By Laura McKillip Wood
Isaiah* was a well-known, highly respected leader and researcher of Islam from the Shiite tribe, with a prominent family lineage descended directly from the prophet Muhammad. To enhance the strength of his teachings of Islam, Isaiah found himself wanting to research “the book of the enemy,” the Bible. One night, he downloaded the Bible app on his phone, read the words of Jesus in the New Testament, and was terrified. He read some revelations about Jesus that were not in the Quran and began feeling conflicted. He deleted the app.
That night, Isaiah had a dream he was in the time the Bible was written; the words of Jesus burned in his heart. When he awoke, he created a false Facebook profile to try to find a pastor who would answer his anonymous questions. His search went on for an entire year. When Isaiah studied the John 4 passage of the woman at the well, it all became clear. To Muslims, water holds great significance; it is the most important element on earth. When Isaiah read the words Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman, that he is the living water, something clicked in him. He gave his life to Christ. He also led his wife and sons to Christ. Because of their esteemed position in the Shiite tribe, they had to flee their country.
Now Isaiah has traded his former research and teaching of the Quran for studying the Bible and teaching it to his own people, who are also refugees. He is a staple at the community center run by Uncharted International in North Africa, where many refugees from all over the world gather. In the past, he had dreams of people praying for him and his people, but he could never understand what language they were praying in. Now when he meets believers from other countries, he understands these faces represent the praying people from his dreams. “In the past, all I could see was darkness, now all I see is life,” he exclaims.
Unreached, Overlooked, and Forgotten
“At Uncharted, we focus on locations that are unreached, overlooked, and forgotten,” says Ben Stewart, CEO of Uncharted International. Uncharted identifies places in the world that are underserved and have a low response to the gospel. Uncharted looks specifically for places that not only have little or no access to the gospel but are hostile to Christians.
Uncharted then identifies nationals in those countries who are already doing good work, going boldly into their communities to spread the gospel and reaching out to meet the needs of those around them. They refer to these nationals as field partners. Uncharted now has field partners in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and North Africa. Uncharted helps accelerate the discipleship movements and church planting already happening in these areas, further empowering local people to reach out to their communities.
Uncharted officially began in 2010 in southern Indiana. In 2016, under the new leadership of Ben and Kathy Stewart, there was a significant relaunch and refocus on the primary goal of accelerating kingdom movements in parts of the world that are unreached and overlooked. “Since the relaunch in 2016, Uncharted has seen exciting growth, both internationally and domestically,” Ben explains. “It is now serving in five unique locations, with a vision to be present in 10 unique locations in this first phase of growth, coming alongside 150 field partners.” Each community where field partners work includes outreach and discipleship, humanitarian efforts addressing tangible needs of the local community, and leadership development. The field partners look for ways to meet the people’s needs and build community with them, building relationships and trust that can last a lifetime. They also share their faith with the people in that community.
Partners Across the World
“We don’t have a model,” according to Ben and Kathy, “we have relationships.” In addition to supporting field partners, Uncharted is passionate about unleashing God’s people from the western church into global mission. They connect the local church, who they call church partners, with the global church, the field partners. Uncharted’s church partner network includes over 20 partner churches. Ben explains, “Our church partners support our field partners, and our field partners challenge and equip our church partners to live out God’s mission right where they are. We all have the same mission—to see God’s kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.”
Education for Central Asian Women
Some Central Asian governments have passed laws that greatly restrict the freedom of women in their countries. As a result, women have been banned from obtaining an education. Even little girls are prohibited from going to school. Seeing this injustice and the negative effect it has on the economy and culture of the country, as well as on the well-being of women and children, believers began underground schools for women. Angar*, one of Uncharted’s field partners, and a network of brave Central Asian people lead two underground schools with around 300 female students who would otherwise be barred from having any type of education. In addition, these partners have started 4 branches of sewing programs where women learn a useful trade, earn a good income, find dignity and hope for a future, and hear about the love of Jesus. As a result, 11 underground churches have started. Obviously, this is a dangerous endeavor for believers and the females they serve, but they are willing to take this chance to serve Jesus and meet the needs of their community. Church partners in the United States support these Christians prayerfully and financially. In turn, the example set by the Central Asian Christians encourages and inspires their American partners.
These ministries are just two examples of the work being done by Uncharted International and their partners around the world. To learn more or become a partner, visit their website at https://www.unchartedinternational.org/who-we-are or email Ben and Kathy Stewart at [email protected].
- Names have been changed for security reasons.
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