Having worked in Asia for nearly 20 years, I have been challenged and encouraged by this book. One is pushed toward discouragement when recognizing that the Christian church is faced with the responsibility of reaching 860 million Muslims, 656 million Hindus, hundreds of millions of Buddhists, hundreds of animist tribes, and more than 15,000 islands.
Yamamori has given the Christian world a book dealing with "closed countries" that offers stimulating suggestions for evangelism. It is pregnant with new ideas, presented in the setting of an outreach that is prayer-based, empowered, and guided by the Holy Spirit.
In spite of the gigantic task before the church, the book's tone is one of confident assurance that the global task can be accomplished as the church puts new ideas to work, involving larger numbers of people in outreach. The author gives countless strategies aimed at developing a new type of Christian witness that will carry the story of Jesus' love into restricted areas. He calls for 100,000 individuals who, at the risk of martyrdom, will accept the challenge of being God's new envoys to the 77 countries that have religious restrictions.
Yamamori's years of experience and careful study give strong evidence to his recommendations. He tells of experiences in which these principles were used to enter areas closed to traditional missionaries. In addition to these new approaches, Yamamori gives balance to his ideas by urging stronger current mission procedures.
This book is for all Christians eager to see the commission of Jesus—to take the gospel to every nation and tribe and people—reach fulfillment. It is for those concerned about the 2.5 billion people who will never meet a Christian during their entire lifetime.
