NAMB contributors include Mark Hobafcovich, manager of People Group Services, Church Planting; Van Sanders, associate of People Group Services, Church Planting; Jason Kim, interim manager of Mutliethnic & Cross-Cultural Evangelism, Evangelization; and Darwin Sokoken, national missionary and people group coordinator (Filipino and multi-Asian) for the Church Planting Group.

Driving through Silver Spring, Maryland, you will find multiple religious sites dotting the skyline a microcosm of what is happening in most metro areas in the United States. It isnt unusual to find a Buddhist religious center, an Islamic mosque, a Hindu temple, a Jewish synagogue and a church located in the same neighborhood. One of the driving forces behind a growing multi-religious America is the tsunami of Asians who emigrated to the U.S. in the 1990sa great and untapped mission field.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Asian-Americansnumbering 13.1 million in 2004are growing faster than any other racial group.¹ They are projected to grow to 33.4 million by 2050.²

Asian-Americans (including Pacific Islanders) tend to be in households consisting of families (73 percent), live in the western United States (49 percent), are affiuent (2002 median household income was $52,018 compared to the national average $42,409), and are highly educated (47 percent have a bachelors degree or higher compared to 27 percent of the general population).³ In 2001, they made up 4.4 percent of the U.S. population. In Canada, 58 percent of those who immigrated into the country in the 1990s were from Asia (18.4 percent of Canadians are foreign-born). China and South Asia were the two leading immigrant-sending regions.⁴

THE MISSION FIELD
Although Asian-American is a term of convenience to lump people coming from Asia into one category, in reality Asian-Americans consist of a highly diverse mix of cultures and religions. Most Asian-Americans are not Christian. They come from countries where they have probably never had a chance to clearly hear the gospel even once.

Some may consider Christ to be a great teacher; others may even see Jesus as one of the many manifestations of God (or gods). It is heartening to note that many churches in America are reaching out not only to Asian-Americans, but also to the many sub-groups represented. The fact that many such people-groups are living all around us is Gods invitation to reach them with the good news of Jesus Christ.

The Church Planting Group and the Evangelization Group at the North American Mission Board can assist you in effectively sharing the gospel with and reaching out to these people groups. You can contact the Church Planting Group at plantachurch@namb.net and the Evangelization Group at 770-410-6336.

ASIANS IN AMERICA
About one-quarter of the foreignborn people in the United States were born in Asia. Almost half have a bachelors degree or higher (compared to 27 percent of the general population) and 16 percent have an advanced degree (compared to 9 percent of the general population). About 15 percent of all physicians and surgeons in the U.S. are Asian- Americans. Witnessing to someone with an affiuent, educated background demands that we be able to present the gospel in an intellectual manner and be prepared to answer questions relating to apologetics.

THE NEED TO BELONG
Most Asian-Americans come from a collectivist culture where belonging to a group or family is valued more than being individualistic.

Those who have recently come to the United States are yearning to build meaningful communities. This is where the church and Christians can step in. Start by inviting them to non-threatening church events such as picnics, potlucks, concerts, plays, festivals, etc. Get to know your Asian friend and concentrate on building a relationship.

Chances are, even if your Asian friend is convinced of the truth of the gospel, he or she will consider accepting Christ in light of how it will impact his or her family. Family loyalty is strong. Be sensitive and pray diligently if you see your Asian friend struggle with this issue.

In the next section we will cover two of the largest Asian groups in our midstChinese-Americans and Asian Indians. We hope you will see and better understand who these people are and how God can use you to plant the gospel in their lives.

1 Source: U.S. Census Bureau publication titled Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: April 2004.

2 Ibid.

3 Ibid.

4 Source: Statistics Canada (www.statcan.ca)

Chinese first arrived on our shores for the same reason that people from many other parts of the world dideconomic opportunity. Stories of discrimination against the early Chinese settlers are well-known.

However, most Chinese-Americans in the U.S. today arrived more recently. According to the U.S. Census, there are 2.7 million Chinese-Americans.⁵ About 2 million people in the U.S. speak Chinese at home.⁶ Its the third most widely spoken language in the United States (after English and Spanish). In Canada, more than 1 million people identified themselves as Chinese in 2001, a growth of 20 percent since 1996.⁷ Chinese is also the third most widely spoken language in Canada.

