New Around the Mission
Bhutanese Refugees Respond to the Gospel Message
April 19, 2010
Reaching people with the Gospel message in an urban city can be challenging, especially when many of the people don't speak English and are of Hindu belief. Fortunately this seemingly insurmountable circumstance translated into an open door of opportunity with miraculous results for Desert Mission Anglican (DMAC) in Phoenix, Arizona.
Gregory Lynn, Pastoral Intern at DMAC, partnered with a Lutheran minister friend last September to reach out to a group of Bhutanese refugees living in a Phoenix apartment complex.
“We began knocking on doors and met Kumar, 24, who spoke good English and was excited to learn more about Jesus,” explains Greg. “He invited us in for Coca-Cola and peaches and became our man of peace in the complex.”
Monthly cookouts, a Thanksgiving potluck and routine visits with residents to build relationships have resulted in many asking to attend church.
“Here are a group of people that are culturally Hindu, and yet open to the Gospel,” declares Greg.
Those initial evangelism efforts and DMAC’s renewed focus on local misson led the church to sponsor the Bista family, Kumar’s relatives who were en route to Phoenix from a refugee camp in Nepal. With donated furniture and supplies, they transformed a shabby two bedroom apartment into a welcoming home for the couple and their two children.
“It was a great experience for our church to work on this together and the Bistas seem to enjoy being with us on Sundays,” shares Barbara Dyson, wife of the Rev. John Dyson, DMAC.
Greg reports that in the past few weeks, Kumar and three other refugees have given their life to Christ.
“As we looked at Alpha materials to train our leaders and disciple the refugees, we realized that 71% of Christians say the most important factor in their decision for Christ was a relationship with a caring Christian,” notes Greg. “We took that seriously and focused on how to build relationships and trust while partnering with what the Lord is doing, instead of trying to rush salvation.”
As DMAC continues to build relationship with the Bista family through practical tasks like grocery shopping and instruction on using public transportation, the women’s council is collecting diaper donations for the children and plans to host a reception at the apartment clubhouse.
“As we focus on the Bista family, we come into contact with other families,” says Greg. “We don’t know where it all will lead, but we pray it is to salvation in Christ.”
According to Lutheran Social Services, there are 14 million refugees worldwide and 80% are women and children.
Posted By: Cynthia P. Brust
Categories: Faith in Action
