01/08/2026
Rural Communities Need the Gospel Too
When, I was growing up in a rural community, I was deeply confused about what it truly meant to follow Jesus Christ. The message of salvation was rarely taught with clarity.
Evangelistic programs were few and far betweensometimes held only once every eight months or even once a year. As a result, many of us grew up without a clear understanding of the Gospel.
Our common belief was that you could call yourself a Christian and still visit a herbalist for protection, healing, or spiritual guidance. It was considered normal. Christianity and traditional practices existed side by side, and very few people questioned the contradiction.
I shared many of these personal struggles in one of my books because they reflect the reality of countless people living in rural communities today.
Sadly, in many villages, some church leaders including pastors, elders, and deacons are themselves deeply involved in traditional festivals or practices that conflict with the teachings of Christ. Others have multiple wives while occupying positions of spiritual leadership. When this becomes the example, what message are people receiving about repentance, holiness, and salvation?
There are also faithful ministers who preach biblical holiness, but many cannot remain in rural communities. Financial pressures force them to relocate to urban areas where churches can better support their families. While this decision is understandable, it leaves many villages with little or no sound biblical teaching.
I now find myself balancing work in urban areas while also reaching out to people in remote villages with the Gospel.
Many ministers of the Gospel believe that serving in major cities is the pathway to greater influence and global impact. Urban ministry is important, but who will reach those living in remote communities? Who will preach to those who have never clearly heard the message of salvation?
Many rural communities still have limited electricity, making television ministries inaccessible. Poor telephone networks make online worship, social media, and digital evangelism difficult or impossible, but they still need Jesus Christ.
