The Fire That Sparked Forgiveness: The Staines Martyrdom and the Indian Church

Hello, and welcome back to Nations 4 Jesus. Today I need to share a story that's both heartbreaking and inspiring—a story of modern martyrdom, radical forgiveness, and the enduring power of the Gospel in India. It's the story of Graham Staines, his two young sons, and his widow Gladys, whose response to unspeakable tragedy became a testimony that echoes around the world.

But to understand this story fully, we need to start at the beginning—with how Christianity first came to India nearly 2,000 years ago.

[The Apostle Thomas - Christianity's ancient roots in India]

According to ancient tradition, the Apostle Thomas—"Doubting Thomas" as we often call him—brought the Gospel to India in 52 AD, just about twenty years after Jesus's resurrection. Thomas is believed to have landed on the Malabar Coast in what is now Kerala, in southwestern India.

The tradition says Thomas established seven churches along the coast and reached both Jewish communities and high-caste Hindus with the message of Christ. He baptized converts, trained leaders, and planted churches that still exist today—the Mar Thoma Church and other "Thomas Christian" communities trace their origins directly back to the Apostle Thomas.

In 72 AD, Thomas was martyred near present-day Chennai (formerly Madras) on the eastern coast. According to tradition, he was speared to death while praying. His tomb in Chennai became a pilgrimage site, and the Christians he left behind continued spreading the faith.

So Christianity in India is ancient—it's not a Western import from colonial times, as some claim. Indian Christians can trace their heritage back to the first century, to one of Jesus's own apostles!

[Christianity through the centuries - survival and growth]

Through the centuries that followed, Indian Christianity survived and even thrived in certain regions, particularly in Kerala. When Portuguese explorers arrived in the 1500s, they were shocked to find thriving Christian communities that had been there for 1,400 years!

Unfortunately, Portuguese colonialism tried to bring these ancient Indian Christians under Roman Catholic authority, causing divisions that still exist today. Later, British colonialism in the 1700s-1900s brought Protestant missionaries who did tremendous good—establishing schools, hospitals, and orphanages—but also unfortunately linked Christianity with British imperialism in many Indians' minds.

Despite these complications, Christianity continued growing, especially among lower-caste Indians and tribal peoples who found in the Gospel a message of dignity, equality, and hope that the caste system denied them.

[Graham Staines arrives - 1965]

Which brings us to Graham Staines. Born on January 18, 1941, in Palmwoods, Queensland, Australia, Graham felt called to missions and arrived in the Indian state of Odisha (formerly called Orissa) in 1965, when he was just 24 years old.

Graham worked for many years with the Evangelical Missionary Society of Mayurbhanj, caring for leprosy patients and tribal communities in remote areas of Odisha. This was humble, sacrificial work—caring for people that Indian society often rejected and feared. Leprosy patients were outcasts, and tribal peoples were marginalized. But Graham saw them as Jesus saw them—as precious souls made in God's image.

He married Gladys, and together they raised their family in India. Their work became well-known among the local Christian and tribal communities. They weren't wealthy. They weren't powerful. They were simply faithful servants loving people in Jesus's name.

For over thirty years, Graham quietly served. He treated leprosy patients. He shared the Gospel. He showed Christ's love to those society had forgotten.

[The night of horror - January 22-23, 1999]

Then came the night of January 22-23, 1999. Graham and his two sons—Philip, age 10, and Timothy, age 6—were sleeping in their station wagon near a jungle camp in the village of Manoharpur in Odisha. They had been attending a Christian gathering.

Around midnight, a mob attacked. The vehicle was surrounded and set on fire. Graham and his two young boys were burnt to death inside.

Can you imagine? A missionary who had spent thirty-four years serving India's most vulnerable, murdered along with his two little boys. Burned alive while they slept.

The violent act shocked India and the international community. This became one of the most high-profile cases of anti-Christian violence in modern India.

