Unreached Peoples

Good News on the Move

Sep 10, 2026 | South Asia, Stories

Remember Raj*, a first-generation disciple who has faithfully started Discovery Bible Groups in multiple villages? One of those villages is home to Peter and his family, who have been listening to Bible stories.

Peter’s* father-in-law, Uziel* came to visit Peter and his wife. Noticing Peter’s growing interest in this new thing, Uziel asked what he was listening to. Peter shared joyfully, “Ever since I started hearing these stories, I’ve felt peace, joy, and happiness like never before. It’s as if light is entering my life. If you want to listen too, you can—and you’ll be blessed.”

Uziel’s heart was stirred. He asked to take an MP3 player with the stories back to his village, 28 miles away.

Once home, Uziel began listening to the stories with his family. The first two stories moved them so deeply that he couldn’t keep them to just him and his family. He immediately began sharing what he had heard with others. Within just a few days, three more families expressed a desire to know more about this unfamiliar God—Jesus.

Now, through the joyful witness of Peter and Uziel, the good news is spreading rapidly. God is opening hearts and drawing people to Himself, one village, one story, and one family at a time.

*pseudonym

Women in India Fearlessly Sharing the Gospel

Sep 3, 2026 | South Asia, Stories

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The Listening Movement held its first Women Leaders meeting where several women gathered to learn, share and encourage each other. These stories are the fruit of that meeting.

Mahima* was already a dedicated disciple-maker before attending the meetings, but something in her heart shifted afterward. She works as a government-employed bus driver, but spends her free time leading Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) with new families. She started a DBS with three women in one village, and since then she has helped establish 46 house churches, and 146 people have received baptism because of Mahima’s Bible studies. She is driven by the belief that access to God’s word and obedience to the Scriptures is what transforms lives.

Another leader, Daya*, encouraged his wife, Shanvi*, to step into the Lord’s work. At first, Shanvi was hesitant, feeling nervous about speaking in front of large groups. She shared, “When I meet with people personally and talk to them, I can work better.” This personal approach has proven to be highly effective for her. Staying within their state, Shanvi connects with women, conducts Discovery Bible Studies, and shares Bible stories. By meeting one-on-one, she shares the Word in a way that resonates deeply with those she encounters. Shanvi has connected with 97 women from nine different villages in her state, spreading the Good News. She travels to meet people and desires that everyone come to know the Lord, which is why she dedicates much time to each woman.

Radhika* works alongside her husband to spread the gospel, undeterred by the challenges they face. The couple has endured significant persecution for their ministry, having been captured two or three times by members of the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a militant right-wing Hindu nationalist organization in India) and physically assaulted on at least one occasion. They’ve also received death threats warning them to cease their work. Despite these dangers, they remain steadfast in their mission.

Radhika oversees 96 house churches and collaborates with 17 women leaders, whom she trains and meets with monthly. She reaches out to those troubled by demonic oppression, struggling with addiction, and women suffering from domestic abuse. She actively seeks out such families, offering prayers and sharing the Lord’s message. Her work primarily focuses on low-caste nomadic communities, where she brings hope and the Good News of Jesus.

Shakila* was once shy and fearful, convinced that sharing the Good News of Jesus was beyond her ability. However, after attending a women’s training session and receiving encouragement from her husband, everything changed. Now, Shakila goes from home to home in her village, inviting others to listen to Bible stories and engaging them through Discovery Bible Studies. She currently oversees 28 DBS groups, and seven of the families she has discipled have been baptized.

Pray for Mahima, Shanvi, Radhika, Shakila, and others who courageously share the Good News despite the constant threat of arrest, physical assault, and even death.

*pseudonym

“Who Gave You the Right to Baptize?”

Jul 3, 2026 | South Asia, Stories

How many times in the New Testament did the Apostle Paul warn churches to be careful of the evil, Roman empire? Yet, time and again Paul wrote to churches warning them to beware of legalists (“Judaizers”), supposed fellow people of faith. A team in India take great comfort from those verses. They feel like the verses were written just for them. Here is an example of how modern “Judaizers” regularly attempt to disrupt the movement.

Ravi* is a simple man. He’s dark-skinned, which is looked down upon in Indian culture. He’s from a low-caste background, one of the lowest. In the last five years, Ravi became a follower of Jesus. Ravi has never been to Bible College. He has no degree at all. He cannot even read. But, Jesus has changed him and blessed his life, so Ravi shares the news of Jesus with others, making new disciples and baptizing them, and teaching them how to be the church.

