Traditional missions are in crisis. Our missionary force is declining each year, while the world population is growing exponentially. Since traditional missionaries will not be able to get into those countries which are closed, prayer will be the only means of entry.

Jesus said in Matthew 9:37-38, "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest." The command Jesus gave to pray for laborers should be addressed in three ways:

1. Pray for God to raise up laborers from our churches.
2. Pray for God to raise up laborers from expatriates who can return to their homelands with the gospel.
3. Pray for God to raise up laborers inside the closed countries.

Even though this concept of praying for laborers may seem like the only way to get the gospel into those closed countries, this may well be one of the most productive means in getting the gospel to the world. The validity of prayer being the means of getting workers for the harvest is attested by the command of Jesus in Matthew 9:37-38. Only eternity will reveal the fruit produced by following His command.

Please be faithful to pray for laborers.

Dr. Daylon H. Hicks, Sr.