[The investigation - who and why]

The Central Bureau of Investigation, along with state police and a judicial commission, investigated the case. The key accused was a man named Dara Singh, also known as Rabindra Kumar Pal, who was arrested on January 31, 2000.

Dara Singh was associated with Hindu nationalist groups that opposed Christian missionary work, especially among tribal peoples. They viewed conversion to Christianity as a threat to Hindu culture and accused missionaries of using deception or coercion—accusations that were false in Graham's case.

In September 2003, a court sentenced Dara Singh to death and others to life imprisonment. Later, in May 2005, the Orissa High Court commuted the death sentence to life imprisonment. The Supreme Court upheld the life sentence in January 2011, finding that while the crime was heinous, the death penalty wasn't warranted.

[Gladys's response - forgiveness that stunned the world]

But here's where the story becomes a testimony to the power of the Gospel. Gladys Staines—who lost her husband and two of her three children in one horrific night—responded in a way that stunned India and the world.

She publicly forgave the killers.

In a 2003 newspaper report, Gladys said: "I have forgiven the killers and have no bitterness, because forgiveness brings healing and our land needs healing from hatred and violence."

Think about that! Her husband and two young sons were brutally murdered, and she responded with forgiveness. Not because she didn't grieve—she grieved deeply. Not because the crime didn't matter—it was evil. But because she understood what Jesus taught: "To whomsoever you forgive, their sins will be forgiven."

She also said: "We are called to be under subjection to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except God." Even though the justice system had failed to prevent the attack and took years to bring justice, she submitted to God's sovereignty.

[Staying in India - continuing the mission]

But Gladys didn't just forgive—she stayed. Despite losing her husband and two sons, despite the danger, despite every human reason to leave India and return to Australia, Gladys remained.

She continued the work at the leprosy home. Later, a full hospital was built and named in Graham's memory. She kept serving the very people among whom her family had been killed.

When asked why, she gave this powerful statement: "I'm not bitter. Neither am I angry. But I have one great desire: that each citizen of this country should establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ who gave His life for their sins."

Do you hear that? Her one great desire wasn't revenge, or even justice in the human sense. It was that Indians would come to know Jesus. The same Jesus who died for those who killed Him. The same Jesus who said from the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

[On grace and forgiveness - Gladys's testimony]

In another interview, Gladys explained how she could forgive: "If we don't experience the grace of God, we become bitter. We have to turn to God… Experience forgiveness and forgive others. Grace is available. Once you forgive, there will be healing."

This is the key! Gladys could forgive because she had experienced God's forgiveness. She could show grace because she had received grace. She could love her enemies because Jesus first loved His enemies—including her.

Her words have become an example of living out faith under extreme circumstances. They appear in contexts discussing emotional healing, forgiveness after trauma, and cross-cultural ministry. They resonate across faith communities because they reflect both deep suffering and deep grace.

[The Indian church today - growth despite persecution]

So what's the state of Christianity in India today? It's a mixed picture. India is officially a secular democracy with religious freedom, but Christians—who make up about 2.3% of India's 1.4 billion people, roughly 32 million believers—face increasing persecution.

According to Open Doors' 2025 World Watch List, India ranks 11th among countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. Hindu nationalist groups pressure Christians to reconvert to Hinduism. Churches are attacked. Pastors are beaten. Christians lose jobs and face social ostracism. Anti-conversion laws in several states make it difficult to share the Gospel.

But despite persecution—or perhaps because of it—the Indian church is growing! Particularly among the Dalits (formerly called "untouchables"), the lowest group in the caste system, and among tribal peoples. These are the very groups Graham Staines served.

[Dalit conversions - finding dignity in Christ]

For Dalits, the Gospel offers something Hinduism never has—dignity, equality, and hope. The caste system tells them they're worthless, that their low status is punishment for sins in past lives, that they deserve mistreatment. But Jesus says they're made in God's image, loved by their Creator, precious enough that He died for them!

Millions of Dalits have converted to Christianity over the past century. This is one reason Hindu nationalists oppose Christian missions—not because missionaries use deception or force, but because the Gospel's message of equality threatens the caste system's power structure.

