Christian organisations are calling believers around the world to pray, share and take action for an estimated 3.2 billion people who still do not have access to the Christian gospel, as the International Day for the Unreached is observed on Pentecost Sunday, 24 May.
The annual observance, now in its tenth year, focuses on around 7,000 unreached people groups. These are communities where there is no established local church with the capacity to spread the Christian message without outside support. Mission networks including Missio Nexus and the Third of Us Alliance have released new resources ahead of this year’s event.
One of the key tools introduced is a digital prayer map called Light the Nations, created by the Joshua Project. The interactive platform allows users to select specific people groups and pray for them, with each prayer activating a visual response on the global map.
Organisers have also provided a seven-day prayer guide that explores major world religious groups and can be used throughout the year. On 24 May, churches are being encouraged to hold special gatherings focused on prayer for communities considered least reached. An online prayer event will also be hosted by Missio Nexus, alongside supporting materials such as teaching slides and video content.
A wide range of church resources has been made available, including sermon outlines for Pentecost Sunday, a devotional titled Journey to Pentecost, a guide explaining the “Unfinished Task”, and materials for small groups and youth ministries.
To raise awareness, Christians are also being encouraged to use the “Third of Us” symbol on social media, representing the estimated one-third of the global population without access to the gospel. Some participants are sharing images of the symbol online or drawing it on their hands as part of the campaign.
Following the event, organisers are encouraging churches to adopt Frontier People Groups, described as the least reached communities with minimal Christian presence, through coordination with the Joshua Project. Churches are also being invited to join the Third of Us Alliance, which connects mission organisations working in regions with limited gospel access.
Based on reporting by CDI.
