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How does someone who grew up in Orange City, a community with its own wooden shoe factory and Tulip Festival, become interested in and passionate about immigrant/refugee ministry? All of us can look back upon a variety of experiences in life which have formed us into who we are today. I will mention a few.
Contact with other cultures began early in life. My parents set a wonderful example by providing a home for a Navajo student while he and my brother attended Dordt College in the late 50’s. They could have come up with all kinds of reasons as to why his living with us wasn’t practical, but he was welcomed as a member of our family. There were other experiences later in life. I sold books one summer with a student from India as my roommate. I studied for a year in Toronto, a city with people from all over the world. I had a seminary housemate from Taiwan. I married Kathy who was born three months after her parents immigrated to Montana. We spent my internship year in Tokyo, experiencing the challenges of learning a new language and culture. All of these experiences and more helped to create in us an avid interest in the languages, music and foods of other cultures.
Upon coming to Sioux Falls in 2002, we were delighted to learn how Sioux Falls has become home for people from many different countries. The involvement of our children with Pastors Fredy and Emilio and the Palabra Viva (Living Word) Church opened doors to the Latino community. While a staff member at First CRC, God entrusted us with the care of two Liberian families who moved to Sioux Falls. Step by step doors of opportunity have opened for us to be a source of Christian witness and encouragement.
And now as the director of New Roots, a ministry to and with immigrant/refugee peoples, I look forward to seeing how God will use this ministry as Sioux Falls continues to receive people from many different countries and language groups. This ministry seeks to encourage and strengthen those who are already Christians. It also desires to make Christ known and followed among those who are not believers. More than anything else, immigrant/refugee people want to be welcomed, accepted and affirmed. Christians have every reason then to be on the frontlines as people from all over the world make Sioux Falls their home. Opportunities will arise to become involved with youth recreation, language classes, Bible studies and social events. Expertise in languages or a degree in anthropology are not required. What matters most is a heart that desires to be obedient to the Word of God which says in Leviticus 19:33 “When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
For His Glory,
Carl Bruxvoort
New Roots is on the second floor of the Sioux Falls Ministry Center.
The address is:
225 E. 11th St. Suite 203
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Rev. Carl Bruxvoort can be contacted at 605.376.6330 (cell)
New Roots Email: sfNewRoots@gmail.com
New Roots Website: www.sfNewRoots.com
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