[Healings and miracles - signs following the Word]

Another remarkable aspect of Indian Christianity's growth is the role of healings and miracles. In rural India, where medical care is limited and people live with chronic illness and demonic oppression, the Gospel often comes with power.

Missionaries and Indian evangelists pray for the sick, and God heals. They cast out demons in Jesus's name, and people are freed. These signs confirm the Word and lead many to faith. Just as in the book of Acts, healings and miracles accompany the Gospel's advance.

Indian pastors tell stories of entire villages coming to Christ after someone is healed in Jesus's name. A woman barren for years conceives after prayer. A man crippled for decades walks. A child tormented by evil spirits finds peace. And people ask, "Who is this Jesus? What power is this?" The Gospel spreads not just through words, but through demonstrations of God's power.

[The legacy of the Staines martyrdom]

The Staines martyrdom in 1999 could have sparked bitterness, retaliation, or fear that drove missionaries out of India. But instead, it became a testimony to the Gospel's power. Gladys's forgiveness showcased Christ more powerfully than years of sermons could.

Indians—Hindu, Muslim, and secular—were stunned by her response. Many said, "What kind of religion produces this kind of forgiveness? What kind of God gives this kind of grace?" And some came to faith because they saw Christ in Gladys.

The case also highlighted tensions between tribal communities, Christian missions, and Hindu nationalist groups. It triggered international attention and diplomatic concern. It prompted debate about religious freedom, minority rights, and the role of conversion in India.

But most importantly, it demonstrated that the Gospel is worth dying for. Graham and his sons joined the countless martyrs throughout church history who loved not their lives even unto death. And Gladys joined those who, like Stephen, forgave their persecutors and continued witnessing to Christ's love.

[Closing challenge - what we can learn]

So what can we learn from this story? First, missions is costly. Graham Staines gave thirty-four years serving leprosy patients in remote India. He gave his life and his sons' lives. Gladys gave her husband and children. This is the reality of taking the Gospel to hard places. As Samuel Zwemer said, "The unoccupied fields must have their Calvary before they can have their Pentecost."

Second, forgiveness is powerful. Gladys's forgiveness did more to advance the Gospel than any amount of preaching could have done. When the world sees Christians forgiving the unforgivable, they see Jesus. And some believe.

Third, the Gospel is growing in India despite persecution. Among Dalits and tribals, through healings and miracles, through faithful witnesses like the Staines family, Christ is building His church. The gates of hell will not prevail against it.

Fourth, we must support and pray for the Indian church. Our brothers and sisters there face persecution we can hardly imagine. They need our prayers, our financial support, and our advocacy. Will you commit to praying regularly for India?

[Closing prayer]

Let me pray: 

Thank you for joining me today. The story of the Staines family challenges us all. Will we love like they loved? Will we forgive like Gladys forgave? Will we serve like Graham served?

Until next time, remember—keep your eyes on the nations, and never underestimate the power of forgiveness to point others to Christ!

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The Unexpected Messiah: When Jesus Doesn't Meet Our Expectations

Hello, and welcome back to Nations 4 Jesus. Today I want to talk about expectations—specifically, what happens when Jesus doesn't meet them. This is a deeply personal topic for me because I've wrestled with this myself, and I know many of you have too.

When bad things happen, when prayers aren't answered the way we hoped, when God seems silent, when the church suffers persecution—we wonder: Is this really how it's supposed to be?

It turns out this struggle isn't new. Even John the Baptist—the man sent by God to announce Jesus's coming, the one who baptized Jesus and saw the Spirit descend on Him like a dove—even John had doubts when Jesus didn't meet his expectations.

[John's expectations - the conquering Messiah]

Let me paint the picture. John the Baptist, along with most of Israel, expected a certain kind of Messiah. A conquering Messiah. A fiery judge filled with wrath against the evils of humanity. A stone that would crush all opposition. A ruler who would firmly defeat all other authorities on earth, especially Rome.

