Painstaking care was given by ministry representatives of the Ethnic America Network at their annual planning retreat held recently near Atlanta. Their project was the crafting of new Vision, Mission, and Values statements to guide network activities into the next decade.

Accompanying the new statements was a 10 year strategic plan to focus network activities. Click here to see the new statements.

Granted the city has been slammed with out-of-towners in recent weeks, but a report has come into our newsroom of an unusual story that bears repeating. Most readers are well familiar with the housing shortages we have been experiencing due to the latest political maneuverings, and unfortunately many visitors coming from other districts have not found room with relatives.

Apparently one couple found themselves in a real jam when events conspired against them. Their lineage was not of the highest pedigree, coming from the backwater north where one must do without the advantages of modern conveniences. Not only that, but the couple in question apparently had gotten themselves in some trouble "in the family way." That may explain why there was no room with any of their relatives in town.

The weather being fair enough, the pair found lodging among the homeless. The street hospitality rallied around the couple since the woman--barely of age--was delivering a child. The fact that an unwed mother would still have to give birth without proper medical oversight reveals the woeful government oversight we have often referenced in this publication.

Cruelly, this story will be quickly forgotten and no action will be taken to alleviate the suffering of families that comply with regulations but lack the resources needed. On a positive note, the child born--a boy--is in good health and will be glad to return to his village and resume a placid life which contrasts his stormy beginning.

When God puts it on the heart of a pastor to help his church move intentionally toward multi-ethnic ministry, there are not that many experienced people to provide guidance through the process. Often a "coach" is needed to give encouragement.

To that end, a consultation was held recently in Portland to share resources and strategies for intercultural coaches. A Guidebook for intercultural transition is being revised and soon available for leaders who want answers to basic questions.

Coaches will also be available to give presentations to leadership teams of churches and ministries. Training options for coaches are also being explored.

If you would like to discuss the possibility of having a coach walk through the process with you, please contact us at info@ethnicimpact.net.

The third Missions Fest was held recently in Seattle, at the Cedar Park Church in Bothell.  Seventy-nine sponsoring churches made it a free event for the thousands who chose to spend part of a Friday evening and all-day Saturday being refreshed with the call to missions.
Harvey Drake Jr., pastor of Emerald City Bible Fellowship and founder of Urban Impact give the plenary address on Friday evening. Pastor Drake sounded the cry to "go through the neighborhood as you go to the uttermost part of the earth," a call for balance in fulfilling Jesus' command in Acts 1:8.

  Alex Araujo 

Pastor Truong Ta had heard of the many young workers from North Vietnam who were finding salvation in Jesus Christ. They were coming to work in the factories in Malaysian cities, and sending money home to their families. The harvest was ripe, but the workers few. Truong heard it once, then twice. And a third time. It was on the fourth hearing that Pastor Truong could not resist any longer. Read the story.

To facilitate increased participation by network members, a social networking site has been added to complement this website. You may join the groups, stay current with events, see pictures by viewing http://ethnicimpact.ning.com/.

The unity of the body of Christ was evident as, on the final night Arab and Jewish worship teams shared the same stage to lead the group in worship. Rabbi Jonathan Bernis gave the message. A converted terrorist shared his powerful testimony.

Rev. Noel Castellanos, of Coalition for Community Development Association highlighted the opportunies to reach Hispanics in our cities.

Mrs. Lisa Espineli Chinn challenged participants to reach out to international students who come to the USA and Canada for studies, only to return to their countries to take positions of influence.

 Rev. Huron Claus, chairman of the Summit planning committee, highlighted the needs and contributions of Native American and First Nations peoples.

Dr. Tom Steffen shared the importance of telling the story of the gospel in ways that oral learners can understand.

Seminars and Affinity groups were well attended, giving attendees an opportunity to dig deeper into subjects of interest. Next year's Summit will be held in Boston.

This 8 minute online videoby PBS will remind you of the reason we labor to reach immigrants and build bridges of understanding between cultures. Check out sidebar resources too.

A historic meeting was held recently in Tukwila, WA to improve relations between the Duwamish Tribe and the people whose ancestors settled on their land. Read more.

BOOK RESOURCE: Christians at the Border, by Daniel Carroll R.

    Leith Anderson, of the NAE wrote: "Immigration issues grip American politics and opinions.  But, what does the Bible say?  What is at the heart of the Christian view on immigration? Danny Carroll's voice on this issue is like no other."

