The African Diaspora
Population: It is estimated that nearly 19 million Africans live off the continent of Africa. These men, women, and children are the African Diaspora, some of whom are probably your near neighbors. About 3 Million African Diaspora live in North America, 5 million in Asia, and another 11 million live in Europe.
Location and Background: The African Diaspora live around the globe, and their histories and reasons for leaving the continent are diverse. Some are refugees, asylum seekers, economic migrants, students and professionals, undocumented immigrants, and tragically, others are victims of human trafficking.
History, Culture, and Religion: Because the African Diaspora come from Africa’s 54 individual countries as well as many of the continent’s outlying islands, each group’s history, culture and religion varies widely.
A Unique Opportunity: Many of the African Diaspora come from nations that are closed to missionary outreach, so their presence in places like Europe, Australia, and the Americas presents a unique opportunity to share the Good News with men and women who may have never heard it in their homelands, and who may one day to return their nation of origin transformed by Christ and eager to share their new hope with their friends and family.
Renewed contact
Diaspora in Ontario: A local imam has renewed contact with me. He attended church with me for one of his comparative religion classes. Pray for this renewed friendship to grow and to result in Gospel fruit. I have begun to visit this friend’s mosque. Pray for relationships to be built and good opportunities to wisely, gently, and boldly to share our Hope there in the coming months. Most of our UPG friends attend there.
Open hearts
Diaspora in Michigan: Pray for open hearts to seek the Truth. We’ve had several families stay for the Bible stories every Friday night at the end of our Conversation Cafe. Pray this interest will continue to grow.
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“Whether they are economic migrants, international students, undocumented immigrants, refugees or asylum seekers, one fact remains the same – They are the new neighbors our churches are called to love.”
