Converge International Ministries is asking for a gospel movement among every least-reached people group — in our generation. Despite its size and density, Asia contains most of the world’s unreached peoples. Converge global workers like Mark Boggess are working to reach unreached people groups there with God’s love. The following article, adapted from Mark’s newsletter, paints a picture of how God is using His people to make Him known worldwide.
Last month, I spent two weeks in East Asia preparing for my return there next May, when I will be leading a team of young adults to teach English at a large university. Others’ prayers sustained me throughout that trip, and I’m grateful to share what the LORD allowed me to see and experience.
One of the most meaningful moments of my trip came during an evening English lesson I was invited to help lead. Eager students, excited to practice their English with someone from the United States, filled this college classroom. They asked thoughtful questions about American life and were thrilled to hear I would be returning with a small team next May.
When I asked how many planned to be on campus when we returned, every single student raised their hand with enthusiasm.
That night’s lesson focused on dreams and goals, and I asked the group what they hoped for in the future. Their answers were sincere and ambitious — careers, families, a meaningful life. But when I asked whether they believed they could achieve those dreams, several quietly shook their heads.
“Why not?” I asked.
A young woman finally spoke up and said, “Because…I’m not special.”
Her words gripped my heart. In that moment, everything in me wanted to tell her that she is special, deeply loved and wonderfully created by God. But preaching openly is illegal in this East Asian nation, and wisdom required restraint.
Still, that brief exchange taught me something profound about the pressures young people there live with. In a country of immense population and fierce competition, many feel invisible—believing that their dreams are out of reach.
That realization reminded me why relational ministry matters so much in this part of the world. While I cannot preach during our English lessons, I can embody Christ’s love, encourage students, listen to their stories and answer their questions when they ask about faith. Our team’s strategy is simple: be present, be faithful and allow the LORD to open doors for meaningful conversations.
Sometimes the most powerful witness is lived quietly, yet intentionally.
Where the gospel often does its most powerful work
Another significant part of my journey was meeting with a couple of leaders from the underground church. This nation has no official religion and is widely considered atheistic. Christians there often endure persecution, which forces many millions of believers to worship secretly. These underground leaders shared stories of courage, endurance and unwavering commitment to Christ — even while living under constant threat.
For those of us in the U.S., it is difficult to imagine practicing our faith in such secrecy, knowing that arrest, imprisonment or worse could come at any moment simply for meeting with other believers. Yet amid this pressure, the underground church in this East Asian country continues to grow. Their faithfulness challenged me deeply and reminded me that the gospel often does its most powerful work in whispers — in places where darkness seems strongest.
As I look toward returning in May with my team, my heart is full of hope. I believe God is preparing us and the students we will meet. I also believe He is strengthening His underground church in ways the world cannot see.
Prayer Requests:
- For the right young adults to join this East Asian team heading out next May, and for their spiritual and emotional preparation.
- For the students we will teach, that their hearts will be open, encouraged and blessed by our presence.
- For the persecuted church in East Asia, especially for her leaders, that God protects, strengthens and emboldens them in this spiritually dark environment.