A World On The MoveSample

When the World Comes to Wheaton

The changes in ethnic diversity can remain so abstract. Sometimes you have to dive into a specific place to see the numbers in action. Today’s Missiographic takes a traditionally Caucasian county in suburban Chicago, Illinois, USA—DuPage County—and breaks down the growing diversity. This county is important in global mission because it is where Wheaton, IL, is located—a key location for many global ministries in the past and present. DuPage County is increasingly Hispanic and Asian. The top 5 countries of origin for foreign born people living in this county are Mexico (25%), India (17%), Poland (8%), Philippines (6%), and China (4%).

Middle America has traditionally been a strong evangelical region and a powerhouse in global mission. Nowhere in the Midwest exemplifies that as much as Wheaton. As this area changes rapidly, their new diversity adds whole new dimensions to possible local outreach and missions for those living there. The world has moved to Wheaton!

Personal Reflection
Do you know about the diversity around you? Sometimes you can get stuck in a bubble; interacting only with those you already know and trust. In this way, it is easy to miss whole communities of people who may live very close to you. It is also easy to have misperceptions about these groups. Think of very intentional ways to break out of your bubble. Here are some examples: a) Drive down a street you have never driven down before, b) Find a church in your neighborhood that ministers to a specific ethnic group and get to know the pastor, c) Look up the various ethnic communities in your neighborhood and then begin to learn about their culture and traditions. Finally, consider using www.OperationWorld.org to pray for the nations that are among you.

Prayer

Forgive me, Father, if I have been unaware of this changing world, and unresponsive to those who I could reach in my neighborhood. Help me to make the effort to learn about who is living near me and ways that I could be Your hands and feet right where I am.

Click here to access this free Missiographic and sign up for future Missiographics: http://www.gmi.org/services/missiographics/library/2014/when-world-comes-wheaton/