This is what they had been taught to expect since they were young. This is the image, the idea, the belief about the coming Messiah that they had put their hope in.

And they had good reasons for these expectations! John based his understanding on the Old Testament. Through prophecies like Daniel 2:31-35, the Kingdom of God was viewed by Israel as a time when, as theologian George Eldon Ladd writes, "God's reign will displace all other reigns, kingdoms and authorities. He will break the proud sovereignty of evil people that have dominated most of history...will sweep away every opposing rule. God alone will be King in those days."

So John and the nation of Israel were looking for a Messiah who would crush Roman rule and rescue them from oppression. A Messiah who would reign over all the earth with Israel at His side.

[Jesus's unexpected arrival - not what they expected]

But when Jesus began His ministry, He didn't fit this expectation at all. Born to humble means, living in obscurity for thirty years, His arrival on the pages of history was not accompanied by shouts of wrath, judgment and victory. As Isaiah 42:2 describes Him: "He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets."

Instead, He entered synagogues and began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." He healed the sick, cast out demons, showed compassion to the downtrodden, and walked from village to village telling people about God's love for them.

Where was the takeover of the Roman government? Where was the punishment of those who practiced evil? Where was the establishment of God's physical Kingdom on earth—His palace, throne, armies, and wealth? None of this happened...at least not in the physical realm.

[John's doubt - the question that changes everything]

It's no wonder that even John—the one sent by God to walk in the way of Elijah and announce Jesus's coming—had his doubts. Jesus didn't meet his expectations at all. Maybe John had gotten it all wrong. Maybe he had misunderstood God and His plan.

So from prison, John sent his disciples to ask Jesus directly: "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Matthew 11:2-3).

Can you hear the heartbreak in that question? "Did I get it wrong? Are you really the Messiah even though you don't seem a bit like a Messiah? Or should I wait for someone else?"

[Jesus's response - gentle correction]

Here's what I love about Jesus's response: He understood John's doubts. He didn't harshly rebuke John for his unbelief and questions. As Isaiah 42:3 says, "A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out."

Instead, Jesus challenged John to change his expectations. To rethink who the Messiah truly was and what the Kingdom of Heaven truly meant. He asked John to form a new paradigm, to embrace a new revelation of God's character—a God of mercy, compassion, gentleness, and incredible love for His people.

Jesus told John's disciples: "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor" (Matthew 11:4-5).

In other words: "Look at what's actually happening, John. Not military conquest, but compassion. Not judgment, but mercy. Not crushing enemies, but healing the broken."

[Jesus's true mission - proclaiming justice]

Jesus came not to judge the world, but as Matthew 12:18-20 says, to "proclaim justice to the nations...till He leads justice to victory." He brought compassion and concern to the outcasts of society. He battled sin in each individual, but it was usually done with love, compassion, and gentleness rather than force.

Now, when dealing with demonic beings, Jesus was every bit the conqueror—not allowing them any foothold but driving them out with power and force. But with most people, He was gentle. A shepherd caring for His sheep. A suffering servant.

There were exceptions, of course. With the prideful, arrogant, unloving leaders of the Jewish faith, Jesus exhibited more of the fiery wrath that many expected of the Messiah. But even with these individuals, if there were any willing to humble themselves and ask Jesus true, heartfelt questions—like Nicodemus—He didn't turn them away but showed them compassion and concern as well.

[The church's two paths - force versus love]

When Jesus's time on earth was done—at least for now—He left behind a group of men and women who embraced the Messiah as He truly was and were willing to share that truth with those around them, even to the point of death.

History has proven, time and again, that the gentle way of Jesus, when practiced by His Church, calls many to follow Him. But history has also shown that when the Church tries to spread the Gospel with force, when it "breaks the bruised reeds" and "snuffs out the smoldering wicks," great damage is done.

[The Crusades - the cost of force]

A devastating example is the Crusades. The Church called thousands of men and women to journey to the Holy Land, supposedly following "the will of God," to take it back from the Muslim "infidels." They did this not in love, compassion, and understanding for the lost, but through force.

