(From thecrescentproject.org): The Crescent Project was founded by a former Muslim, and they train Christians in how to reach Muslims both here in the West and overseas with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Recently they published an article about the myths many Christians (even pastors) believe about the followers of Islam.
MYTH #1 – Muslims are all from Middle Eastern countries.
Not true. Islam may have emerged from these countries, but over time Islam has spread to the whole world. In fact, there are far more Muslims “outside” the Middle East. This is why Crescent Project has placed a high priority on planting churches and developing leaders in India, Indonesia, Pakistan and Bangladesh, where nearly 50% of all Muslims in the world live.
MYTH #2 – Muslims all speak Arabic.
Not true. Extending the thought of more Muslims living outside of Middle East countries, many non-Middle Eastern Muslims may study Arabic to understand the Quran, but predominant native languages include Bengali, Punjabi, Indonesian, Hindi, Urdu, Chinese and more!
MYTH #3 – There are already many missionaries working to reach Muslims and other UPGs (Unreached People Groups) in the 10/40 window.
Nope! Only 3% of the entire missionary force is focused upon UPGs in the 10/40 window. That is one missionary for every 406,000 individuals from UPGs in the world. (credit “The Traveling Team”)
MYTH #4 – Most Missions funds go to toward reaching UPGs.
“American Christians spend 95% of offerings on home-based ministry, 4.5% on cross-cultural efforts in already reached people groups, and .5% to reach the unreached.” (According to “The Traveling Team”) The GREAT NEWS is — our objective of reaching Muslims hits the “bullseye” of the UPG world, as Muslims comprise 53% of all the world’s UPGs.
Pray for us! Work with us! Get the word out! God is on the MOVE!