Adapted from Making Disciples: Creativity as a Recipe to Share the Gospel

Sharing the gospel in some regions is tough—laws, cultural barriers, and apathy create real obstacles. In these settings, creativity becomes essential, opening doors to connect with people in new ways and make disciples.

Imagine you have a perfect recipe for sharing the gospel. It’s proven and effective. Then you travel to a new country, only to find your usual ingredients unavailable, with labels you can’t read and unfamiliar options on the shelves. What do you do?

This is the daily reality for global workers. Every culture has its own “ingredients,” its own rules, and its own tastes. Like a chef adapting a recipe with what’s available, global workers find creative ways to share the Good News.

Since Encompass was founded over a century ago, creativity has led to some unexpected platforms: guitar clubs, choirs, youth camps, coffee shops, sports, cooking classes, quilting clubs, and more. These hobbies aren’t just for fun—they’re intentional bridges. These new approaches have proven essential in places like Europe, where “church” carries negative connotations, or in Asia, where there might not even be a concept for “church.”

Beyond hobbies, creativity also meets practical needs. Just as Jesus fed the hungry, global workers host soup kitchens, run food banks, and serve vulnerable groups like refugees, immigrants, and those in poverty. These efforts provide shelter, employment, education, and medical care while creating opportunities for discipleship and spiritual growth.

But creative ministry isn’t easy. Cross-cultural workers often have to step out in faith and try new methods with no guarantee of success. They wrestle with doubts and take risks, knowing they might fail but trusting God to use their efforts.

When you support global workers, you’re encouraging their courage and perseverance. You’re walking alongside them as they explore new ways to share God’s love. You’re helping them see failure as part of the process and trusting God to turn small efforts into great results. Thanks for partnering with Encompass World Partners to support international missions for the past 125 years!