Thousands were killed on both sides. The cross was worn proudly by those with bloody swords in their hands. The legacy of this quest still weighs heavily on the Muslim world today and has hurt the name of Jesus in immeasurable ways.

Think about that! The very symbol of sacrificial love—the cross—became associated with violence, conquest, and bloodshed. We're still paying the price for that mistake a thousand years later. When Muslims look at Christianity, many still see the Crusaders with their swords, not Jesus with His compassion.

[The better way - examples of gentle witness]

In contrast, there have been many—including men and women like St. Patrick, Columba, William Carey, Amy Carmichael, Jim Elliot, and so many others—who brought the cross of Christ with compassion, sacrifice, gentleness, and love. They didn't come in fiery wrath but in humility and concern.

Their legacy is quite different! Many were won to Christ through their compassion, and the name of Jesus became a name in which, as Matthew 12:21 says, "the nations will put their hope."

St. Patrick wasn't forced on Ireland—he won the Irish through love. William Carey didn't conquer India—he served it for decades. Amy Carmichael didn't dominate India's children—she rescued them. Jim Elliot didn't attack the Waodani—he died reaching them with love, and his death eventually led to their conversion.

[Our mission today - following Jesus's example]

We, the Church of today, must follow the example of Jesus rather than our own expectations. Our human nature desires judgment, a powerful takeover by Christ, and expulsion of the enemy. And yes, that will happen someday at Christ's second return. But it's not yet time for that.

Our mission, like Christ's, is to show the love of God, not His judgment. We are to show the world the love of Christ so that "in His name the nations will put their hope."

This is so relevant to what we discussed in our episode about Christianity and political power! We want to force Christian values on society through laws and political might. But that's not Jesus's way! Jesus changes hearts through love, one person at a time. His kingdom spreads through gentle persuasion, not political power.

[Modern expectations - why do bad things happen?]

Today, people still have trouble with their expectations of Jesus. We ask: If I'm a Christian, why do bad things still happen to me? Why is the Church so greatly persecuted in many parts of the world? Why does Jesus let children suffer? Why do only some follow Jesus and not everyone? Why, why, why?

We search the Bible, our hearts, ask other Christians, read books, listen to sermons. Yet when we ask Jesus Himself, I believe that—just like in John's day—Jesus still says to us: "Pay attention to what you see and hear: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor."

[God's quiet power - persuasion not force]

God is moving tremendously in the world, and He has been since the beginning. Yet instead of coming with mighty military power, His present Kingdom comes with quiet, gentle persuasion.

Think about it! Christianity has grown from twelve disciples to 2.4 billion followers worldwide—not primarily through conquest, but through transformation. The explosive growth in China happened underground, through suffering and sacrifice, not political power. The Korean church grew through persecution and prayer. The African church is exploding through evangelism and discipleship, not military might.

Just as Jesus enters each of our hearts with love and patience, His Kingdom spreads in this world with love and patience—with persuasion rather than power.

[The application - changing our expectations]

So what does this mean for us? First, we need to examine our expectations of Jesus. Are we expecting Him to be the conquering Messiah who crushes our enemies and makes our lives easy? Are we disappointed when He doesn't give us health, wealth, and comfort? Are we frustrated when He doesn't immediately judge evil and establish His visible kingdom?

If so, we're making the same mistake John made. We're putting our expectations above God's revelation of who He actually is.

Second, we need to embrace the gentle way of Jesus in how we do missions. We don't go to the nations with swords—literal or metaphorical. We don't force conversion. We don't use political power to compel belief. We go with love, compassion, sacrifice, and service. We wash feet. We heal the sick. We feed the hungry. We proclaim good news to the poor.

Third, we need to trust God's timing. Yes, Jesus will return as the conquering King. Yes, He will judge the earth. Yes, every knee will bow. But that's the second coming, not the first. Right now, we're in the age of grace, the age of the Gospel going to all nations, the age when God is patiently calling people to repentance.