One day, Ravi was at a river in north India with a group of new disciples, baptizing them. It so happens that on that particular day, a traditional, paid pastor named Chand* was visiting the same village. Chand came to the water’s edge and disrupted the proceedings. “Get out of the water! Come here. Who gave you the right to baptize? Are you a member of any official organization? You are not ordained?! You should not be doing this!” He was deeply offended that Ravi dared to baptize anyone.

Finally, Chand quieted down, so Ravi spoke, “You have been talking and talking. Now, it’s my turn. Pastor, please look at Matthew 28.” While Chand looked up the passage, Ravi quoted verses 16-20 from memory. Someone standing nearby had a Hindi Bible. That person read the passage, and then Chand confirmed the Hindi passage with his English Bible. Ravi directed Chand’s attention to the fact that Jesus didn’t suggest but actually commanded His disciples to baptize others. Then, he pointed out that Jesus never limited this command to ordained pastors, bishops, or people who are affiliated with official organizations. Then, Ravi, this illiterate, “backward,” humble farmer looked the “important,” city-dwelling, college-educated, salaried pastor in the face and said, “So, you go. You leave this place. If you stay, you will only continue speaking bad things, so you must go.”

Chand was speechless. He couldn’t believe that this illiterate villager had just taught him from the Scriptures. He was captivated. He couldn’t leave. He stuck around and watched the baptisms. When it was all done, he told Ravi, “I need to know more about this. I have to know how you know these things.” So, Ravi took Chand to meet the man, a fellow lay-leader, who had discipled him. They spent the day together. Chand was amazed at all he heard, so amazed, in fact, that he went home and resigned from his job with a traditional organization. Why? Here are Chand’s own words:

“…how many years I’ve been working with [that mission]. I came from Bible school…[yet] this illiterate guy told me more than I knew in the Bible. Watching [him] do this baptism…and…his words were so wise; I am the fool. I’ve been to Bible school, and [my leaders] still won’t let me baptise, only the bishop of our organization can baptize! [That organization] gave me a salary, but no authority [to actually do anything].”

Chand is now a fellow laborer in the movement, being trained to walk in authority as Jesus’ disciple and to give that authority to others.

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27). Please pray with us that God would raise up more “fools” in India who live out their authority in Jesus!

*pseudonyms

MAKING DISCIPLES DESPITE THEIR GRIEF
In January, tragedy struck a team in North India as they lost a key leader to a sudden brain hemorrhage. read more …

OBEDIENCE, BAPTISMS AND HEALINGS
Samir* met Rohit* who lives in a nearby village. In their first meeting, Samir was filled with the Holy Spirit and began read more …

BALKING AT BAPTISM
Three thousand people believing and being baptized in one day?! It sounds too good to be true, read more …

The Night the Beatings Stopped

Jun 17, 2026 | South Asia, Stories

DONT MISS THE VIDEO! SEE BELOW.

A lay leader and a partner in north India visited a village where they had never been. They found a family interested in hearing about the God who made the world. The two men shared a Bible story with the family. The family liked the discussion. The men didn’t preach, but simply shared the story, then asked questions about it, including the most important one, “If this story were true, how would you apply it to your life?”

The family asked the men to return another time. They did. The meetings became regular. The neighbors began to notice. They heard the songs that started the meetings. They began hanging out near the door and windows. They liked the Bible stories too.

One such neighbor, Avani*, entered the home. She sat and listened to the story. She liked the discussion and the prayer. She began attending regularly. Unfortunately, Avani’s husband didn’t like her going to these meetings. He beat her after each one. He had no job and was drunk all the time. She kept attending the meetings, though, in spite of the beatings. Finally, one day, she looked at her husband and said, “Fine. You don’t want me to go to these meetings? I won’t go. But first, you have to attend a meeting with me one time. If you don’t like it, when it’s done you can beat me again. But, at least go one time.”

So, he did. He got drunk first, but he went. He fidgeted. He glared at the leaders. He left in a huff. But, when it was all over, he didn’t beat his wife. The next week, he attended the meeting again. This time, he wasn’t drunk. When the meeting was done, he told the leaders that he wanted to follow the God of those stories. He was tired of drinking all the time. He wanted a new life. And so, this family is now changed. The husband no longer beats his wife. He’s stopped drinking. They are learning from the Bible. Their lives are new.

