The Purpose of Christian Missionaries: Yesterday and Today
Christian missionaries have long been dedicated to sharing the love of Christ with a broken and hurting world. At GFA World, our mission is clear: to empower national missionaries—men and women who are native to the regions they serve—to bring the message of hope and transformation through Jesus Christ to their own people.[1]
What is a Christian missionary? A Christian missionary is someone called by God to share the teachings of Jesus, sometimes crossing cultural or geographical boundaries. At GFA World, this calling goes far beyond just words. It involves addressing both spiritual and physical needs—demonstrating Christ’s love through acts of compassion and service as well as through teaching and prayer.[2]
Christian missionaries have long dedicated themselves to sharing the message of Jesus Christ across the globe. Their purpose has evolved over time, adapting to the changing needs and challenges of different eras. In the early centuries, missionaries like the Apostle Paul traveled extensively, establishing churches and spreading Christian teachings throughout the Roman Empire. This period laid the foundation for Christianity’s growth in Europe and beyond.[3]
During the Age of Exploration (15th to 17th centuries),[4] European missionaries accompanied explorers to the Americas, Africa and Asia. Their goal was to share the Good News with indigenous populations, often intertwining religious missions with colonial ambitions. This era saw the establishment of numerous missions, schools and hospitals, with the aim of converting and educating local populations.[5]
In modern times, a significant focus for missions has been the “10/40 Window,” a term referring to countries in the Eastern Hemisphere located between 10 and 40 degrees north of the equator. This area includes parts of North Africa, the Middle East and Asia and is home to a large percentage of the world’s not-yet-reached people groups—those who have never heard the Christian message. Mission organizations prioritize this region due to its cultural, religious and political complexities, aiming to share the message of Christ in culturally sensitive and respectful ways.[6] At GFA World, we are committed to reaching these regions through training national missionaries who understand the unique challenges and opportunities presented within these cultures.
Our focus is on equipping national missionaries who share cultural backgrounds, language and daily experiences with the people they serve. This connection allows them to effectively communicate Christ’s message of hope and healing while fostering trust and understanding. These dedicated missionaries live and work among their communities, building deep, meaningful relationships that transform lives.[7]
At GFA World, we operate numerous Bible colleges in the countries we serve, where we provide rigorous theological education and practical ministry training. These colleges serve as a training ground for men and women to be national missionaries, preparing them to spread the message of Christ’s love. Each year, graduates answer God’s call to go and minister in remote and challenging areas—places where the need is the greatest.[8]
Christian female missionaries are vital to GFA World’s ministry. In many cultures, men cannot easily minister to women, but female missionaries can. They offer spiritual guidance, education and compassionate care that brings healing and hope to women who are often overlooked or marginalized.[9] Through their work, countless women experience dignity, empowerment and life changes.
Some of the most inspiring Christian missionary stories come from GFA World’s Sisters of the Cross, a group of female missionaries that receive additional specialized training in order to serve among marginalized people like those living in slums, widows and those suffering from leprosy. By their selfless service, they show the love of Christ in action, bringing hope to people who once had none.[10] Their dedication transforms not only individuals but entire communities.
In addition to sharing the Good News, GFA World’s missionaries engage in holistic ministry efforts to address practical needs:
Providing Clean Water: Through initiatives like “Jesus Wells,” missionaries provide safe drinking water to entire villages where clean water was once unimaginable.[11]
Educational Programs: Missionaries facilitate education for children and adults, helping to break cycles of poverty and illiteracy while equipping individuals with vocational skills.[12]
Healthcare Services: Missionaries organize medical camps and health awareness programs, offering essential care to those without access to basic health services.[13]
At GFA World, we believe that national missionaries are the most effective and sustainable way to reach the world for Christ. Supporting a western missionary family overseas can cost up to $120,000 a year, but for that same sum, 50 national missionaries can be equipped to share the Gospel and serve their communities.[14]
The purpose of Christian missionaries, as seen in GFA World’s ministry, is to share the love of Christ in word and action. Through the tireless efforts of national missionaries—both men and women—communities experience holistic transformation. The Gospel changes lives, brings hope to the hopeless and restores broken relationships.
You can play a part in this incredible work. By partnering with GFA World, you can help support and equip national missionaries who are changing lives across Africa and Asia. Whether through prayer, sponsorship or raising awareness, your support can make an eternal impact. Together, we can bring the love of Christ to those who have never heard it and help transform whole communities—one life at a time. Consider sponsoring a missionary and take that next step in making a difference.
What do Christian missionaries do? Learn more at GFA World
[1] “About National Missionaries.” GFA World. Accessed December 17, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/sponsor/why-national-missionaries/.
[2] “Home – GFA World.” GFA World. Accessed December 17, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/.
[3] Piper, John. “An overview of the history of missions.” January 1, 1981. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/an-overview-of-the-history-of-missions.
[4] Contributors to Wikimedia projects. “Age of Discovery.” Wikipedia, February 3, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Discovery.
[5] Piper, John. “An overview of the history of missions.” January 1, 1981. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/an-overview-of-the-history-of-missions.
[6] “Navigating Unique Challenges and Opportunities: Missionary Work,” November 3, 2023. https://www.globalfrontiermissions.org/navigating-unique-challenges-and-opportunities-missionary-work-in-the-10-40-window.
[7] “National Workers Are ‘Unstoppable Compassion Force’ Says GFA World Report.” GFA World. November 17, 2021. https://gfanews.org/press-releases/national-workers-are-unstoppable-compassion-force-says-gfa-world-report/.
[8] GFA World. “Pray for Bible Colleges.” Accessed February 7, 2025. https://www.gfa.org/pray/bible-colleges/.
[9] “Women Missionaries: Bringing Hope to Women.” GFA World. Accessed December 17, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/women/.
[10] “Sisters Bringing Compassion.” GFA World. Accessed December 17, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/women/sisters-bringing-compassion/.
[11] “Home – GFA World.” GFA World. Accessed December 17, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/.
[12] Ibid.
[13] Ibid.
[14] “National Workers Are ‘Unstoppable Compassion Force’ Says GFA World Report.” GFA World. November 17, 2021. https://gfanews.org/press-releases/national-workers-are-unstoppable-compassion-force-says-gfa-world-report/.