There is absolutely no doubt that that the majority of Christians want to support the proclamation of the Christian Gospel in areas such as the 10/40 Window, and if they choose not to, they are failing to contribute to the fulfilment of “The Great Commission” of Jesus, (Matthew 28:19, 20, - Mark 16:15, 16 – Luke 24: 45 – 48- John 20:21 & Acts 1:8.). Sadly, many are inhibited by the belief that their financial gift will, a) not be used in its entirety for the purpose it was given; b) will get swallowed-up in ‘administration costs’, and c) the uncertainty that the gift will not be used for the specific purpose for which the gift was given. Such concerns are genuine, legitimate and sadly, too often factually correct.

Let us therefore examine this whole area of missionary giving, look at it from a modern perspective and hopefully, at the conclusion of this article you will be reassured that a very high percentage of your financial gifts can be used for the specific purpose for which they are given.

Financial Facts.
During a fairly recent consultation on world evangelism, Western missionary leaders called for 200,000 new missionaries to keep pace with estimated population growth in the first decade of the new millennium. The cost of that modest missionary expansion would be a staggering $20 billion a year. When you realise that in 2000 North American Christians contributed just $5.5 billion for foreign missions, the deficit is astronomical. Additionally, approximately 85% of all missionary finances are being used by Western missionaries who are working among the established churches on the field; not for pioneer evangelism to the lost. There has to exist an alternative.

Wise Stewardship of Resources.
It is estimated that it costs around $80,000 a year to support a Western missionary couple in India, and allowing for a modest inflation rate of 3% in ten years the cost will have risen to $100,000. Just think, these costs involve international air transportation, shipping of many possessions to the field, language schools, and special English-language schools for children, western style housing. Additionally there is visa and other legal fees, the cost of food can be high, especially if the missionary entertains other Westerners, employs servants to cook or eats imported foods. There is also the cost of vacations, in-country travel and tourism, plus the cost of imported English books, periodicals, and CDs.
The result of all this is that Western missionaries often need 30 to 40 times more money for their support than does a native missionary.

The Changing Climate.
Since World War 11 there has developed a new political emphasis, which has swept through countries in the 10/40 Window. Independence of one nation after another resulted in missionaries losing their position of power and privilege, and with this new freedom, most countries decided Western missionaries would be among the first symbols of the west to go. Now 86 nations, with more than half of the world’s population, forbid, or seriously restrict foreign missionaries. However, such restrictions are not hindering the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Although persecution in one form or another still exists among Asian nations, the postcolonial national governments have guaranteed almost unlimited freedom to national missionaries. Just because Westerners have been forbidden, the expansion of the Church does not cease.

God has provided the answer – Support Native Missionary Evangelists.
The financial costs of supporting native missionaries is a fraction of the cost of supporting Western missionary couples; who cost on average $80,000 per year, whereas native missionary couples cost $3,500 per year.
Unlike Western missionaries, native missionaries can preach, teach and evangelize without being blocked by most of the barriers that confront Westerners. As a native of the country or the region, he knows the cultural taboos instinctively.
Frequently he has already mastered the language or a related dialect. In India alone, there are 18 major languages and 1,650 dialects, each representing a different culture. It is still relatively easy for and Indian to make transition from one culture to another. In fact, almost anyone in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar (Burma), Bhutan, Thailand and Sri Lanka can relatively quickly cross-minister in a neighbouring culture. The native missionary moves freely and is accepted in good and bad times  as one who belongs. He does not have to be transported thousands of miles nor requires language school training.

                                                   Gospel for Asia.
Just to give a flavour of progress, one Christian body active in the 10/40 Window is the Gospel for Asia. In their 25 years of existence, they now support over 20,000 native missionaries, working in some of the neediest Asian countries. GFA have established 54 Bible Colleges in the heart of the 10/40 Window, with more than 9,000 students currently enrolled. After their three year intensive training course they go to unreached areas to plant churches.
Bridge of Hope, GFA's children's outreach programme, is designed to rescue thousands of children in Asia from a life of poverty and hopelessness by giving them an education and introducing them to the love of God. Today, more than 50,000 children are enrolled  in hundreds of Bridge of Hope centres and the programme continues to grow.

Statistic on GFA
GFA produce nearly 25 million pieces of literature, in 18 different languages to reach the multitudes who are desperately hungry for the Gospel.

GFA missionaries are involved in remote, inaccessible  area such as Napal's mountain regions, hiking dangerous mountain trails, risking their very lives to reach the unreached with the love of Jesus Christ.

GFA missionaries are beaten for preaching the Gospel. Some have to be hospitalized, a few are martyred for the sake of Christ.

GFA van teams are one  of the ministries most powerful evangelism tools. Equipped with Christian literature, the life of Jesus film, a generator, and a megaphone, they travel from village to village, preaching  the Gospel and planting churches.

GFA missionaries have to walk for 10 to 15 miles to reach a single unreached village. Bicycles enable them to reach dozens. GFA purchase thousands of bicycles to enable missionaries to reach more villages.

GFA finds radio an extremely effective means of reaching the unreached. In co-operation with international broadcasters, GFA produces daily broadcasts in 103 different languages. In response, more than 80,000 respond every month seeking information about the Lord. Every year in remote areas, churches are planted through GFA radio broadcasts. Millions hear the message through this one medium.

Support with Confidence.
Harness the Power is totally confident that if you are looking for a ministry that is genuinely fulfilling "The Great Commission", then the Gospel for Asia meets all the criteria.

GFA Believe in the fundamental truths of God's Word, and are totally committed to His Word, The Bible.

GFA Is financially accountable. Every penny given for support of a missionary or a missionary cause is sent for that purpose. All administrative costs, plus home office costs are financed by funds given purely for that purpose. Their finances are audited by independent auditors according to accepted procedures.

How you can Support a Native Missionary.

• Visit Gospel for Asia online at www,gfa.org. View all their activities, choose the option best suited to your wishes.
   

• You can send your pledge with confidence, knowing you will be playing your part in contributing to the fulfilment of "The Great Commission" of Jesus Christ.

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