If you’re thinking about a missionary calling to a people group, it might be best to first think generally. The people that you want to reach may not be confined to one, specific, difficult-t0-reach area. We sometimes think “Oh I could never reach Somalis–that country is such a dangerous place.” But thanks to globalization and the increasing ability of transportation, the group we have an affinity for can likely be found in other places, too.
So, think:
- What continent do I have an affinity for? (Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, Pacific?)
- What sub-continental region do I have an affinity for (for example, West Africa, North Africa, East Africa, Middle Africa, South Africa)? Each of the sub-regions are markedly different from the others.
- What specific country, city, cluster and people group do I have an affinity for?
- If my people group is in a hard-to-reach area, is there a diaspora cluster in an easier-to-reach area? For example, if you want to reach North Africans, you might consider looking at diaspora groups in Europe or Nigeria. If you want to reach Somalis, consider major cities in the United States.
Some challenges with the approach diaspora groups vs groups in the area:
- diaspora groups are often markedly different from groups “back home” – especially if they are Westernized or refugees. Those you reach, for example, in the US may not be able or willing to return home and reach other groups there.
- raising funds for missionary efforts in Westernized countries (especially if you are, for example, an American reaching someone in America) can be very difficult. We do not tend to think of this as “mission.” (I know from first hand experience.) So you’ll have to put in extra clarifying for folks what you are doing.
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