Good News From Around the World

Hello friends, and welcome back to Nations 4 Jesus.

You know, if our only news source is what we see on the major networks—whether it's Fox, CNN, or any of the others—it can feel pretty bleak, can't it? We hear about earthquakes, wars, death and destruction on every front. It can get downright depressing.

And I think we, as Christians, can fall prey to this same mindset. It's so easy to forget the most important truth: God tells us that He wins in the end! Jesus is coming back! But before that happens, listen to what God says in Habakkuk 1:5:

"Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told."

Friends, one of my main reasons for this podcast is to share with you the good news that's happening around the world right now. But here's the thing—we won't usually find it unless we look for it in alternative news sources. You'll discover it in some excellent books, great websites, and by talking to people who live or have lived overseas.

Today, I want to share some of the incredible things God is doing in our world right now. It helps to remind ourselves of these truths to combat all the negative news around us. Because Satan would like nothing better than for Christians to feel demoralized, give up the fight and bury our heads in the sand. 

So let's dive into some truly amazing statistics that should fill our hearts with hope!

Christianity continues to grow around the world, and it's growing faster than the overall population rate. Over 70,000 people become Christians every single day—that's nearly half a million new believers every week!

As of 2024, there are 2.6 billion Christians in the world, and that number is expected to surpass 3 billion by 2050.

In 1900, there were only about 10 million Christians in Africa. Today? There are approximately 734 million Christians across the continent! Can you even imagine that kind of growth?

Christianity went from less than 10% of Africa's population in 1900 to 49% in 2020.

As an example, let’s look at Uganda: There are churches in Kampala that seat over 10,000 people and fill to capacity for four services every Sunday. One church alone has planted more than 1,000 daughter churches across Uganda! And here's something remarkable: twenty-five years ago, Uganda's population was 22% Muslim. Today, that figure has dropped to just 6% as many Muslims have come to Christ.

If you want to learn about one young lady God is using in a remarkable way in Uganda, read the book, Kisses From Katie. 

The explosive growth in Latin America continues, with almost all unreached people groups now having been reached. There are approximately 50,000 new churches planted per year across the region!

Brazil deserves special attention because what's happening there is truly remarkable! Brazil now has the second largest Protestant population in the Western world, with over 47 million evangelicals as of 2022—that's 27% of the population!

To put this in perspective: in just 20 years, between 2000 and 2020, the number of evangelical churches in Brazil grew by 543%—from around 17,000 to nearly 110,000 churches!

The "March for Jesus" in São Paulo draws between 1 and 3 million believers every year—it's known as the world's largest Christian event!

China: This one is close to my heart because of our daughter Grace. Various estimates suggest there are between 100 million and over 230 million Christians in China today when you include both registered and underground house churches. In 1950, there was only about 1 million believers. Think about that growth…1 million to possibly 230 million in just 75 years!

Despite increasing persecution, house churches continue to thrive, with some scholars predicting remarkable continued growth in the coming decades. The Chinese government has tried to suppress Christianity, but the Gospel cannot be contained!

Mongolia: In 1989, there were only four known Christians in the entire country. Today, there are more than 10,000 indigenous believers! From four to ten thousand—that's the power of God!

Afghanistan: Before September 11, 2001, there were only 17 known Muslim-background followers of Christ in Afghanistan. Today, despite everything that country has been through, there are more than 10,000 believers! God has led Jeff and me on a remarkable journey since 2021 with some of these believers in Afghanistan and Pakistan. I will definitely be sharing more about this in upcoming episodes! 

More people than ever have access to Scripture in their own language today. In 1900, only 227 languages had New Testament translations. That number reached 2,400 in 2024 and is projected to nearly double to 4,200 by 2050!

Over the past century, the number of churches increased tenfold, growing from 400,000 in 1900 to more than 4.2 million in 2024. 

The number of international missionaries has exploded from 62,000 in 1900 to 445,000 in 2024.

Here's something that really puts things in perspective: In 100 AD, during the time of the earliest persecution of the Church, there were 360 non-Christians for every true believer. Today, that number has shrunk to just 7 non-Christians for every committed Christian, as the Holy Spirit continues to move in our world!

Now, I want to be honest with you. Not everything is positive. Persecution of Christians is real and increasing in many parts of the world. Christians face the most danger primarily in the areas where the faith is growing the most—Africa and Asia. And in some parts of Europe and North America, Christianity is declining.

But even in the midst of persecution, even in the darkest places, God is moving powerfully!

These aren't just numbers and statistics. These represent real people—fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, neighbors and coworkers—who are coming to know Jesus Christ as their Savior. Every single one of them has a name, a story, and a soul that matters eternally to God.

So the next time you feel discouraged by the news, I want you to remember these truths. God is not sitting idle. His Kingdom is advancing. The Gospel is spreading. And Jesus is coming back!

As believers, we get to be part of this incredible story. Through our prayers, our giving, our going, and our witness right where we are, we can participate in what God is doing around the world.

So let me encourage you today: Don't give up. Don't grow weary. Keep praying for the nations. Keep supporting missionaries. Keep sharing Jesus with your neighbors. Because God is doing something in our days that is utterly amazing—just as He promised in Habakkuk.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for each person listening. Break our hearts for what breaks yours. Help us hear Your voice as You call us to go to the nations. May we not grow weary of doing good, because You have promised that we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up. May the name of Your Son Jesus Christ be worshipped in all the world! In His name we pray, Amen. 

Thank you for joining me today. I'm so grateful you're here. Pray with us this week for the nations. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this with a friend.

 Until next time, keep your eyes on the nations... and watch what God will do.

Sources: Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (gordonconwell.edu), Lifeway Research, Pew Research Center, Christianity Today, and other mission research organizations.