Discovering the Unreached: A Glimpse of the Kingdom in a Greek Village

In June of 2022, a World Race squad journeyed to a small village just outside Corinth, Greece, eager to live out their mission of sharing the Gospel and building relationships. Little did they know, this quiet village would profoundly shape their understanding of what it means to bring the Kingdom of God to unreached places.

An Unlikely Welcome

Upon their arrival, the team faced resistance. A local café owner rushed out, shouting, “You can’t be here!” It was an unusual welcome for a team prepared to serve and share the love of Christ. As they explained they had rented an Airbnb for a month, the tension eased. Gradually, the villagers, curious and cautious, began to open their doors and their hearts. What started as hesitation transformed into hospitality.

The initial barrier gave way to opportunities for deeper connections. The team knew that God had placed them here for a reason, and they leaned into the relationships forming around them.

Encountering an Unreached People Group

As the squad got to know the villagers, they discovered something that stunned them: no one in the town had ever heard the name of Jesus. Conversations about faith led to puzzled looks and questions like, “Are you looking for your friend?”

The concept of unreached people groups wasn’t new to the World Race. Yet for these Racers, it was the first time they had encountered a community with no knowledge of Jesus – not as a historical figure, nor as Savior and Lord. It was a sobering reminder of the immense need for missions and the calling to go to places where the Gospel has yet to take root.

Living the Gospel in the Square

Rather than letting the weight of the task discourage them, the team responded with boldness and creativity. They began hosting Bible studies in the heart of the village: the town square. Here, under the open sky, they prayed, sang, and shared the stories of Jesus.

At first, the villagers watched from afar, curious but hesitant to engage. But as the team continued to meet faithfully, the community began to draw closer. Children would linger nearby, and adults would ask questions about what they were doing. These moments gave the team the opportunity to model what life in God’s Kingdom looks like – through worship, fellowship, and genuine love for the people they served.

A Seed-Planted Mission

The squad’s time in the village was short – just one month – but their impact was lasting. As their stay came to an end, they left knowing that their presence had planted seeds. They had introduced the villagers to the name of Jesus for the first time and shown them a glimpse of His love through their actions.

Even after departing, the mission continued. The team committed to praying for the village, trusting the Holy Spirit to water the seeds they had planted. They prayed for more laborers to enter this ripe field and for the community to be open to the transforming power of the Gospel.

A Reminder of the Mission Field

This small village in Greece represents a powerful truth about the mission field: there are still places where the Gospel has not been heard. It’s a reminder of the World Race’s calling to go to the ends of the earth, to serve the least reached, and to bring the hope of Jesus to every corner of the world.

For those who have never considered missions, this story challenges us all. There are villages, communities, and entire nations waiting for someone to say, “Yes, I will go.” Whether through going, giving, or praying, each of us can play a part in bringing the name of Jesus to those who have yet to hear it.

The Harvest Is Plentiful

The World Race exists to mobilize the Body of Christ into action. This story from Greece is just one example of the profound need for workers in the harvest fields. As Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37).

Will you join us in the mission to bring the Gospel to the unreached? Whether through a short-term trip, a gap year, or our full 11-month journey, the World Race offers opportunities to live out your faith and be a part of what God is doing around the globe. Together, we can plant seeds, trust the Holy Spirit, and watch as the Kingdom of God grows in even the most unexpected places.