Missions

There are approximately 145,000 immigrants in Arkansas, meaning 1 out of every 20 Arkansans (5%) was born in a foreign country.

When we consider the vast cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity of our growing immigrant, refugee, and international student populations in Arkansas, it can be overwhelming to think of how to effectively engage them with the Gospel.

Reaching the nations among us in Arkansas is not a new thing. Yet, because people are currently more dispersed around the world than at any other time in history, it is perhaps more needed than ever.

As Arkansans, we are surrounded by visual reminders of Christmas, often before Halloween candy has even disappeared from the grocery stores. But, in some countries Christmas celebrations are nowhere to be seen.

Most of us have favorite Christmas traditions and memories we can share. We build them based on family and community culture, then personalize them along the way. Our International Mission Board (IMB) missionary families find that the influence of family and community culture is expanded even more as they also incorporate the traditions of their adopted countries.

While Sunday School and other activities may be curtailed for a stretch, this could be a good time for your church to look ahead and ask God for a fresh vision for your children.

For many of us, the six or so weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day represent a full and busy season. But in many cultures, the Christmas season represents a time of rest, even in the midst of celebration.