Google Earth: Key Tool For Missionaries

As I was sitting here wondering what I should blog about, I decided I wanted to share more about the planning that goes into leading an expedition. I've been asked countless times about how Overland Missions finds rural villages. Aside from local guides, we use Google Earth. Yes, there is more to this program then just finding your house! :)

When planning for a expedition in the southern province of Zambia, I often start by locating our base. Here is a screen shot of where we're located.

From there I can look at the villages we've already been to in the different sectors we have running. If you're not sure what I mean by sectors, I can explain. "We divided sections of the world into 10,000 sq. mile sectors and made a focused strategy that uses each one of Overland Missions departments to recon, plan and execute the task at hand. Each sector is managed by a missionary couple that make a five-year commitment to the area." (taken from www.overlandmissions.com). These sector managers are in charge of running every project within our organizations, from evangelism, to discipleship, to humanitarian aid. They are aided by our expedition teams, staff, and volunteers.

Back on subject! :) Once I've determined where teams have already gone in, and projects are already actively running, I can find villages in the areas that we have yet to go to. Believe me when I say there are millions! I can actually find the dirt trails that we would take with trucks using Google Earth to map out our route to these places.

On the left is an image of an unknown village. This image is incredibly clear. This village is in the western province of Zambia. The western province is the most remote and unexplored area in Zambia. It's also set in the middle of the floodplains. During rainy season this entire area is underwater because of the Zambezi River. This village is semi-nomadic because of this. They move their homes when the river rises, and move back when the river is low. To get to this village, we would use our zodiac rafts and travel by river to them. There are not many who travel to these villages because of the fact that it is very challenging. I'll be leading a team in this area in late June, where we will be utilizing the river, as well as roads to get to these neglected areas. We partner with local pastors who desire to church plant among these people.

Not every village is this clear in Google Earth. In all actuality, most of them aren't. On the right is another image of unknown villages. These villages are in the southern province, and are unknown to us, as of this moment. We have done work in the surrounding areas and will probably visit these areas this year. All of the tan areas you see are homes of the locals. Huts can be located here, as well as plowed fields. This area is largely populated, especially compared to the nomadic village shown above. Each area presents it's own challenges and advantages. These aren't know until a recon is done before the team arrives. I usually go out on my motorcycle where I meet with the village leaders to assess if Overland Missions is needed in their area. The farther you get into the rural areas, the more neglected and isolated these villages are. God gave us this technology so that none can remain unreached. The Apostle Paul could never have dreamt of doing what we are now able to accomplish for the Kingdom.

Please pray for our teams as they begin to fill. If you're interested in joining a team this year, please sign up on www.overlandmissions.com. See you in Africa!