In Matthew 9:36, we see the heart of Jesus the Shepherd. It says, “When he—Jesus—saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” He was filled with compassion.

The heart of our Savior still breaks for those who have never heard the Good News, who need Him as their Shepherd. He wants the same compassion to be in our hearts. To see the need and do our part.

In fact, in the next verses, Jesus turned to his disciples and said, “’The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”

Our prayer as Global Disciples is that the Lord will send out workers to the people who have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And it’s our mission to help equip those workers through their local churches, wherever they may be.

One of our trainings was held in a region of South Asia where the risks are high—politically, culturally, even in terms of the weather and natural obstacles for travel and for sustainability. As a small group of church leaders gathered to learn how to train their own people, the compassion of Jesus grew in their hearts and fueled their vision to see workers for the harvest.

One leader reflected, “I have a new vision for extending God’s kingdom, and it is my vision that every church planter I know will know that they can do the same things.”

Another man said, “Some lessons were really hard; my brain was full, but it was good. And I am encouraged that I can go to my people, and we can go reach the least-reached!”

Those we trained went away with a fresh passion to see that over 400 million least-reached people in their nation will be reached with the Good News of Jesus. And it’s just the beginning as they are moved with compassion of Jesus for those who are lost and as they introduce them to the loving Shepherd of their souls.  

DID YOU KNOW?

There’s an easy way to remember to pray for the least-reached. Inspired by Matthew 9:38, set an alarm for 9:38 a.m. or p.m., and take a moment each day to ask the Lord to send workers into His harvest, even you! Luke 10:2 is another reference you can use to set your time (10:02), if you prefer.