*pseudonym

RELATED STORIES

MAKING DISCIPLES DESPITE THEIR GRIEF
In January, tragedy struck a team in North India as they lost a key leader to a sudden brain hemorrhage. read more …

“YOUR HOME WOULD POLLUTE ME”
Raj*, a high caste Hindu man, hated that his low caste neighbors worshiped Jesus with friends in their home. read more …

SIMPLICITY VERSUS TRADITION
Lata* lives in North India. A few years ago, she was a regular church attendee, but her family did not read more …

Understanding Your Muslim Neighbor: Idul Adha

Jun 3, 2026 | Austronesia, Longer Reads

by Andrew Arnold

Hamzah was born and raised in a 100% Muslim family and community. From childhood, religion pervaded every part of identity, culture, and the rhythms of everyday life. Did everyone truly follow the teachings deeply? Maybe, maybe not. But one thing was certain: they lived fully within Islamic tradition. One of the strongest, most memorable, and most anticipated traditions each year was Eid al-Adha.

For young Hamzah, Eid al-Adha was not only about worship. It was a big village event—a day when everyone gathered, visited one another, and shared food. From early morning, the sound of takbir (“Allahu akbar”) filled the air. People wore their best clothes. By the mosque and in open fields, sacrificial animals were prepared.

But if you asked little Hamzah what he was most excited about, his answer was simple: eating satay. Beef satay. Chicken satay. Gulai. Soup. Dishes that appeared in abundance only on that day. It was a day of open houses. People came in and out of neighbors’ homes. Laughter, conversation, and shared stories filled the atmosphere. For Hamzah as a child, Eid al-Adha meant togetherness, community, and belonging.

As he grew older, his understanding began to deepen. He started to see a profound spiritual meaning behind the festivities and traditions. Eid al-Adha commemorates the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham)—a servant of God (Allah)1 who was willing to offer what was most precious in his life, in total submission to Allah. In Islamic tradition, this story portrays surrender, faith, and trust in God.

The Meaning of Idul Adha
The Eid al-Adha sacrifice is not merely the slaughter of an animal. It symbolizes obedience to Allah, a willingness to give one’s best, care for others, and an awareness that life does not fully belong to us. Beneath it all lies something even deeper—a human longing to draw near to God.

Now, after becoming a follower of Isa Almasih (Jesus), Hamzah sees Eid al-Adha through a broader lens. He no longer sees only ritual; he sees the hearts behind it. He sees the desire to give, the longing to obey, and communities strengthening one another. Yet through the words of the prophets, he has come to understand something deeper – that God desires more than sacrifice. As Hosea proclaimed, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6).

Joining In
In recent years, the Holy Spirit moved my heart to participate—not as an observer, but as someone who shares in this social and spiritual occasion as a messenger of Jesus.2 I started with a simple step. I contacted the mosque committee and asked, “How can I participate?”

They were surprised. A Christian wanting to contribute to the sacrificial offering? But their surprise turned into encouragement. They felt respected. They felt seen. They even offered practical advice. They said, “It’s better to join others and contribute toward buying a cow. The reward is greater.”

I smiled at that familiar language, bypassed the opportunity to dispute their theology of reward, and joined.

A few days later, the committee contacted me again. They told me that the portion of the sacrifice I contributed would be given to one particular family—let’s call them Family A. Not long after, that family contacted me. With deep gratitude in their voices, they said, “This year, our family was able to offer a sacrifice. We are so thankful.”

The moment was simple. No stage. No publicity. No photos. But in that moment, I saw God’s love flowing. Through these simple actions, our relationship with our neighbours has grown much closer. They know we are Christians, yet there is no sense of resistance or hostility toward us.

In fact, they warmly greet us with “Merry Christmas” when we celebrate. They have also become open to prayer—four families have personally asked to be prayed for in the name of Isa (Jesus). The neighbourhood leaders have shown us increasing respect, even referring to me as “Pastor” when we meet in person and in our WhatsApp group. One neighbour shared this profound acknowledgement: “I like it when you pray for me, because I believe your prayers will be heard more than mine—you are more devoted.”

In our neighbourhood, Eid al-Adha has become more than a tradition. It has become a bridge—a bridge between faith and community, between differences and friendship, between giving and receiving. This is one practical example of how we can be involved during Eid al-Adha—not as outsiders, but as fellow human beings living side by side.

What can we do during this season?

