Today, I look across the street in my subdivision where I have lived for the last four years, and I see a Korean family, an African-American family and an Indian family. The woman who cuts my hair is from Iran, and my dry cleaner is of Vietnamese descent. It is no longer just a matter of America going to the world the world has come to us!

The same scenario is repeated across our country. As I talked to a friend who pastors in Houston, he said that in five years, his city may be more than 50 percent Hispanic. In the 1990s, the U.S. population grew at these rates: Asian and Pacific Islander, 51 percent; Hispanic, 47 percent; African American, 16 percent; Anglo, 5 percent. The Hispanic population is projected to account for 44 percent of the nations population growth in the next 20 years and will surpass African Americans to become the nations largest minority group. Because the Hispanic and Asian and Pacific Islander populations have a lower median age than the nation as a whole and because they continue to receive international migrants, these populations will become increasingly prominent. Travel Canada and you will find a diverse population, as well. All this is to say that North America isnt a homogenous mix, but rather, a wonderfully complex mosaic of cultures.

The reality, however, is that God has given Christians in North America an amazing opportunity to be on mission for Him. While the country is rapidly changing, some things never change. People still desperately need to have their sins forgiven. Many are lonely and need the touch of ministry. All people still have a vacuum in their hearts that only Christ can fill, and people are still won to Christ one person at a time. And it is still true that regardless of race, culture or background, people do not care how much we know until they know how much we care.

So, how do you bridge the gap of cultural differences and reach out the hand of friendship? There is never a better time than the present. Invite your friends into your home for a casual time of fellowship. Share your favorite games and music with each other, and look for opportunities to weave the gospel and the plan of salvation into your sharing. Think about a gesture that would convey warmth, friendship and, most important, the loving message of Jesus Christ.

My wife participates in a monthly womens fellowship in our neighborhood. She hosted the group at our house last month. She purchased a copy of the JESUS video for each lady. For the ones from India and Korea, she bought copies in their native languages.

Im grateful to God for healing so many hearts in our land that once were troubled with prejudice. I recall 24 years ago when a family of a different race moved onto our cul-de-sac. A neighbor immediately erected a fence and then said she was selling her house! Thankfully, weve come a long way since then.

Today, my family and I are enriched by the ethnic diversity of our neighborhood, and we view it as adding a wonderful opportunity and dimension to our on mission lifestyle.

Bob Reccord is president of the North American Mission Board, SBC.