[Closing prayer]

Let me pray: 

Thank you for joining me today. May we never make the mistake of the Crusaders, forcing Christ on others. Instead, may we follow the example of Jesus and the great missionaries—winning the nations through sacrificial love.

Until next time, remember—keep your eyes on the nations, and bring them Jesus as He truly is: the gentle Shepherd, the suffering Servant, the compassionate Savior!

Spotify podcast

Tell Me the Stories of Jesus: Reaching Oral Learners

Hello, and welcome back to Nations 4 Jesus. Today I want to share something that might change how you think about missions—a method of sharing the Gospel that's reaching people in some of the hardest places on earth. It starts with a simple plea that echoes in hearts around the world:

"Tell me the stories of Jesus, I want to hear Things I would ask Him to tell me, if He were here..."

This is the longing of billions of people who have never heard about the One who loves them, who died for them, and who desires to live with them forever. But what if these people live where there is resistance to the Gospel? Where there is no written language, no alphabet, no books or Bible, no JESUS film? Where there is, at most, a small church, few if any believers, and even fewer missionaries?

This describes many parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. But there is hope! That hope is something called "storying."

[Khalim's story - storying in action]

Let me share a true account that illustrates this beautifully. There's a believer named Khalim who lives in a country closed to Christianity. His village is in a remote area. The nearest well with somewhat drinkable water is three kilometers away. Goats wander freely around the village. On the roofs of the mud houses are drying piles of dung to be used for cooking fuel. In the evenings, people gather in doorways and by mud walls in clusters. The connection they have with each other's families comes from centuries of being in a survival community.

Khalim is the only known Christian among his people. So how does he share the Gospel? As Khalim has tea with people in his village, he simply says, "Let me share a story with you..." and tells a three-minute story from the Bible in their own language.

When he's done, the men sit around talking about it, eating some bread and nuts, drinking tea, shooing the goats away from their small gardens. Friends come and go in the discussion, which might last for ten minutes or an hour. The next evening, he shares another story. A few days later, another.

[What's happening - the power of storying]

So what's happening here? Think about it: People are getting into God's Word, and God's Word is getting into people—in a place that has never had the Bible talked about before! They're talking about it freely, exploring it in community. This is happening very naturally in environments that are safe and comfortable.

Here's what's brilliant about this approach: People aren't extracted from their communities and labeled "infidels" as they are on their spiritual journey. Because it's natural in style and not threatening, people are taking these stories home where they're sharing them with their families and friends in other villages. The Gospel is spreading organically!

While this is happening, credibility for God's Word is being built. Stories from God's Holy Book aren't seen as a tool of the "Western corrupted church." They're just stories—powerful, life-changing stories about Jesus.

And here's the practical benefit: Khalim and his neighbors aren't in trouble with the local religious authorities. They don't have a print copy of the Bible in their possession, and they aren't doing anything illegal. They're simply talking over tea. It's a way of getting people into God's Word and God's Word into people with the fewest obstacles possible.

[The fruit - a friend believes]

Several months after Khalim began sharing stories, he was on a ridge at night watching the sheep of a friend. As they sat on top of the ridge, his friend sat quietly looking up at the stars. Then he spoke: "Khalim... I think I believe in this Jesus that you keep telling stories about. Tell me more..."

That's the power of storying! Not a formal evangelism presentation. Not a tract. Not a church service. Just stories about Jesus, shared over tea, leading to faith under the stars.

[Why storying works - oral learners]

Throughout history, the most enduring form of communication has been stories. Think about it. What do you do when you get together with friends or family? You tell stories. What part of a sermon does an audience wake up for? The stories. What do kids want before going to bed? A story.

Here's a statistic that should reshape how we think about missions: Today, approximately 80% of the world's unreached people groups are made up of oral preference learners. That's about 5.7 billion people worldwide who prefer to learn through oral or narrative means rather than through reading.

