Who is America?
July 4th, 1776.
The day this nation was born.
Today, 244 years later, we wave a flag that represents the stories of 50 states that have stood united, but not identical.
American history is layered, complex and diverse. Its history is not one story told through one perspective, but rather, it’s a collection of the stories of every individual who was born here, immigrated here or was brought to American shores without a choice. The mosaic of stories that create American history is covered in tears and laced with joys. Our flag has been tattered by wars and injustice, and lifted high in celebration of innovation, freedom, growth, and forgiveness. In the midst of it all, the meaning of our Independence Day has grown in depth and width as the years have progressed.
Who makes up America?
Across the 50 states, we enjoy a rich smattering of various cultures and languages. Each region of the country has a unique set of cultural traditions, dialects and citizens. According to the 2015 census, America boasted (at least) 489 people groups and (at least) 350 languages spoken in US Homes.
Who makes up Kansas City?
Did you know that the 3rd most spoken language in Kansas City is Somali? Or that “nearly fifteen percent of the greater Kansas City area's population is made up of immigrants?” Kansas City is home to an ever-growing number of immigrants and refugees. Here is a glimpse at who our neighbors are:
From Somalia: 7250
From Burma: 3000
From Iraq: 4000
From Sudan: 1200
From China: 1,685
From Nigeria: 985
And the list goes on.
What Does this mean for the Church?
Of the 489 people groups within the United States, 82 are from unreached people groups. This means that there are 82 unreached nations who have representatives living, working, or going to school in the United States. The nation that has become a home for many has brought the unreached nations to our neighborhoods. We, the Church, have the privilege and responsibility of introducing these neighbors to the Gospel.
The Church in Kansas City
Crossing cultural and linguistic barriers is a facet of the heartbeat of ONE KC. Kansas City churches are actively working to write a history that tells of Church unity. Our hope and prayer is that one day our history will tell the story of churches across the city linking arms in service, relationship, prayer and fellowship.
We pray that through ONE, Kansas City can experience a glimpse of what heaven will look like.
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” Revelation 7: 9-10
It Matters.
It is important that we recognize that our history does not merely reside in the days of our founding fathers; rather, our history is being written each day by every individual who calls America home. Knowing and recognizing our neighbors allows us, the Church, to love them, to serve them, and to walk in unity as fellow image bearers.
Resources:
https://joshuaproject.net/countries/US
https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2015/cb15-185.html
https://www.peoplegroups.info/site/MetroHighlight/id/28140/name/Kansas+City
