Ethnic Introduction

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According to Scripture, it is the blessing of God when the nations are drawn toward His people (Genesis 22:17-18; Isaiah 2:2; 60:1-5). Likewise, God often waits to display His presence and power until those strategic moments when the peoples of the earth are assembled (Acts 2:1-12).

With the modern phenomenon of globalization and urbanization, we are witnessing the greatest migration of ethnic diversity descending upon our cities that has ever been seen in human history.

In a four-mile radius on Chicago’s Northside, there are an estimated 150 different nationalities. One high school in this area boasts 53 different languages spoken natively by its students, while the Chicago Public School system, as a whole, has 110 languages represented. Every year, nearly 60,000 new immigrants move to Chicago, and many of these are from the least evangelized nations of the world.

God is partnering with His Church to see the nations reached with the Gospel, as well as see the release of these nation’s giftings thrust back around the world in global evangelism. Every missionary advancement historically in the Church has been birthed through strategic prayer movements. What you are holding in your hand can be a powerful tool. I am grateful to Dick and Susie Bashta, as well as all those who have helped make this possible. As we commit to pray for these nations, we will experience the breakthrough needed for fruitful evangelism and discipleship. Let us be like the men of Issachar, “Who understood their times and knew what they should do” (I Chronicles 12:32). The Great Commission can be completed when, through prayer and action, we partner with what God is doing in our midst.

Brad Stanley

YWAM Chicago

Director