My friend commented on the “browning” of our streets.
He was referring to the number of newcomers in our community: individuals and families from a variety of ethnic origins.
They all add to the community in significant ways.
There are the professionals, those who are involved with small businesses, the care givers and the agricultural workers.
Instead of travelling to see the world, we have the world coming to our doorstep. They come with their traditional foods, languages we don’t understand and dress that make a statements about their faiths.
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The more members there are from one culture, the easier it is for them to get through the feelings of loneliness and discrimination. They support each other, but they can also become a ghetto.
I remember when I was the newcomer in a prairie community. I especially remember living in a rural community in South Korea. Thank God for those people who intentionally reached out to include me. They introduced me, taught me some of the local traditions, laughed with me when I made mistakes and added richness to my life.
How can we find ways to make our newcomers feel welcome?
Local churches can sponsor intercultural dinners where food, music and storytelling make for a delightful evening.
Conversational English, either one on one or in a group, is a gift we have to share. Grass Roots Press has published a wonderful series of biographical stories that are informative, have short sentences and an expanding vocabulary. One member may be the student, but the whole family learns about history, sports, the arts and a great array of Canadian expressions.
Building strong communities where we live lies at the heart of the Christian story. A wonderful opportunity to do so is well within our reach.
How amazing to celebrate the fact that all of us are part of the family of God.
