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What is the 10/40 Window?

Clue: It's a section of the world, but it's really about people and a special mission to spread the Gospel

by Kevin Waite

consulting editor

If you're asking "What is the 10/40 Window?" join the club. It was one of the first questions I had when I learned about Gospel Outreach.

The geographical answer explains the nickname. The 10/40 Window refers to a section of the world that lies between 10 degrees north latitude and 40 degrees north latitude. When you look at a map, you'll see that the northern half of Africa, the Middle East, and a good chunk of Asia falls within this window.

But the real story about the 10/40 Window doesn't show up on maps. Instead it plays out daily in the lives of the billions of people who live in this area of the world—billions of people who haven't yet heard the name of Jesus (read more about this in the Gospel Outreach story).

But the real story about the 10/40 Window doesn't show up on maps.

Matthew records a spectacular prophecy-promise that I believe has special significance as we consider the 10/40 Window. Jesus said, "And this Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matthew 24:14).

Gospel Outreach focuses on raising funds to support native evangelists, who then preach the Gospel to people who have never before heard it. When this work is done, Jesus will come!

It's easy to get excited about this promise and these people when the 10/40 Window begins to have names and faces. Through the pages of the Adventures in Missions newsletter, I've been inspired by stories of real people:

• People in Africa, like Sheik Faruki, who told how he met Jesus through dreams and in person.
• People in India, like Patole. God used a monkey attack to break the power of idols in the life of Patole and his wife Shakuntala.
• People in the Philippines, like 5-month-old Joemar, whose deadly illness suddenly vanished when his father and mother took their stand for Jesus and were baptized.
• People like Gospel Outreach evangelist Patrice Tossou, who taught a soap-making class in West Africa and shared his faith with his students, including the president of a radical Muslim organization.
• And people like Kashmir Masih Gill, another Gospel Outreach evangelist, whose quest for a drink of water led to an unexpected opportunity to share Living Water.

So if you're just becoming acquainted with the 10/40 Window and Gospel Outreach, I'd like to recommend two things:

1. Read the Gospel Outreach story.

2. Sign up for a free subscription to Adventures in Missions.

Then prepare to be blessed by story after inspiring story straight from the mission field.

It's time to see beyond geography, country borders, and countless masses of people. Instead, meet the 10/40 Window one person at a time. You'll be glad you did. And see if you don't find yourself joining a fast-growing group of people who are excited to have the opportunity to help spread the glad tidings of Jesus and His soon return!