West Region
• Population: 71.8 million
• SBC congregations: 4,465
• SBC congregation to population ratio: 1 to 16,084
• Number of lost: 62 million (87%)
• Least churched: Guam, Utah, Oregon, Washington, California
• Largest metro area: Los Angeles
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, LifeWay Christian Resources, NAMB
Clearing the hurdles for the healthy is important, but healing the hurting—and even dysfunctional—will only help the overall effectiveness of church planting efforts.
“God has blessed us enormously,” says Sharla. “I was skeptical in the beginning, but this has been better than I ever imagined. We have people who have never been churched, we have military, we have people who have not been in a community of people who follow Christ.”
Derek tells of one member who was unchurched and a step away from ending his marriage. Derek became involved when the family sought help.
“At first we just talked, or I just listened,” says Derek. “He was not ready to hear what he needed to do. Over time he came to understand what God expected of him and how He wanted a relationship with him. Now he is involved in weekly Bible study and is exactly where God wants him to be, in life, in his marriage.”
The Osburns are appreciative of their selection as week of prayer missionaries. They are excited about having so many people praying for them.
36 Spring 2012 •
onmission.com
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