The Chinese market in North America has reached a critical mass, and businesses and organizations are paying attention to that trend. A PR firm in Vancouver launched its own Chinese New Year festival and 376,000 attended in 2000.⁸ Northwest Airlines launched an advertising campaign targeting Chinese- Americans.⁹ Several Las Vegas casinos are also targeting Chinese- Americans through themed events and personalized services.¹⁰

RELIGION
Although atheism is promoted in China, the Chinese-American community consists of people from many different religious backgrounds and beliefsChristians, Muslims, Taoists, Buddhists, Confucianists and so on. Ancestral worship is common and is practiced in combination with rituals and beliefs borrowed from Buddhism, Taoism and/or Confucianism. Chinese-Americans tend to work hard to keep their lives in harmony. Respect is very important. The good news is that God is raising a growing number of churches to reach out to Chinese Americans. One study reports that there are 158 Chinese Protestant congregations in five Bay area counties in California.¹¹ However, there is much more work needed.

THINGS TO REMEMBER
WHEN INTERACTING WITH A CHINESE-AMERICAN

• Handshakes are common among Chinese-Americans, although many dont like other kinds of physical contact.

• A relatively large number of Chinese-Americans are affluent and highly-educated. Be prepared to present the gospel intellectually.

• Since the Chinese culture promotes harmony and abhors conflict, avoid arguments. If you feel a conversation is turning argumentative, drop the subject. You can pick it up later.

• Chinese-Americans tend to be Internet savvy. Exchange emails to keep in touch.

• Hospitality is prized so be willing to go over to your Chinese friends house if invited. If eating with chopsticks, place them on the table after you are finished. Sometimes guests bring a gift of chocolate or fruit.

• Learn about Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. These religions place a lot of emphasis on leading a good life. The concept of salvation and life beyond death are not major concerns for many Chinese. Learn the chasm diagram (God on one side, man on the other, with Christ bridging the chasm of sin), and be prepared to talk about why it makes sense to believe in Christ not just in terms of eternity but while we are here on earth. (For more tips and ideas, see the authors book Reaching the World in Our Own Backyard.)

• Politeness is valued, and respect is very important.

• Safe topics for conversation include family and hobbies. You can also ask your Chinese friend about his or her culture.

• Be aware that practicing multiple religions is not uncommon. Be prepared to explain why Christianity is so unique.

• Quite a few elderly Chinese- Americans suffer from poverty.¹² Find out ways you can show Christs love in a practical way.

• If you have Chinese-Americans in your church, enlist their help in starting a ministry to Chinese- Americans in your community. Chinese-Americans will be more willing to come to a church event if invited by another Chinese person or if they know other Chinese people are going to be there.

SENSITIVE ISSUES

• Avoid giving gifts of knives, clocks or gifts made of straw these items are associated with funerals.

• Most Chinese- Americans find speaking mock Chinese very offensive.

• Avoid talking about politics or communism. If your friend brings it up, do more listening than talking.

• Dont criticize your Chinese-American friend in front of others. If you have to do it, do it privately.

• Avoid making any comments about Chinese dragons, customs or other items you might find displayed in their homes or places of business.

• Dont touch or make fun of idols of Buddha that you might see in the home or office of a Chinese American.

• Avoid discussing Hong Kong, Taiwan and Tibet. If your friend brings these topics up, do more listening than talking!

Above all, pray that Chinese-Americans will know there is only one, true, living God and that they can truly experience an abundant life through Christ. Pray for the many on mission churches and Christians who are trying to reach them.

5 Source: U.S. Census Bureau publication titled Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: April 2004.

6 Fetto, John, Chinese at Home, American Demographics, Feb. 1, 2003, v25 i1.

7 Source: Statistics Canada (www.statcan.ca)

8 Emmons, Natasha, Canadian PR Firm Draws 376,000 to Chinese New Year Festivals, Amusement Business, Feb. 21, 2000, p.19.

