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See All The People: International Ministry in North America

“Here is not merely a nation, but a teeming nation of nations.”

Walt Whitman wrote these words about the US in 1855. How much more so is this true today! In 2005, our nation’s foreign-born population reached a new record of over 35 million. Canada is a multicultural society as well with approximately 200,000 immigrants a year from all parts of the globe choosing the land for its quality of life and reputation as an open and caring society.

This Message focuses on reaching these international populations in North America and purposefully does not delve into current debate on immigration policy. What is not up for debate is our mandate, as heavenly citizens, to love and act graciously in our communities toward people of all colors and languages. God’s impartial love for us compels us to also love without bias and to bid others enter the family of God—where we have common ground in Christ’s invitation for us to “Come.” He invites us to a place where there is room for all of us and where there are no borders setting our boundaries or determining our rights and privileges.

This is my first issue as editor of the Message, and I reacted perhaps the same way you have when you saw our theme: “North America? I want thrilling stories about God’s work among AIDS victims in Africa or prisoners in the Philippines.” I usually think of the mission field as being “over there.” Meanwhile, the people we brush shoulders with every day are longing for answers they can only find in Christ.

God is working among internationals by using missionaries who have returned from the foreign field, churches that are relevant to their communities, and even missionaries from other lands. May this issue of the Message open your eyes to see all the people in your neighborhood.

I am grateful for this opportunity to serve you with ABWE.

Angela Shuff
Editor