Immigration (legal and illegal) is a hot topic. When asked, I say there are two sides to this. 1, there is a national and political issue we should be attentive to. BUT, 2, there is the spiritual issue or opportunity whereby we can assist in the spreading of the Gospel worldwide and to all people groups.
The facts indicate that God is moving the world to our neighborhood; within our reach. This is an important trend to watch because everyday, the challenges for American foreign missions increase. Countries are closing or restricting American missionaries including the increasing costs. It is as if we are being forced out of traditional mission methods.
Some report that people from 190 foreign countries now live here and that 650 languages are spoken within our borders.
CENTER FOR IMMIGRATION STUDIES, www.cis.org/immigration, reports, “The
March CPS found 37.3 million immigrants in the country. Data collected in 2006
indicates that 613,000 immigrants live in group quarters, for a total foreign-born population of 37.9 million in March 2007”
“The figure shows that between March 1995 and March 2000, the foreign-born population grew by 5.7 million, or about 1.1 million a year. The figure also shows that between 2000 and 2007 the immigrant population grew 7.3 million, or 1.04 million a year. These two numbers are the same statistically.”
This means that one out of every eight people (1 out 8) living here were born in another country. In other words the mission field has come to us. Matt. 28 tells us we should “Disciple” in our going or as we go. This also means each one who is a “disciple of Christ” can be a “missionary” with out leaving home.
This #4 out of 13 Talking Points. In 3 weeks we will talk about the passion people have for their homeland so if they could experience the joy of salvation I believe they will find a way to send or take the Gospel to their friends.
Next week: To be part of this new opportunity we don’t have to have professional/full time missionaries . See you then. www.Ethnictoethnic.org
2 comments:
It's interesting that you bring this point to light. I am looking forward to our church planting ministry in Chicagoland for this very reason. The area at which we are looking at has a large Hispanic population, along side sizable Korean, Polish, Indian, and African American communities as well. It will be interesting to see how God provides wisdom in reaching and incorporating these different people groups into his church.
If anyone has suggestions on how to recruit ethnic individuals to be a part of a church planting team please let me know.
Scott,I praise God for your vison and commitment. I recommend the book Culttual Change and Your Church, Pocock and Hendriques. It has many good practical steps and administration plans for a church to launch a multi Ethnic ministry and I beleive it will help is new starts. I will post some contacts that I am collecting. David Witcher has some great idea of where to find people groups in the community. Eldon
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