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Discover why the nations around you are no accident—and how understanding their stories can open doors for meaningful gospel engagement right where you live.
By Aaron Myers
By Aaron Myers
Globalization and rapid technological advancements have created a world where people can move across the globe more easily than ever before. The apostle Paul spoke to this reality in Acts 17:26-27:
“From one man he has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. He did this so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find him, though he is not far from each one of us”(CSB).
The least reached people of the world are now our neighbors, and this is no accident. The God of the universe has brought them to this place at this time for His purposes—so that they might seek Him.
There are five primary ways people from unreached groups come to North America, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities. Understanding how and why they have arrived helps believers better demonstrate the love of Jesus and engage in meaningful gospel conversations.
1. Immigrants and Professionals
Many people arrive through legal immigration channels. Some are professionals—doctors, engineers, and business leaders—filling essential roles. Others come through marriage to a citizen or through family sponsorship. These immigrants often choose to relocate and have the means to do so. They are our co-workers and doctors, frequently highly educated and financially stable.
2. International Students
International students come to North America seeking education. Some participate in high school exchange programs, while many more attend universities, often staying for several years to complete degrees. Although many desire to remain in the country after graduation, fewer than half are able to do so. Those who stay typically enter the workforce, particularly in science and technology fields. Most, however, return to their home countries, carrying with them the experiences and relationships they formed while studying. Will they take the gospel with them?
3. Refugee Resettlement
The U.S. refugee resettlement program, formally established in 1980, has welcomed over 3 million refugees. To receive refugee status, individuals must have a well-founded fear of persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Refugees do not choose to leave their homes but flee for safety. Many have endured persecution, trauma, and hardship. They often arrive with little and face socio-economic challenges, including language barriers and cultural adjustments.
4. Tourism and Seasonal Work
Some people from unreached groups visit North America for a short time as tourists or seasonal workers. Tourists explore national landmarks, theme parks, and major cities. Others, particularly young people, arrive on temporary work visas to staff hotels, restaurants, and amusement parks during peak travel seasons. These individuals present a unique, time-sensitive opportunity for gospel engagement.
5. Undocumented Immigrants
Some individuals from unreached groups arrive without legal status. Many come with temporary visas and overstay, while others cross borders seeking safety or economic opportunity. Though immigration policies are complex and often controversial, these individuals are now our neighbors. Many are fleeing difficult situations, seeking better lives for their families, or pursuing the American dream.
“From one man he has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. He did this so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find him, though he is not far from each one of us”(CSB).
The least reached people of the world are now our neighbors, and this is no accident. The God of the universe has brought them to this place at this time for His purposes—so that they might seek Him.
There are five primary ways people from unreached groups come to North America, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities. Understanding how and why they have arrived helps believers better demonstrate the love of Jesus and engage in meaningful gospel conversations.
1. Immigrants and Professionals
Many people arrive through legal immigration channels. Some are professionals—doctors, engineers, and business leaders—filling essential roles. Others come through marriage to a citizen or through family sponsorship. These immigrants often choose to relocate and have the means to do so. They are our co-workers and doctors, frequently highly educated and financially stable.
2. International Students
International students come to North America seeking education. Some participate in high school exchange programs, while many more attend universities, often staying for several years to complete degrees. Although many desire to remain in the country after graduation, fewer than half are able to do so. Those who stay typically enter the workforce, particularly in science and technology fields. Most, however, return to their home countries, carrying with them the experiences and relationships they formed while studying. Will they take the gospel with them?
3. Refugee Resettlement
The U.S. refugee resettlement program, formally established in 1980, has welcomed over 3 million refugees. To receive refugee status, individuals must have a well-founded fear of persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Refugees do not choose to leave their homes but flee for safety. Many have endured persecution, trauma, and hardship. They often arrive with little and face socio-economic challenges, including language barriers and cultural adjustments.
4. Tourism and Seasonal Work
Some people from unreached groups visit North America for a short time as tourists or seasonal workers. Tourists explore national landmarks, theme parks, and major cities. Others, particularly young people, arrive on temporary work visas to staff hotels, restaurants, and amusement parks during peak travel seasons. These individuals present a unique, time-sensitive opportunity for gospel engagement.
5. Undocumented Immigrants
Some individuals from unreached groups arrive without legal status. Many come with temporary visas and overstay, while others cross borders seeking safety or economic opportunity. Though immigration policies are complex and often controversial, these individuals are now our neighbors. Many are fleeing difficult situations, seeking better lives for their families, or pursuing the American dream.
Our Response
Each of these groups has distinct cultural, economic, and educational realities. Some may need English classes and financial assistance, while others drive luxury cars and send their children to private schools. As believers, we must be discerning and intentional in learning about the people God has brought into our cities. We are called to serve, love, and share the gospel with them in ways that are relevant to their circumstances.
Our Partners
While God is bringing the unreached to North America, He is also sending Christian brothers and sisters through these same immigration pathways. Believers from around the world are relocating for work, education, or refuge. They have a unique ability to connect with and influence the unreached in ways that local believers may not. Partnering with these Christians can enhance outreach efforts and provide cultural insights for effective ministry.
For Such a Time as This
When Esther was taken into the king’s palace, Mordecai recognized that God was working through her situation. He told her:
“If you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father’s family will be destroyed. Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
Immigration, especially undocumented immigration, is a complex and often contentious issue. Yet, the reality remains: people from unreached groups are moving into our cities and neighborhoods. Many come from places with little or no gospel witness. In their home countries, they may have lived hours away from the nearest Christian, but now they are surrounded by churches and believers. The church's lack of awareness of these realities is perhaps the greatest barrier to abundant harvest - a barrier I hope to disrupt with all that I write here at the Everywhere to Everywhere blog.
Could it be that God has brought you to this moment to recognize the opportunity before you?
Look around. The harvest is ripe, but the laborers are few.
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- No Longer Strangers: Transforming Evangelism with Immigrant Communities edited by Eugene Cho and Samria Izadi Page (Eerdmans)
- Inalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American Church by Eric Costanzo, Daniel Yand, and Matthew Soerens (IVP)
- Welcoming the Stranger by Matthew Soerens, Jenny Yang, and Leith Anderson (IVP)
- Building a Multiethnic Church: A Gospel Vision for Grace, Love, and Reconciliation in a Divided World by Derwin Gray (Thomas Nelson)
- Ministering Cross-Culturally: A Model for Effective Personal Relationships by Sherwood G. Lingenfelter and Marvin K. Mayers (Baker Academic)
- Subversive Mission: Serving as Outsiders in a World of Need by Craig Greenfield (IVP)
- A Just Mission: Laying Down Power and Embracing Mutuality by Mekdes Haddis (IVP)