    Daniel Block of Wheaton College wrote: "Combining prophetic zeal with a tender, pastoral tone, Carroll calls on Christians to adopt a distinctively Christian disposition to the issue of undocumented immigrants."

    Samuel Rodriguez wrote in the forward to the book: "Certainly, the most intriguing fact stemming from the data presented by Professor Carroll addresses the opportunities that exist for both America and, more importantly, God's kingdom.  I wholeheartedly believe that by the time readers finish Christians at the Border, their approach will change from debating the immigration issue to discussing the immigration opportunity."

"It is easier to send money to a missionary overseas that to be a missionary here at home."

That comment was made by an honest participant at the recent Missions Fest Seattle.

One reason we find it difficult to cross-cultures locally is that we have gotten in the habit of associating with people we already know.  We need help taking some first steps to get to know those from other cultural backgrounds.

For that reason, various members of Ethnic Impact have shared ways they can introduce others to various expressions of local ministry. Why not check out these Practical Ways to Keep Your Mission Vision Growing and choose one step that suits your interest?

A small group of brothers and sisters ministering in ethnic communities has committed to meeting quarterly, alternating between Olympia and Tacoma.

The first gathering was held on January 14th at Capital Christia Center in Olympia. These are low key meetings designed to give opportunity for participants to share about their ministries. The Olympia participants were also invited to share "What I could give my life to."

Next meeting will be held on April 8 in Tacoma from 9 till noon, at Iglesia la Roca, 702 E. Harrison St., Tacoma 98404 where pastor Jorje Morelles will host.  Future meetings well be on July 8 in Olympia, and October 14 in Tacoma from 9 till noon.  For info, email info@ethnicimpact.net. Don't go it alone!

The kingdom of heaven is not segregated; so why on earth is the church?

In John 17, Christ prayed that we would be one. Yet tragically, more than 92% of churches throughout America today are segregated along ethnic and/or economic lines.

A terrific conference was held Nov. 7-8 at Central Bible Church in Portland and was attended by over 100 people interested in multi-ethnic church ministry.

Plenary speaker Rodney Woo, pastor of Wilcrest Baptist Church in Houston, TX, challenged attenders with the message, "The Beginning, the End, and Everything in Between."   Richard White, Prefessor at Portland State University, School of Urban Studies, challenged participants to know their city, but to also know the diverse and hurting peoples in the neighborhood. A host of workshops were offered, including "The Biblical Mandate for Multi-ethnic Church," "Models of Multi-ethnic Church," "Cross-cultural Women's Ministry," and "The Challenge, Cost and Triumph of Cross-cultural Ministry."

Those interested in follow-up networking should write us at info@ethnicimpact.net.

Many Cambodians fled their war-torn country because of social, political, educational and religious persecution. Most Cambodian refugees arrived in the U.S. from 1975. The majority of refugees were Buddhist since few Christians survived the persecution. However, some became Christians in refugee camps after fleeing the Killing Fields of the Communist regime, the Khmer Rouge. Consider:

• 2.5 million people were slaughtered in the Killing Fields
• There are up to 700 amputations each month due to land mine injuries in Cambodia
• An estimated 1.5 million suffer Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, some in the U.S.
• Life expectancy in Cambodia is 47.7 years

On June 28 and 29th, PC(USA) Cambodian leaders came to Tacoma from around the country for encouragement and training. Rev. Dr. Sahara Chea, who himself survived a refugee camp, said, "Every ethnic group, every social level needs to hear the gospel." Rev. Bob Rasmussen, Ethnic Impact coordinator, commented on the conference, "It was refreshing to hear a strong call to mission from within the PC (USA). The evangelistic surge from within ethnic groups shines as a dim but growing ray of hope for entire denominations that are facing decline."
Dr. Chea issued a call for willing believers to help bring healing to the Cambodian people. He said, "We are at a crossroads. If we don't reach out and find healing in Christ, we will die." For more, see website .

We have embarked on a long-term research project to first identify, then understand, and finally open new ministry opportunities to those People Groups in the greater Portland/Seattle/Vancouver area. That project began before and continues now after the Summit.

To accomplish this, we are interested in volunteers who themselves are interested in a particular People Group. If you would like to find out more about a particular group in your area, or in your area of interest, we can help you get started, by providing training, assistance, and some helpful resources. Find out more.

ETHNIC IMPACT network    P.O. Box 23006   Federal Way, WA 98093 (253) 231-1752    www.EthnicImpact.net