9 ADWEEK, March 27, 2000, p.8.

10 Ebenkamp, Becky, Year of the Rat Pack?, Brandweek, Nov. 27, 2000, p.27.

11 Chuck, James, Growth of Chinese Protestant Congregations from 1950 to Mid-1996 in Five Bay Area Counties, Chinese America: History and Perspectives, Annual 2001, p.63.

12 Wu, Dana Ying-Hui & Jeffrey dao-Sheng Tung, Coming to America: The Chinese-American Experience, Millbrook Press, Brookfield, CT, 1993, p.58.

The Pluralism Project of Harvard University lists nearly 700 places of worship for Hindus in the United States today.¹³ Most of these temples have been built since 1990. The Asian-Indian population has doubled every 10 years since 1970. Today, there are some 1.9 million Asian-Indians in the United States.¹⁴ In Canada, 917,075 people identified themselves as South Asians in the 2001 census a growth of 37 percent since 1996.¹⁵ A majority of Asian-Indians are Hindus.

RELIGION
Although India is the birthplace of several religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism), the majority of Indians are Hindu. Hinduism is more a way of life than a religion. According to Hinduism, there is one god who has manifested himself in millions of gods and goddesses. Since no one can possibly remember all of them, most Hindus pick and choose what they want to believe or even practice.

Start by finding out a little about Hinduism and the major differences it has with Christianity. There are several good resources available. (If you want a quick guide, you can see the authors book Reaching the World in Our Own Backyard. Or visit www.namb.net/beliefbulletins.)

THINGS TO REMEMBER
WHEN INTERACTING WITH AN ASIAN-INDIAN

• The Indian culture is collectivist which means your Indian friend will consider accepting Christ in light of how it will impact his or her family. Many Hindu coverts are disowned by their family members. Converting to another religion is seen as a betrayal of ones family and even as abandonment of ones culture. Be supportive, prayerful and patient. Gently remind your Indian friend that Jesus was not a westerner, nor was He an American!

• Indians tend to be philosophical. Be prepared to explain why Christianity makes sense from a logical viewpoint.

• Cricket is the most popular sport, making it a safe topic for conversation. Other popular games are football (known as soccer in North America) and badminton. Indian culture, heritage and food are also good topics for conversation.

• Indians tend to be very hospitable and friendly. Concentrate on building a relationship before you bring up the topic of religion.

• Many young Asian-Indians who have arrived recently in the United States tend to work very hard and long hours. Theyre looking for meaningful community experiences during weekends. Start by inviting them to non-threatening church events.

• Keep in mind that Asian-Indians are a diverse mix of people representing a long historical fusion of cultures, religions and race.

• A whole new generation of Asian-Indian children and youth are finding it increasingly hard to balance their strong traditions at home to fit into mainstream American society.

• Education is highly prized by Asian-Indians. Only 3 percent of Indian arrivals lack a high school diploma, and 75 percent of Indians working in the U.S. have a college degree.¹⁶

SENSITIVE ISSUES

• Although handshakes are common among Asian-Indians in America, men should wait for a woman to extend her hand first.

• Dont initiate a conversation on politics. Avoid talking about the India-Pakistan conflict. If your Indian friend brings it up, do more listening than talking.

• The left hand is considered unclean, so avoid using it when giving or receiving things.

• Dont let the sole of your feet point toward your Indian friend that is considered highly offensive.

• Treat copies of the Bible, and other printed materials, with respect. Hindus treat their holy scriptures with much respect.

• Avoid touching idols or portraits of gods and goddesses, and never make any jokes about them.

• Avoid comparing India with the United States.

Colossians 4:5 exhorts us, Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity (NIV). With the growing numbers of internationals in our midst, opportunities are everywhere. You can become a missionary to the nations without even leaving your zip code! Pray that internationals will know that true fulfillment and joy can be found only in Jesus. Pray also for the numerous on mission churches and Christians who are trying to reach them.

13 Source: www.pluralism.org

14 Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

15 Source: Statistics Canada (www.statcan.ca)

16TIME, The Golden Diaspora, June 19, 2000, p.B26.

Rajendra Pillai, originally from Calcutta, India, speaks on crosscultural issues across the continent. He is the author of Reaching the World in Our Own Backyard (WaterBrook Press, 2003) and lives in Damascus, Maryland.