Making Disciples of All Nations: Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ
GFA World believes in making disciples of all nations. Jesus expresses His command through Matthew 28:19 when He tells His disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations …” (NKJV). GFA World carries out Jesus’ directive by sending GFA-supported missionaries to communities in Africa and Asia to preach the Good News of God’s love.
A GFA-supported missionary was present in the lives of Radu and Sadia.[1] At the age of 12, Radu began working to support his family. Leaving his home for another village with greater work opportunities, he spent multiple years enduring harsh working conditions to help his family. His exhausting work took a heavy toll on his body. When his father passed away, Radu assumed the responsibility of leading their household.
Sadia also had a difficult life. Her family struggled mightily after her father died, and as tweens, Sadia and her sister began working to support their family. Two childhoods were sacrificed to ensure survival.
Radu and Sadia married, and they wanted a better life for their children, but they struggled. Sadia’s health started deteriorating, and she experienced severe headaches that no doctor could treat. Radu tried to help her, but his efforts were in vain. He was desperate for a solution. That’s when God sent Haruto, a GFA-supported missionary, into their lives.
Radu refused to consider Christianity until his wife’s illness compelled him to give faith a try. When they approached Pastor Haruto for help, he received Radu and Sadia with open arms, offered a prayer for Sadia and introduced them to God’s message. God healed Sadia, and their hearts began to open to the Good News.
As they attended church, Radu and Sadia started to learn more about Jesus, and their faith deepened. Currently, they utilize their tragic experience to share the truth with others. The Lord used Haruto to change their lives, and He continues to build their faith each day.
Haruto represents the community service of GFA-supported missionaries because he serves as a local missionary who understands the language and culture of his area. Through a strong bond with the community members they serve, these missionaries gain deep insight into how best to help those around them.
GFA-supported missionaries deliver the love of Jesus to people, and their actions exemplify the message. Haruto’s ministry encompasses assisting people in need, providing support during disasters, offering pension services to older people, and promoting children’s educational development. The service he offers enables him to earn people’s trust, which then opens opportunities for sharing the Good News.
GFA-supported missionaries have a deep, personal connection with the people they serve. Reaching the nations with the Good News requires genuine love for people in their current state, accompanied by comprehensive spiritual and physical support. Missionaries connect with people on a personal level, hoping to transform their lives for eternity.
Jesus’ life-changing message reached Radu and Sadia through Haruto. Had Haruto not entered their lives, they would not have known about Jesus. According to one organization, those that have yet to hear about Jesus are “people group[s] within which there is no Indigenous community of believing Christians able to [reach] this group.”[2] Who are the people groups not yet reached? They are communities where there is little to no Chrisitan witness.
What are people groups? People groups are defined by their culture, native language and traditional practices. To connect with them, one needs to demonstrate love, patience and a cultural understanding of their specific needs. GFA-supported national missionaries are equipped to reach these people who’ve not yet heard the name of Christ.[3]
GFA-supported missionaries undergo training to know how to establish churches in places where there are none. Because they are nationals they know the language and have cultural understanding as they show God’s love in word and deed. This relational method creates a connection between them and their communities. Hopefully, this will prepare the hearts of the people to receive the Good News!
Everyone has a role in making disciples of all nations. One way is to adopt a missionary. Through your financial support for GFA-supported missionaries, Haruto and their community can continue to meet needs while sharing Jesus’ Good News.
Adopting a missionary can benefit both individuals and communities. Missionary presence in a community becomes sustainable through your sponsorship, which helps provides access to training and relationship-building resources for the populations yet to be reached with the love of Jesus.
Your prayer support is vital for GFA-supported missionaries as well. These workers and the people they help need our prayers as they navigate unexpected difficulties and seek God’s direction and support. Through their story, Radu and Sadia show that Jesus transforms the lives of people. Through Jesus Christ, people experience physical recovery, personal transformation, the healing of fractured relationships and the restoration of lost hope.
The message of Jesus’ love carries eternal value. Through your help, people can experience a transformation in regions that have never received the Good News message. Every person deserves the chance to feel the warmth of God’s love.
Learn more about charitable Christmas gift ideas through GFA World
[1] “A Couple’s Tragic Trail to Truth.” GFA World. September 2023. https://www.gfa.org/news/articles/a-couples-tragic-trail-to-truth-wfr23-09b.
[2] “Has Everyone Heard?” Joshua Project. Accessed April 2, 2025. https://joshuaproject.net/resources/articles/has_everyone_heard.
[3] “National Missionaries.” GFA World. Accessed April 2, 2025. https://www.gfa.org/sponsor/why-national-missionaries/.