As Christians, we’re all familiar with the Great Commission—Jesus’ command to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).

But in today’s world, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to hop on a plane to a far-off land. Cross-cultural evangelism can happen right where you are. I’ve been blessed to go on mission trips to Angola and work with refugees in Clarkston, GA, and both of these experiences have opened my eyes to just how impactful it is to share the Gospel with people from different cultures.

Reaching Out to Local International Communities

You might not realize it, but there are people from all over the world living near your city or town. Take Clarkston, GA, for example. This small town outside of Atlanta is home to refugees from all across the globe, and it’s an incredible place to see cross-cultural evangelism up close.

When I spent time in Clarkston, I learned that something as simple as inviting a refugee family over for dinner or helping them adjust to life in the U.S. could lead to powerful opportunities to share the love of Jesus. Often, these acts of kindness sparked curiosity about why we cared, which opened the door to deeper conversations about faith.

One thing that really stood out to me is the importance of finding common ground. We took the time to build relationships by focusing on shared values like family and community. It’s amazing how much this helped to bridge the gap and create meaningful discussions about the Gospel.

The Life-Changing Impact of Short-Term Mission Trips

If you’ve ever thought about going on a mission trip, I encourage you to go for it! My trip to Angola changed the way I see cross-cultural ministry. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of working alongside local believers. Instead of coming in with our own ideas, we focused on supporting what God was already doing through the local churches.

Even after my trip ended, I stayed in touch with some of the leaders in Angola. That’s a key part of mission work—building lasting relationships. It’s not just about showing up for a week and then leaving; it’s about continuing to support and encourage the work God is doing.

Another important lesson I learned was the need to understand and respect the local culture. We took time to learn about Angola’s traditions and customs before presenting the Gospel. This helped us share Christ’s message in a way that connected with people’s hearts and minds, rather than feeling like outsiders imposing our views.

Using Technology to Share the Gospel Globally

You don’t always need to travel to reach people from different cultures. Technology has made cross-cultural evangelism more accessible than ever. In Clarkston, I met refugees who stayed connected with family back home using apps like WhatsApp, and it made me realize how easily we can share the Gospel with people all over the world through digital platforms.

Social media, Bible translation apps, and other online resources are powerful tools for sharing Christ’s message. In Clarkston, for example, we volunteered at a company that designed and manufactured solar-powered video and audio devices, which were then transported deep within the Congo and other remote areas. We were able to distribute digital copies of the Bible in local languages, which was a game-changer in areas where physical Bibles weren’t readily available.

With today’s technology, you can reach people from all walks of life without ever leaving your home. Whether through social media, video calls, or other digital tools, there are countless opportunities to spread the Gospel to people from different cultures.

The Transforming Power of Cross-Cultural Evangelism

One of the most rewarding parts of cross-cultural evangelism is seeing how it strengthens the global Church. Watching new believers in Clarkston join a local congregation reminded me that the Church is much bigger than just one place or people group—it’s a worldwide family of believers.

These experiences have also deepened my faith. Whether overcoming language barriers in Angola or learning from refugees in Clarkston, I was reminded again and again of my need to rely on the Holy Spirit. It’s not about being the most polished speaker or having all the answers—it’s about letting God work through you.

Finally, cross-cultural evangelism breaks down barriers. The friendships I’ve built with people from different backgrounds have shown me that in God’s Kingdom, everyone is equal. The divisions we see in the world—whether cultural, ethnic, or national—fade away in the light of Christ’s love.

Conclusion: How You Can Get Involved

If you’re a follower of Christ, cross-cultural evangelism is for you. Whether it’s engaging with international students in your neighborhood, going on a mission trip, or using technology to reach someone across the globe, there’s a way for everyone to get involved in the Great Commission.

I encourage you to pray about how God might be calling you to share his love with people from other cultures. Whether it’s through local outreach, supporting global missions, or going yourself, the opportunity to make a difference is right in front of you. The harvest is plentiful, and we’re all invited to be a part of it.