We use ‘Creative Access’ to refer to nations, areas or ministries where there is great hostility towards Christianity and where traditional ‘missionary work’ is not possible. Workers, therefore, need to be ‘creative’ in how they proclaim the liberating news of Jesus Christ. In North Africa alone, 200 million people from 472 unreached people groups are unreached with the gospel. That’s 200 million people unknowingly heading for a Christ-less eternity.
Workers use skills in many areas, including business, education and healthcare. Whatever you do for your ‘job’ at home, with a bit of modification you could probably do it in a creative access area.
Whatever role you have, the aim is to be as intentional as possible – to have the name of Jesus Christ on your lips at all times. Whether it is buying bread for breakfast, meeting with a client to discuss business, dropping off children at school, or drinking tea with a friend, the intention is to always be ready to share the truth of the gospel.
The lost need to hear the good news of Jesus. Is God working in your heart? Are you considering working in an area where Jesus isn’t known?
“All pilots are liars and no one can actually follow all the rules,” an Island aviation official told me recently. Sadly in Africa, that is often true. It’s into this ‘wild’ industry that we will go as Christian workers displaying integrity and professionalism.
Josie* recently spent three weeks in a Creative Access Nation following several short term trips to different parts of Africa. Here, she chose to utilise her physiotherapy skills to build relationships, as well as to consider where God might be calling her to serve long term in the future.
One of our short termers who is considering long term ministry in a creative access nation shares her TIMO Quest experiences (name withheld for security).
Amelia* serves in West Africa, sharing the gospel with those in a region that is very opposed to the message of Jesus Christ.
344 million people are living in North Africa without knowing Jesus. 200 million are living and dying without even hearing of his offer of salvation. That’s why we’re hoping for members to join us on a team in North Africa from next summer, seeking to share both the gospel and their lives with those they are living amongst.
Yesterday, I was carrying out the most ignoble procedure a surgeon can do, and caught myself thinking ‘this is not what I came here to do’. Followed immediately by the challenge ‘but I thought you wanted to serve others?
