Now that we have been back in the United States for three months we have had opportunity to visit with many churches to speak about Japan. One thing that I am somewhat surprised about is that there are still people that do not know exactly what the “10-40 Window” is. With that in mind I have decided to write a blog post on the 10-40 Window.
What is the 10-40 Window? Quite bluntly, from an American Christian prospective it is the area of the world that has the greatest population (4 billion) with the most needs, least Christian population, highest Christian persecution, and most neglected for missionary activity. From 10 degrees latitude to 40 degrees latitude, from Morocco in the West to Japan in the East, the 10-40 Window can be located on a map. It comprises of the Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist dominated countries. From this link , under the 'map view' option, we can see exactly the reality of each country in the 10-40 Window.
How did this happen? Somewhere along the line in the past after the great flood someone's ancestor rejected God, choosing rather to worship created beings, and passing that knowledge down to further generations. Along the way knowledge of God was lost. In some cases idolatry has gone on for hundreds if not thousands of years, further strengthening the demonic power in these areas to this day.
Why are there so few missionaries in this region? Most of these countries are considered, “closed-countries” in which any kind of outside influence is either strictly prohibited or met with extreme punishment including death. Other countries are so far removed by distance, language, and education that an attempt to spread the gospel takes great resources, time, and sacrifice to accomplish with little immediate fruits exhibited. It is said that five cents out of every one hundred dollars spent on missions goes to this region! There is little glory yet great risk involved in going to this area of the world. Unfortunately, given the type of modern Christianity formed in the west, namely “me-focused” gospels, very few in up-and-coming generations are willing to sacrifice greatly to reach these areas, nor do they care to.
What can we do? We can pray for these regions that God would raise up people to reach them. We can also support legitimate missionaries working in this region. Whereas the Western missionaries have failed in this area, many Asian countries such as South Korea, Philippines, and India have raised up many missionaries to start works in many of these countries. Satellite TV, Internet, and Western Educational resources have reached a great many people in these regions directly and indirectly as well. God is working even through Covid-19 circumstances.
I encourage anyone reading to do some research on the 10-40 Window. Start praying for countries in this region and see what you can do to help.
