Category: JeffandSarah

MISSIONARIES T̶O̶ FROM AFRICA “We believe we are greater together, and that we can see significant Kingdom progress in both Africa and the US through our collaborative efforts.” It was a privilege to look into beautiful African faces as we expressed our need and desire for them to send missionaries to serve here in the US as part of a growing partnership between Cru in Africa and Cru City here in the US. I was on this call with part of the VP team for Cru Africa in my (Jeff’s) new (bonus) role on City’s Diaspora Ministry Leadership Team. Diaspora refers to people who have been dispersed form their homeland. It is a broad word that doesn’t speak to the reason for the dispersal, but merely acknowledges the reality of the dispersal. Diaspora covers the Israelites in exile in Babylon, migrant farm workers in the US, Ukraine war refugees, and so much more. It covers those who willingly relocate, those who feel they have no choice but to relocate, and those truly forced to relocate.  Missions nerds have recognized mission to and through diaspora communities as the next vital frontier in global missions. As the world’s people move around the globe, global missions morphs in ways never before experienced. Why is it so vital? Scale, access, and opportunity. SCALE. There are almost 300 million people living outside of their country of birth; that’s pushing 4% of the world’s population.  ACCESS. The US is home to far more international migrants than any other nation; we have just over 50 million diaspora living within our borders. The world has come to us; we don’t need a passport to do global missions. OPPORTUNITY. Whether the move was voluntary, pressured, or forced, living in a foreign country creates unique pressure points that can lead to openness to the Good News of Jesus’ love and redemption. What’s more, people are coming here from countries we can’t get missionaries into, creating opportunities to make inroads into countries and cultures we struggle to reach. I was asked to join City’s Diasporas Leadership Team, not to replace my usual global missions focus, but to bring global missions focus and experience to City’s work with diaspora communities here in the US. One expression of that is that I have the crazy privilege of helping City in the US learn to receive missionaries from Africa, who will both help us reach their diaspora communities here in the US, and who will contribute to City’s broader efforts to make disciples in the US. A hallmark of our efforts and approach since we joined City global is helping the global church partner to fulfill the Great Commission because we live in this exciting moment in which missionaries are crisscrossing the globe from everywhere to everywhere. Now we get to help City in the US join the ranks of those blessed by the our brothers and sisters from around the world. Thank you for being in this work with us! Prayer Requests and PraisesThat our marriage, parenting, neighboring, and work would flow out of an intimate connection to Jesus. Receiving missionaries well is complex, and there is much to do in coming months and years to integrate foreign missionaries into City’s work in the US, but the effort is very worthwhile. Please pray for Jeff and others involved in this process. Jeff is traveling to Guatemala in March (leading a Filter of Hope trip), DC in April (Diaspora Leadership meeting), and Minnesota in May (City Global Lead Team meeting.) Please pray for him AND Sarah and the girls in his absence. In addition to her usual work, Sarah is filling in for someone she usually reports to while he is on sabbatical for the next two months. Please pray for energy and wisdom for Sarah as she carries a larger load and serves more people than normal. Copyright (C) 2024 Jeff & Sarah Johnson. All rights reserved. You are receiving this e-mail because you have requested updates on the Johnson’s ministry. Our mailing address is: Jeff & Sarah Johnson7564 Farm View Circle E Indianapolis, IN46256 Add us to your address bookJeffrey.Johnson@Cru.org Sarah.Johnson@Cru.org