New Roots Ministry

Moses Idris, leader of and Your Light 365 Podcast, and John Glasser, founder and leader of .ministries, and I did an interview---https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=238sv1PyXyg---about effectively engaging immigrant youth for Gospel outreach. As we seek to encourage pastors, churches, and others to not just do things the same way as we always do, but to evaluate, and adjust, I hope it is enlightening to you.

Ahmed and I have become good friends, as we have long talks every several weeks in the small building behind us, from which he operates his taxi service and car dealership. A few years ago, we scratched the surface on subjects, quite often saying "sorry," or, "I don't mean to offend you, but..." Now we trust each other well enough to respectfully dive into discussions and challenge each other about religion, American politics, geopolitics, morality, and finance. Like another guy, Suad, these immigrant friends are very bright---hard for me to keep up with at times. Through it all, God is at work, shining forth His goodness, becoming better known.

It was a privilege being part of a team to lead 45 PEOPLE of Oak Hills Baptist Church in Gospel outreach training and practice, which occurred over 4 days. Yes, this church takes this seriously. They received cross cultural experiences, they wrote testimonies and worked at sharing the Gospel, and they went out and did door-to-door canvassing for a partnering church in its neighborhood regarding a great outreach offered by that church.

Not only do we share a name, but we share a strong interest in seeing SE Asian Gospel ministry occurring in Sioux Falls. Fredy, originally of Indonesia and a biochemist turned pastor, and I will definitely be meeting some more over some good Ethiopian coffee, and to pray over and discuss possibilities.

Adaga was our 40th driving student. She recently completed her driver license, with the help of volunteer trainer, Kirk. It has been a blessing getting to know people well as we help them accomplish something big like that, especially for immigrants who have never driven anything before getting behind the wheel. And, new friendships are formed as they appreciate it very much.

"The Nations Have Come to Us!" workshop was a good time. Thanks to New Roots Ministry founder Carl Bruxvoort for providing some history, as well as biblical perspective on immigration. Board member Simplice Noutsougan discussed his family's immigration experience, and migration patterns of west Africans. Former Board member William Daldoum described his family's immigration experience, and migration patterns of east Africans. The variety of food and beverages from other countries provided a nice touch as well.

I appreciate groups that want a cross-cultural experience. Though this group of mostly seniors are just across the Minnesota state-line, hanging out in immigrant establishments in Sioux Falls is quite different from rural and small town MN. We started by going to La Luna Cafe and getting some education from Salvador about central American migration. Next, Alicia at LSS' Center for New Americans offered an excellent educational hour about refugees and other immigrants, and how LSS, as a regional agency, assists many of them. We went to Hagere Restaurant for authentic Ethiopian cuisine. We shopped at Mogadishu Store, which is always entertaining. Finally, my friend, Ahmed, hopped on our bus for the final 10 minutes, sharing from his African Muslim perspective about his deep desire for world peace, and how he and I, with different backgrounds, have a good friendship.

Really fun hanging out with some friends, as well as 4 ministry workers visiting directly from El Salvador. In this picture, we had coffee and food at Edit's and Salvador's La Luna Cafe. That's always a "hit," but even better as Edit and Salvador are originally from El Salvador. After visiting an African store owned by a Muslim friend, and then discussing our love for, and outreach to, people of other faiths, we had a good visit with Father Kristopher Cowles. Kristopher, an evangelical, charismatic, bilingual priest, who is in-tune with being impactful, especially among Hispanic youth and young adults, provided us with inspiring dialogue.

"The Nations Have Come to Us!" New Roots Ministry is hosting a gathering. 1) Founder, Carl Bruxvoort, will offer Bible reflection on immigration. 2) Board members will share their stories of immigration. 3) Good ethnic foods & beverages will be served. WHEN? Saturday, May 9, 9:00--11:30AM. WHERE? Empower Campus' Community Room, 1915 E. 8th St, Sioux Falls. RSVP is not required, but if you think you might come, please let us know.