Detroit, Chicago and Minneapolis Vision Trip
*Additional Vision Trip Resources below: PURPOSE: Nearly seven million Muslims now live, work and study right here in North America. While some might view this as a threat, we believe God is presenting us with a historic opportunity. Partner with Pioneers to be immersed in three separate Muslim communities right here in America and catch a vision for how God might use you to reach the nations on our doorstep. Ministry activities will include serving at an Arab American festival in Detroit, a Pakistani community center in Chicago and a conversational English program for Somali refugees in Minneapolis. Visit the largest mosque in America, experience new cultures, make new friends and discover that you don’t even need a passport to impact the world. WHERE: Detroit, Chicago & Minneapolis (these cities are home to America’s largest Arab, Pakistani and Somali communities) WHEN: June 9-17 (Application/Deposit Deadline: March 12) *Requests will not be evaluated or approved until one month prior to trip departure date. This financial assistance opportunity is intended to supplement trip participant's active engagement in sacrificial giving, fundraising efforts and faithful prayer for financial provision. The submission of this financial assistance request does not guarantee the receipt of funds and each request will go through a review process. For resources on fundraising for Common Ground Vision Trips, see below. TRIP LEADER: Brad and Christie Nelson REQUIREMENTS: The only requirement for this trip is to complete Bridges, an introductory course on Islam and Muslim ministry. The team will complete this training together at the team meetings, and the training resources will be provided. WHO MAY GO: All Common Ground attenders are welcome to apply for the trip (15 spots are available). The minimum team size is five members and the trip will be canceled if the minimum size is not reached. *This is a family friendly trip and children over the age of 8 may participate if accompanied by a parent. CITY INFORMATION: Minneapolis The neighborhood of South Minneapolis, which is only eight square miles in size, contains speakers of over 200 languages and is considered the most ethnically diverse neighborhood in the US. There are now over 60,000 refugees living in the Twin Cities from the war-torn nation of Somalia. There are entire neighborhoods and high-rise apartment complexes that are 100% Somali. Just stroll through one of Minneapolis’ many “Somali malls” and you will think you are in East Africa. You can even experience a new Somali-American favorite...the camel burger. Read more about Somali Adult Literacy Training. Chicago The windy city is home to one of America’s largest communities of south Asians, coming largely from Pakistan and India. Drive down Devon Ave on Chicago’s north side and you and will be find it hard to believe that you are still in America. Even many of the street signs are printed in Urdu. Chicago is also home to a growing number of mosques that are typically packed full of worshippers for Friday prayers. Read more about the Asian Friendship Center. Detroit Dearborn, a suburb of Detroit, is not only home to Ford Motor Company, but it’s also home to America’s largest Arab community. There are nearly 300,000 Arabs in the Detroit metro area coming largely from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. Arabs are not an ethnic minority in Dearborn, they are the majority. Warren Ave., which runs through the heart of Dearborn, is lined with Arab bakeries, coffee shops, restaurants and grocery stores. Dearborn is also home to America’s largest Arab festival, which typically attracts 30,000 people who come to experience the best of Middle Eastern food, music and dancing. In all of these cities you will be amazed by the opportunity God has given us to reach the nations from right here in our own country. You will come back to Indianapolis inspired to seek out opportunities in your neighborhood to reach out to those who have yet to hear. HOW DO I APPLY: Trip applications can be downloaded here. *For questions or additional information, email Vision Trip Resources
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