“Hot, humid, sticky, salty, and tired” were the words that flowed from the lips of those that traveled to Mombasa, Kenya on October 25, 2010. The purpose of the trip was to “scout out the land” and see how a church could effectively reach a Muslim tribe in East Africa with the gospel of Jesus Christ. This tribe, the first to convert to Islam, lives along the Indian Ocean, flush with palm trees, white sand, coral rock, and plenty of sunshine.

After a few short days of meetings, the words quickly changed as they learned of the inhumane practices of this tribe, especially towards their young girls. “Horrid, appalling, morbid, unspeakable and demonic” were the words that now flowed from their lips. The beautiful landscape quickly vanished when the stark relativities of the darkness—spiritual darkness sank deep into their hearts.

However, the Bible speaks that everyone that does not know Christ sits in darkness, those who practice unspeakable atrocities and those who practice self-righteous actions—for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The ancient prophet Isaiah spoke of a people who walked in darkness but have seen a great light (Isaiah 9:2). The New Testament is quick to reveal that Jesus is this light, and those who by faith receive Him no longer walk in darkness. They have their sins forgiven, and are clothed in the very righteousness of Christ.

Today the Digo tribe, though once lost and walking in darkness now have the light of Christ being revealed to them by God through a local church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The sacred Scriptures are clear: that declaring the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—the light and hope of the world—brings salvation!

How did this church decide to reach this tribe in East Africa? Well, to be honest, the Holy Spirit spoke to the leadership of this church. The church had a God-given desire to be focused, intentional, and strategic in their missions’ vision, but did not have a clue where to begin. This is where sixteen: fifteen came into the picture.

Sixteen:fifteen is not the answer; Jesus Christ is the only answer and only hope for this world. Sixteen: fifteen exists to mobilize Christ’s Church to reach every tongue, tribe, and nations with the love of God—the light of the world.