The words "covered dish" and "ham biscuits" popped off the page as I scanned my
e-mail from St. John's Church announcing a covered dish luncheon. As any respectable southerner would do, I made plans to attend this event, hoping there would also be some super-sweet iced tea! This church luncheon was far from typical, however, as it was hosted by the Cambodian and Montagnard (from the Central Vietnamese highlands) congregations.
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| Pastor Tim (leader of Montagnards),Pastor Samel Om, Alger and Joyce. |
As Alger and I made the hour and a half drive from Greensboro to Charlotte, I reflected on the past twenty years of my relationship with the Cambodian church. My life had taken a dramatic turn in January 1990, as I put my business career aside and jumped into the world of urban cross-cultural ministry. Thousands of Cambodian, Lao, and Vietnamese refugees had been resettled during the 80's, many of them calling Charlotte their new home.
It all began with Wade Rogers, the elderly pastor of a small, traditional, inner-city church who noticed a young boy walking down the street in late October…barefoot and coatless in the chilly fall weather. Pastor Rogers soon discovered a whole community of Cambodian refugees living in the area around the church, and began to help. Mattresses, rice, school supplies, and clothing were donated. The children were invited to the Wednesday night program, fed a warm meal, and formed into a precious kids choir. From this simple beginning, Reach Out Ministries was established.
I had the privilege of co-leading Reach Out ministries for three years. During this time, a full range of programs and ministries were established, including boy scouts, sports teams, English classes, tutoring programs, summer camps, medical assistance, legal advocacy, and cultural training. The Cambodian Mission Church of Charlotte, led by my dear friend Pastor Samel Om, was also developed. The church has recently joined with St. John's UMC, and is now reaching out to the multi-ethnic community in the neighborhood.
Alger and I entered the church fellowship hall and were met by Cambodian friends and familiar smells of Cambodian food. Bowls of rice replaced the typical mashed potatoes. Noodles and curry instead of macaroni and casseroles. Two hundred Cambodian, American, and Montagnard friends enjoyed a great meal together. Truly a blessing and a taste of heaven!
What is my point for sharing this with you?
Over the years, many people have told me how much they wish they could be in missions. To spend time in Cambodia…to help needy children, to do something that really matters with their life. But for various reasons, they don't feel that it is possible.
IT IS POSSIBLE! The world is at your doorstep.
You no longer need to leave your home to be involved with people from other cultures and nations. I call it "Foreign Missions; Conveniently Located." God has brought the world to us. We often think of only the large cities as being ethnically diverse….New York, Chicago, Los Angeles… You might be surprised to find that even the medium and small cities in the US are home to many different nationalities.
Reach Out Ministries was developed by people with no special training, and little cross-cultural experience. Just ordinary people who saw a need, did what they could, and continued in faithfulness. You, too, can make a difference right where you are.
Is your church involved in cross-cultural work in your city? Would you like to get involved with the internationals in your community?
I'd love to hear from you. Perhaps give you a few ideas on how to get started. Direct you to available resources that you may not be aware of. Pray for and encourage you.
Do you have stories and experiences that you'd like to share with others on how you, or your church group has reached out to the nations in your own city?
Please share them in the comment section below. Your story could be the encouragement someone else needs to take the first step.
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| Montagnard worship service. Charlotte NC July 2011 |
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