The first time I heard to term Pan-Diaspora it was used by Joe Castleberry, then missionary to Ecuador and now President of Northwest University. It refers to the current phenomenon of the migration of the people of the world to all parts of the world, i.e. all people to all places. I returned from Seattle, WA today from meetings in the development of a Slavic District in the Assemblies of God. Friday evening I had the opportunity of setting in a Pentecostal service conducted in the language of the Slavic people from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and other nations that were at one time a part of the former Soviet Union. Representatives from forty-four churches consisting of around 250 individuals gathered to conduct the business of officially becoming a part of the General Council of the Assemblies of God. It was an honor to have been a part of the Task Force to see this developed and completed on Saturday.
These are people who have experienced persecution like few Americans can understand. Many came to America as refugees due to religious persecution. Others have arrived due to the economic potential available in our nation. They love their mother country, but they love America. Mostly, they love Jesus! Singing, worshipping, and praying with them gave me a renewed appreciation for our freedom and this awesome salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. The Slavic people are one of many people groups coming to America. Their coming is changing America. In Philadelphia alone there are more than one hundred thousand people from the former Soviet block, many Russian Jews.
Today, America is the third largest mission field in the world. Many who are coming from around the world need to experience the power of Christ in their lives. Many have experienced salvation already and are passionate about reaching others for Christ. The Pan-Diaspora is an incredible opportunity for the Church to reach out to people within our own borders. God is up to something special. May we take the time to look beyond our personal boundaries and share Christ with the world God is bring to us.
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I'm so glad, Pastor Steve, that you had the opportunity to be part of this significant event.
This migration of people represents unprecedented opportunities for the gospel, since most of those migrating are able to keep in nearly constant communication with their families back in the mother land.
If we to view even illegal immigration within our nation through Kingdom eyes rather than through American eyes, we would see that the mission field is coming to us.
Should we not tell them that Jesus loves them? Should we not love them as well?
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