Pray
The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the most significant spiritual journeys in a Muslim’s life and is closely connected to Eid al-Adha. During the Hajj, one central ritual is the sacrifice of an animal, commemorating Ibrahim’s willingness to offer his son in obedience to God. This same act of remembrance is what Muslims around the world participate in during Eid al-Adha. In this way, both the Hajj and Eid al-Adha point to a shared theme: surrender, sacrifice, and the desire to please God. Every year, millions travel to Mecca for the Hajj with a deep sense of reverence. Many save up for years to afford this trip. Some wait their entire lives for this opportunity.

When Eid al-Adha reminds you of the Hajj taking place, picture:

Millions of people gathered in one place with hearts turned toward Allah (as they have heard him described)
Prayers whispered in many languages
Tears of sorrow for their sins
Deep reflection about life, death, and eternity.

This is a powerful reminder that human hearts long for meaning, forgiveness, and closeness to the Creator.

Hamzah’s story offers deeply relevant insight into this. Like many who long to draw near to God, he once saw sacrifice primarily as something he must offer. But through his journey, he began to see a deeper reality—that beyond human sacrifice lies God’s desire for mercy, relationship, and a transformed heart. The same longing expressed in the Hajj and remembered in Eid al-Adha becomes a bridge to a greater question: What has God provided so that we can truly come near to Him?

1) We can pray:

that many Muslims would receive fresh vision and clarity about their lives.
that those performing the Hajj would encounter the True God in deeply personal ways.
that in moments of vulnerability and surrender, the True God would meet them with truth, peace, and purpose.
that Muslims would receive dreams, insights, and spiritual awakenings that draw them closer to Him.

2) Build friendships and ask thoughtful questions
Rather than beginning with theological debates or discussing differences in interpretation, start with relationships. Focus on listening before speaking. Explore themes such as:

The importance of sacrifice.
We as humans have a deep desire to draw near to God.
Giving is often connected to worship, gratitude, and devotion.

You can begin with simple, sincere questions such as:

What does Eid al-Adha mean to you?”
“What do you most look forward to during this celebration?”

As you listen, you will hear stories:
Stories about family gathering together.
Stories about saving and preparing for sacrifice.
Stories about prayer and devotion.
Stories about faith and hope.

When we listen well, we communicate respect. And meaningful conversations often grow naturally from there.

3) Be present and care
Tell your Muslim friend or neighbor: “Happy Eid al-Adha! May this time bring you and your family peace, joy, and abundant blessings.”

Then ask, “How can I pray for you during this celebration?” This simple yet powerful question opens the door—not only to genuine relationships, but also to meaningful spiritual ministry.

God’s love flows through us as we choose to be present in people’s lives. Through this relational presence, His love becomes visible and tangible. In these moments, we also have the opportunity to show God’s love and gently point people to Jesus.

Eid al-Adha provides an opportunity for us to appreciate shared values—obedience, sacrifice, community, compassion, and a love that crosses boundaries.

When one family called to express their gratitude, I was reminded that we do not need a big stage to demonstrate God’s love. We simply need to be present, to care, and to give with a sincere heart. Often, the people we long to reach are more drawn to our love than to our theology.

Through moments like Eid al-Adha—amid satay, laughter, and togetherness—God may open doors we never imagined: doors of friendship, understanding, and faith.

Endnotes

In many languages, such as Arabic, Indonesian, and Malaysian, “Allah” is the word used by Christians for the God of the Bible as well as the deity worshipped in Islam – the Creator of all things and Judge of all people. This is the case in the native language of both Hamzah and myself. This can serve as a helpful bridge for spiritual conversations in these languages. Unfortunately, readers in English often assume an ontological difference between “Allah” as the god of Islam as distinguished from “God” (more precisely, “Yahweh”) as the God of the Bible. I invite English readers to not stumble at this article’s use of “Allah” and “God,” as interchangeable, as has been the case for all Hamzah’s life – both before and after coming to saving faith in Christ.
Some Christians may feel uneasy about contributing to an Eid al-Adha sacrifice, framing the concern as participation in a sacrifice to another god. However, this objection oversimplifies a complex theological issue: both Muslims and Christians, as monotheists, refer to the one Creator God, yet hold significantly different teachings about God’s character and actions. See, for example, Dudley Woodberry’s “Do Christians and Muslims Worship the Same God?” In light of that complexity, I consider this a “disputable matter” in the sense of Romans 14, and I respect those who would prefer to refrain. After prayer and consideration of relevant Scriptures, I felt led by the Holy Spirit to connect with the local community in this way—as a bridge-builder and a concrete expression of God’s love.

This article was first published by lausanne.org and is used here with permission.