The following information is from a blog post (Church and Culture) written by James Emery White. It is one of “two headlines taken from the latest statistics from the Center for the Study of Global Christianity.”

“Anchoring the worldwide growth of Christianity is the global South, particularly Africa (2.77%
growth rate) and Asia (1.5% growth rate). To put that in perspective, in 2000 814 million Christians lived in Europe and North America, compared to 660 million in Africa and Asia. Currently, the entire global North holds only 838 million Christians, while Africa and Asia alone have climbed to nearly 1.1 billion followers of Christ. Leading the way is Africa, where the Christian population is growing faster than any other continent. In fact, more Christians live in Africa than any other continent in the world. By 2050, Africa will be home to 1.3 billion Christians. North America? Only 276 million.

One conclusion is clear: the global North has historically been the one sending missionaries to the world for the sake of the gospel, usually to the global south. Now we need Africa to send them here.” (Volume 18 Number 12)

There is a mission field right outside your door. May your eyes be open to see.

On behalf of the children of Schuylkill County,

Shelley Hikes

“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:14-17