November 01, 1989 by Art McCleary

Would you still support one of your missionaries if assigned to minister in this country? Do you have lay people willing to be trained in cross-cultural evangelism?

America: Cross-Cultural Mission Field
International students as well as whole communities of unchurched ethnic groups now provide the church in North America with opportunities to share the gospel cross-culturally right at home.

The world has come to our doorstep. The flow of immigration (predominantly from Asia, Latin America, and Africa) represents totally different philosophies and world-views than those in the evangelical American church. Evangelism as practiced in America won't work. Mission (cross-cultural evangelism) is needed.

According to the predetermined purpose of God, North America has now become a “foreign mission field,” and we have the opportunity to effectively reach these people groups who have come to our doorstep.

This growing cross-cultural mission challenge on our doorstep can be met by linking churches and their potential cross-cultural workers with the mission agencies and returning missionaries who are uniquely equipped by years of cultural and linguistic understanding.

Personal, Hands-On Involvement
Personal involvement in the worldwide mission of the church may stimulate you to a greater interest in and commitment to sending missionaries with your prayers and finances. Do you think that the only way you can volunteer in missions is to go overseas or come to Pasadena, where “they're always looking for volunteers”? Well, think again!

Mission agencies and mission representatives scattered across the country need your help. You could offer to assume some responsibility on a part-time or temporary basis. No matter what your age or occupation—senior citizen, student, homemaker, administrator, carpenter, bookkeeper, etc.—mission agencies have opportunities for you to get involved in the work of mission.

You may be able to donate your spare time daily, weekly, or monthly at a mission agency right in your area. The amount of time you contribute is not as important as that you do help in some way. Whatever you do to help a mission agency will allow the Lord's money to be used more strategically and will deepen your own commitment to world mission. It really doesn't matter if you support any missionary under that mission or if you have had any previous connections with it. What does matter is that you will be advancing the Gospel and growing in your own mission awareness.

Contact Doorstep Ministries and ask about Ethnic America Network to learn how your church can link up with a returning missionary to reach a nearby, unchurched ethnic community. And ask about their Mission Associate Network to learn where and how to volunteer in mission near you. Write or call Doorstep Opportunities, 1605 Elizabeth Street, Pasadena CA 91104 USA (818/398-2373).

It almost goes without saying that we would love to have you come here to the U.S. Center for World Mission. A number of the people who come to serve alongside the staff of the Center know little or nothing of the USCWM when they start.

In past issues of MF, we have listed a variety of part-time positions available and promoted opportunities for service for retirees or others who could join us either temporarily or fulltime. For specific information about current opportunities, call the Volunteer Network Program at the USCWM Personnel Office, 1605 Elizabeth Street, Pasadena, CA 91104 USA (818/398-2330).