Many of these groups don't have an alphabet in their native language. And even if they do, they prefer to learn by oral means. They communicate their history, laws, values, and religion through stories, proverbs, songs, and drama. They've done it this way for centuries.

So when we come with printed Bibles and literacy-based evangelism, we're using a method that doesn't connect with how they learn! These people need to be approached in a way that fits their culture. They need to hear the story of Jesus in a style that's familiar to them.

[Storying methodology - how it works]

So how does storying actually work? Missionaries and local believers are trained to tell Bible stories—from Creation to the Fall, from Abraham to Moses, from the prophets to Jesus—in a connected narrative that builds toward the Gospel. They tell these stories in the local language, in culturally appropriate settings, in a way that invites discussion and questions.

The stories aren't just randomly selected. They're carefully chosen to build an understanding of who God is, what sin is, why we need a Savior, and who Jesus is. By the time listeners hear the story of the cross and resurrection, they have the context to understand why it matters.

And because stories are memorable and shareable, listeners naturally retell them to their families and neighbors. The Gospel spreads from person to person, village to village, without the need for literacy or printed materials or church buildings.

[Organizations involved in storying]

There are many organizations doing incredible work in oral Bible storying. Let me mention a few:

Simply The Story (simplythestory.org) trains people to share Bible stories in a way that lets the text speak for itself.

Spoken Worldwide (spokenworldwide.org) works to make God's Word available in audio and oral formats for oral learners.

Story Runners, part of Cru (storyrunners.org), trains and sends teams to share Bible stories among unreached people groups.

Faith Comes By Hearing (faithcomesbyhearing.com) provides audio Bibles in over 1,800 languages, perfect for oral learners.

The International Orality Network (orality.net) connects organizations working in oral strategies for missions.

These organizations understand that for most of the world's unreached, the Gospel will come through their ears, not their eyes. And they're equipping believers to share the stories of Jesus in culturally appropriate ways.

[Why this matters for the unreached]

Let me give you some updated statistics that show why storying is so important. There are approximately 7,400 unreached people groups in the world—that's about 3.3 billion people with little or no access to the Gospel. The majority of these are in the 10/40 Window—that band across North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia where most of the world's Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists live.

Many of these peoples live in places closed to traditional missionaries. You can't build a church. You can't hand out Bibles. You can't show the JESUS film. But you can share stories over tea. You can tell the story of Creation while watching sheep. You can share about Jesus while working in the fields.

Storying gets past barriers that stop other methods. It's indigenous, not foreign. It's oral, not literate. It's relational, not institutional. It's natural, not threatening. It's exactly what's needed to reach the hardest places.

[How you can be involved]

So how can you be involved? First, pray for oral Bible storying efforts around the world. Pray for believers like Khalim who are sharing stories in dangerous places. Pray for new believers who are learning about Jesus through stories.

Second, support organizations doing this work. They need resources to train storytellers, develop story sets in new languages, and reach new people groups.

Third, learn to use storying yourself! You don't have to go overseas. There are oral learners in your own community—immigrants, refugees, people who simply learn better through stories than through reading. Learn to share the Gospel through stories and use it locally.

Fourth, consider going. Organizations like Story Runners are always looking for people willing to be trained and sent to share Bible stories among unreached peoples. Could God be calling you?

[Closing reflection]

I love storying because it's so simple and so biblical. Jesus was a storyteller! He taught in parables. He used everyday images—seeds and soil, sheep and shepherds, fathers and sons—to communicate profound truth. He knew that stories stick in ways that lectures don't.

And storying connects beautifully with the persecuted church. In places where owning a Bible is illegal, believers can carry hundreds of stories in their hearts. In places where gathering for church is dangerous, stories can be shared over tea. The Word of God, planted in hearts through stories, cannot be confiscated or burned.

"Tell me the stories of Jesus, I want to hear..." Billions of people are waiting to hear. Will we tell them?

[Closing prayer]

Let me pray: 

Until next time, remember—keep your eyes on the nations, and tell them the stories of Jesus!

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