified moms and daughters? This is the reality of the Rohingya! 

In 2017, the world experienced one of the most egregious assaults upon a single people group that very few know about. Can you imagine one ethnic group being targeted by another with such hatred that children were ripped from the arms of parents and thrown into the flames of burning huts? Or a people group having every possession confiscated or destroyed, only to have a band of thugs encouraged by the enemy to brutally sexually assault terrified moms and daughters? This is the reality of the Rohingya! 

These precious people have lived in makeshift, temporary shelters for the past 5 years along the southern peninsula of Bangladesh. A place called Teknaf hosts what has become one of the largest refugee crises in the world today. When I was there last month, many of the refugees expressed their deep desire to return to their native land within Myanmar. However, returning to their homeland appears very unlikely as the military has created one of the most unstable environments in the world following their coup last year. The Rohingya are a stateless people group wanted by no one! They live in shelters you would not allow your pet to stay in. These shelters are vulnerable to annual monsoon flooding and summertime fires that consume dozens of shelters on a regular basis. Does that sound like hell on Earth? Shockingly, it gets worse. 

The Rohingya are considered 100% Muslim and most are outside of any possible gospel influence! As followers of Jesus, we must find this unacceptable. As stewards of the Great Commission, we must not settle for this reality. 

Fortunately, our indigenous leader has already enacted the principles of 2 Timothy 2:2 to multiply and train and equip local leaders. Over the past year, he has already mobilized 2 dozen local Rohingya leaders who are committed to changing the Rohingya’s desperate spiritual condition. 

Armed with the Good News, they are visiting most of the 30 different camps filled with one million Rohingya refugees declaring the Good News of Jesus Christ! Now, we have the opportunity to help a vision that will bring Christ to the Rohingya and see local leaders trained and sent into neighboring mission fields. 

To reach the Rohingya, we must intentionally raise up discipleship makers: people equipped to navigate the generational aspects of Islam while delicately addressing the genocide they have endured. 

Establishing a Shiloh Center in a nearby community is critical to that training. It will allow new believers who are eager to become missionaries to be trained and equipped for this urgent need. They will join other ethnic leaders representing a variety of majority Muslim people groups covering Bangladesh. As they learn, encourage and grow from one another, we will see church planting movements established. This Shiloh Center will become a refuge for these leaders to come and refresh so that they do not become weary. 

Together in the Harvest, 

Greg Kelley CEO 

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Back from Bangladesh

Back from Bangladesh

November 1, 2022 5:24 PM
November 1, 2022 5:24 PM

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I recently returned home from Bangladesh. This country is located on the Eastern side of India on the Bay of Bengal and is home to the largest unreached people group in the world, the Bengali Shaikh. The Shaikh number 132 million people and are 0.00% Christian.

I recently returned home from Bangladesh. This country is located on the Eastern side of India on the Bay of Bengal and is home to the largest unreached people group in the world, the Bengali Shaikh. The Shaikh number 132 million people and are 0.00% Christian.

Even though Bangladesh is about the size of Michigan’s lower peninsula, this people group has the equivalent population of California, Texas, Florida, New York and Illinois combined! While the numbers are overwhelming, our indigenous leaders are making inroads to reach the Shaikh people. When visiting the cities of Dhaka and Chittagong, we learned about many Bengali who had given their lives to Christ through the ministry of our indigenous leaders who are distributing Treasures and establishing listening groups.

Ministry in the Hill Tracts

Bangladesh is also home to other people groups who are just as needy for the gospel but very underserved and in most instances completely ‘off the grid’. They live in the Chittagong Hill Tract area which is the highest elevation area of Bangladesh, near the southeast border with India and Myanmar. These people, including the Tipura, Marma and Chakma, are in desperate need. It is unknown how many are true followers of Jesus but it is safe to say it is below 5%.

Not only do they suffer from a spiritual drought, they have been terrorized for decades by the majority Bengali people. They take their land, kidnap and traffic their children, sexually assault the women, and commit acts of genocide. These precious people have suffered! 

The good news is that our teams have been devoted to taking the gospel into these hills for the past three years. Churches are being planted as Treasure listening groups are established. Leaders are being mentored to lead this first generation body of believers. Schools have been established to give children an education while also protecting them from being abducted while unattended during the work day. All of these are examples of the gospel causing transformation!

Please join us in continuing to pray for the Shaikh people and those living in the Hill Tract.

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Somali Ministry Update

Somali Ministry Update

November 1, 2022 3:25 PM
November 1, 2022 3:25 PM

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The Somali people are known to be more than 99% Muslim. Their population represents over 25 million individuals spread across 24 different countries, primarily concentrated in Somalia and the Horn of Africa at large.

The Somali people are known to be more than 99% Muslim. Their population represents over 25 million individuals spread across 24 different countries, primarily concentrated in Somalia and the Horn of Africa at large.

Ministry work in highly Islamic areas is dangerous. Believers can quickly face persecution and ultimately risk losing their lives for their faith. Many brave brothers and sisters in Christ willingly take that risk to share the Good News of the Gospel through the Treasure.

