A Mosaic of Ethnicities

What would it look like if the nations of the world came together in one place to live out life among each other? Sounds like a crazy idea doesn’t it? Actually it may not be that crazy after all. Take a drive one afternoon through the neighborhoods of Louisville and what you will find is a mosaic of ethnicities living in our city. The world is changing and we as the church must also change the way we think and respond to this new opportunity.

No longer are the nations of the world only on the pages of a National Geographic or featured in the latest documentary. The nations are now our neighbors and we as the church are called to love our neighbors. We must change the paradigm and realize that to share the love of Christ through word and deed means sharing it with people from different nations.

One great way to begin reaching internationals in our city with the gospel is by building relationships through your Community Group.  Or this summer, you can join us as we will be eating at a different ethnic restaurant every Friday night.  Keep your eyes posted on the city for updates.

Ministering to an ethnic family: Nuts and Bolts

First, begin building a relationship with them. Take them some American food, invite them to a family meal, shop at their store, eat at their restaurant, tutor their kids, teach them English, the list goes on. It may seem strange to try and build a relationship with an international but keep in mind many of these people have never been invited into an American home or have ever had a close American friend. Start small, love this new family, and welcome them into your community group. Keep in mind they are not a project but people who need love and care just like every other person in your community group.

If the face and makeup of our city now reflects the nations, shouldn’t our church also be made up of people from different ethnic backgrounds? If we are to heed the Great Commission we must seek to have the nations as a part of the body of Sojourn.