How Can Christians Serve Least-Reached Countries Using Everyday Skills?
Christian service in restricted countries is possible through everyday skills and professions with SIM USA. Whether in healthcare, education, or business, conventional professions become avenues to build relationships and shine the love of Jesus in countries where traditional ministry is limited.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24
Madison serves with SIM USA in the Middle East. She works as a physical therapist in a country with very few Christians. In this professional role, she provides practical support to the community while also serving as a Christian witness.
Living there, Madison has learned the importance of maintaining Christian spiritual growth in countries with few believers. She intentionally invests in regular, quality time with God while serving.
Why is Daily Time with God Important for Cross-Cultural Workers?
Daily time with God for cross-cultural workers is vital because it strengthens them spiritually and gives them perseverance in countries with few believers. To maintain spiritual growth in least-reached countries, fixing your eyes on Jesus and prioritizing daily time with Him is essential. As one of the only believers in her country, Madison is intentional about spending time with God, knowing how crucial it is to rely on Him for strength and guidance.
“Just fix your eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. He is the one we fix our eyes upon—not a people group, not a ministry, not a job, not our own obedience… It’s Jesus,” Madison said. “Our job is to obey and abide, but you can’t obey without abiding. Abiding has to come first.”
When progress seems slow and fruit is not immediately visible, Madison reminds herself that her job is not to convince others of the gospel by her own strength. Her job is to remain faithful, keeping her eyes fixed on Jesus and trusting Him.
“I think about Peter. When Jesus was on the water, He said ‘Come to me.” Peter got out of the boat, and he came to Him. But as soon as he took his eyes off Jesus, he sank. So, it’s true—we can do miraculous things, but it can’t be our own strength. It has to be Jesus,” Madison said.
“‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’” Matthew 14:29-31
Madison’s reflection on Peter walking on water reminds us that Jesus must be our central focus at every step. Peter’s courage to step out of the boat demonstrates how God may lead us into challenging situations, such as being a Christian witness in a creative access country.
But the moment Peter took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the storm, fear took hold, and he began sinking. This is a reminder that even the boldest acts of faith are fragile without constant dependence on the Lord.
Our strength alone is never enough. We must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, trusting Him to sustain us even when the brokenness around us feels overwhelming. Christian service in restricted countries is not about self-reliance. Rather, it is about abiding in Jesus and relying on His strength for every step we take. With this in mind, we can see just how important regular quality time with Him is for cross-cultural workers.
How Can Global Workers Find Christian Community in Restricted Countries?
Finding Christian community in restricted countries often comes through neighbors, coworkers, and other global workers. Churches in creative access countries may look very different than those in the United States, possibly consisting of just a handful of believers. But they are no less beautiful and glorifying to Jesus.
There are no recognized churches in Madison’s city, but she is part of a passionate community of believers. Madison found this Christian community through a teacher at her language school. The teacher was already involved with the group of believers, and she invited Madison to join them.
“There’s believers from all different countries,” Madison said. “I was really encouraged to find them.”
As Madison continued living in this country and making connections, she learned about even more believers.
“I found out from somebody, who found out from somebody, who found out from somebody,” Madison said. “I joined them recently, and it was so good. There might be more believers in this country than I realize. There might be more brothers and sisters all across my city.”
Living as a Christian in a creative access country can feel isolating, but Madison’s story shows it is vital to seek out and connect with other believers. Official churches may not exist in these countries, but Christian community is often present. These communities are often found through intentional connections in everyday settings. If you desire Christian community as a global worker, don’t isolate yourself.
Actively seeking relationships with other believers helps sustain spiritual growth in countries with few Christians and brings encouragement, strength, and fellowship in a challenging location. As Madison’s story shows, one invitation or connection can open the door to an entire unseen community of Christians.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
How Can I Learn More About Serving with SIM USA?
If you are wondering how to serve cross-culturally using your everyday skills, SIM USA offers a way to make an eternal impact while meeting tangible, everyday needs. Whether you are a physical therapist like Madison, an entrepreneur, a teacher, or any number of professions, there is a place for you to serve the Lord in least-reached nations. Using everyday skills with SIM USA is a key bridge to Christian service in restricted countries.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 4:10-11
To learn more about how you can serve with SIM USA, you can explore our website or connect with a mission coach. They can help you understand where your talents and passions fit cross-culturally and guide you in taking the next steps to serve the Lord globally.
Names have been changed for the privacy and safety of our workers, ministry partners, and those we serve.
Maggie Watts
Content Creator
I am a Content Creator with SIM USA. It is a joy to use writing and multimedia to glorify God and tell stories about how He is working around the world.