One courageous sister (pictured on right) ministering among the Somali people shared her story with us. As a child, she was hungry for truth and received a New Testament from a friend. She decided to follow Jesus and because of this endured much persecution at the hands of her Muslim family, even to the point of hospitalization. When she was in the hospital, the friend who gifted her the Bible asked her mother for permission to pray for her. God healed her instantly. She shared it was “because God had an agenda with me.”

She has endured much persecution in her life but this beloved sister is valiant in her efforts of making disciples of Christ. As an adult she was the very first Christian in her village. Before her connection with Unknown Nations she used to pluck out pages of her Bible for the people she was sharing with to borrow and trade. Now she thanks God for the Treasure audio Bibles and how greatly they multiply her ministry efforts.

She now has 45 Somali women that she is actively discipling and sharing the Treasures with. Many of them are still Muslims, but are coming to her for advice and for prayer. God has been working through her powerfully with miraculous healings and answers to these prayers. Please join us in praying for this sister and the women she has been discipling.

Thank you for sharing the hope of Jesus!

Matthew 28:18 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations”

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Upcoming International Trips

Upcoming International Trips

October 4, 2022 5:30 PM
October 4, 2022 5:30 PM

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Since our inception in December 1994, God has powerfully used numerous circumstances and relationships to grow our ministry. Our massive vision, to reach the hundreds of millions of people without access to the gospel, has required every one of these divine interactions. To complete this task, all of us will need to find our role and actively participate!

Since our inception in December 1994, God has powerfully used numerous circumstances and relationships to grow our ministry. Our massive vision, to reach the hundreds of millions of people without access to the gospel, has required every one of these divine interactions. To complete this task, all of us will need to find our role and actively participate!

Among the many ‘miracle connections’ we've made over the years, we uniquely depend upon one category to carry out the mission. These relationships are imperative to our success and give direction to our vision. More specifically, the indigenous leaders that we partner with at Unknown Nations. With over 30 key leaders, and their networks totaling over 1,000 indigenous missionaries, this group truly represents Unknown Nations!

"Always Everywhere"

We had a ministry partner recently share with us that they love how we’re “always everywhere.” Our ministry is not dependent upon our U.S. team traveling to different countries to do mission work. Through our network of indigenous leaders, there are individuals who are daily serving the Lord and passionately work to reach their own people.

Our indigenous partners distribute Treasures, set up listening groups, plant churches, and identify strategic humanitarian projects that will pave the way for the gospel to be shared. I love all of our indigenous networks and am passionate to see them multiply. The key to fulfilling the Great Commission is leaders who will disciple future disciplemakers. Consider 2 Timothy 2:2 which models 4 generations of multiplication!

Breaking Bread

Our international team of indigenous leaders are part of our family. We place a high value on spending time with these brothers and sisters in Christ. Breaking bread with them. Meeting their family. Learning their culture. Praying with them. And, doing field ministry together. All of these touchpoints build our relationships and strengthen our ability to ultimately see the name of Jesus become ‘known’ in the darkest of places of the world.

Please be praying for a series of trips to link our U.S. leadership team with our international Team!

Earlier this year, our team had the privilege of visiting some of the tremendous leaders we have in Africa. But in the next few months, we’ll be traveling to Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Indonesia and Pakistan. Each of these trips are intentionally Asia focused as the largest majority of unreached people in the world actually live in Asia. In fact, 86 of the 100 largest unreached people groups are in the continent of Asia. Thankfully, the Lord has helped us develop a very robust network across all of Asia, ready to take the Good News where it has never been.

Thank you for praying for our ongoing work.

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Pakistan Ministry Update

Pakistan Ministry Update

October 1, 2022 3:39 PM
October 1, 2022 3:39 PM

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This past monsoon season has devastated the country of Pakistan. One of the people groups who were affected was the Marwari people. They are considered a frontier people group with virtually no followers of Christ and no known movements to introduce these people to Jesus.

This past monsoon season has devastated the country of Pakistan. One of the people groups who were affected was the Marwari people. They are considered a frontier people group with virtually no followers of Christ and no known movements to introduce these people to Jesus.

Humanitarian outreach is one of our main mission strategies at Unknown Nations. Through offering clean water solutions, medical aid, and disaster relief, we empower our indigenous leaders to become the hands and feet of Jesus. In crisis situations, like the deadly flooding taking place in Pakistan, our partners can share the love and compassion of Christ to those who are hurting.

At the end of September, our partner’s team visited a camp of the Marwari people and invited them to join a prayer meeting. After the meeting wrapped, they hosted a free medical camp where doctors were able to provide check-ups and prescribe free medications for the flood victims.

Praise God, a few minutes after our team started worshiping all the people joined our team. After worshiping the Lord, I got a chance to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with all those who attended. I am so excited to share with you that 13 brothers and sisters gave their lives to Jesus Christ and accepted Him as their Lord, King, and Savior. - UN Partner

Through these ministry opportunities, our partners are able to leave a message of hope and healing. Our partners strategically distribute audio Bibles, sharing the treasure of God’s Word with those who need it most.

Thank you for sharing the hope of Jesus!

Matthew 28:18 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations”

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