Diaspora Churches in London 2

As I mentioned in my previous article, I led the last CCNL (Christian Churches Network of London) event, which held on Thursday, March 21 at London Chinese Alliance Church.

It was really exciting to see about 70 pastors in London coming together from various ethnicity, language and denominations to acknowledge and recognize the cultural diversity we have in London.

Barry Slauenwhite, the president of Compassion Canada, first gave a presentation on the cultural diversity in London. For instance, did you know that according to the latest Statistics Canada census data (2016) more than 22% of Londoners identify themselves as culturally diverse? Did you know that there are more than 140 languages were listed as mother tongues spoken in London? Did you know that 6% of Londoners (78,325) have a mother tongue other than English or French.

What's more fascinating is that the London's cultural landscape has changed significantly in the last decade. Before 2011, United Kingdom and Poland have been the top two birth places of immigrants to London. But, now Syria and India are the top two. Arabic has replaced Spanish as the non-official language with the largest number of speakers (Arabic 10,580 and Spanish 8,655). The largest people group that make up the London population today is Chinese. I bet, if you have lived in London long enough, you probably notice the increase of diversity in ethnicity, language and culture in London neighbourhood. It's now not hard to meet a Chinese speaking neighbour and have an Arabic speaking co-worker. All these data, presented by Barry, showed why this gathering was so important. Understanding and celebrating culturally diverse ministries and churches in London has become the key to uniting the body of Christ in London.Some of you may wonder what diaspora churches and ministries mean anyways. The word 'diaspora' comes from Greek, meaning 'Spread across.' This word appears in the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) of Deuteronomy 28:25 "The Lord shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shall be removed (diaspora) into all the kingdoms of the earth." This scripture verse was fulfilled when Jerusalem was conquered in 70 CE and now all the Jews are spread across the world. They are called the diaspora Jews.

Interestingly, the Bible later reveals that this diaspora is not all that bad, because God somehow continues to fulfill his plan through these diaspora Jews. We see the evidence in the stories of Ezra, Nehemiah and Daniel. The diaspora Jews have become the beacon of God's light to the world, as they practice their faith in foreign countries.

Now, this term 'diaspora' is today being used broadly to describe the Christians who live in foreign land, like immigrants and refugees. Interestingly, like diaspora Jews in the Bible, these diaspora Christians have also become God's powerful instruments to fulfill His mission in the world. The diaspora Christians, who lived in other countries, learn to adopt to other cultures relatively much faster than other people. They also learn how to have their faith alive and vibrant in different culture, even if that culture or society may be hostile to Christian faith. Again, you see the same things in the lives of Nehemiah, Daniel and his friends in the Old Testament. And this cultural adaptability in the diaspora Christians gives them special advantage in reaching the unreached countries and peoples' groups. Furthermore, if I can be bold, I argue that the diaspora Christians, who come to the once Christian nations, like Canada and many European countries, have the special asset (cultural adaptability) in their lifestyles that allow them to influence their Christian faith to many Westerners here. I see and hear many non-Western Christian missionaries coming to Canada and other Western nations to re-evangelize the nations. The diaspora Christians have very special place in God's plan to fulfill his mission in the world today.

I spent a lot of time recently in meeting with various pastors, primarily to invite them to the CCNL event. But, also these meetings gave me a great opportunity to learn about many diaspora churches and ministries in London. Many of them are so passionate and have great hearts for the city. While their budget and lives are so tight and busy, they are so willing to reach other peoples' groups in London. They often dedicate significant amount of money and time in missions and evangelism programs, that do not directly benefit themselves. In other words, they are on fire for God. As I was meeting these pastors and Christians, I began to wish that there was a stronger relationship built amongst the pastors and Christians, regardless their backgrounds. I can see they will benefit so much by simply getting to know each other. Furthermore, I began to imagine if London could see pastors and Christians, regardless of backgrounds, coming together to work together, pray for one another and build God's kingdom together in the city.

The three panelists I invited to speak at the event were just amazing. They were all doing wonderful works that really honour and praise the name of Jesus. I just pray that this is not just an event, but it can be the beginning of something great in future. One day, maybe all church pastors and Christians in London will gather together and pray that God's will be done in the city of London.

Here's my prayer request: I am going to meet many pastors in London and ask if they are interested in this idea, having pastors and Christians coming together to pray for one another and for the city. Can you pray that God will grant me a favour, so that these pastors will have receptive hearts to consider doing something like this in near future?

In Christ,

John