Reaching the World Across the Street: A Handbook for Sharing the Love and Message of Jesus with Internationals

In 1960, about 1 in 20 U.S. residents were foreign-born. Today, around one-fifth of those living in the United States speak a language at home other than English. Many Americans attend churches that send missionaries around the world to tell others about Jesus. However, these same Christians who applaud overseas mission work do not even know the names of their foreign-born neighbors. Along the same lines, many churches have developed strategies and programs to reach out to people in their communities. However, many of these efforts ignore immigrant families. The goal of this book is to help individuals, families, and churches engage foreign-born people through effective ministry and evangelism. These include immigrants, students, seasonal workers, tourists, refugees, asylum seekers, marriage migrants, work visa holders, unauthorized immigrants, and green card holders. Drawing from extensive research and years of practical experience, Dr. Cocanougher includes both the “why” and the “how” of cross-cultural ministry in our communities. More than an instructional book, Reaching the World Across the Street includes the stories of many newcomers to the U.S. who were led to place their faith in Jesus by “ordinary” Christians. These stories will inspire you to engage in Great Commission work in your own neighborhood. What others are saying about Reaching the World Across the Street.. Rather than a problem to be solved or an issue to be debated, Stu Cocanougher challenges the church to see the arrival of refugees, immigrants, and other newcomers to the United States as an opportunity to obediently live out Jesus’ Great Commission. Matthew Soerens National Coordinator, Evangelical Immigration Table US Director of Church Mobilization & Advocacy, World Relief This practical handbook offers western believers opportunities through which internationals can be both engaged and loved. This would be a great book to read together as church staff and membership. Nik Rikpen, Author of The Insanity of God Reaching the World Across the Street is a must-read for any pastor or Jesus follower who is passionate about reaching the nations living in their own communities with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Vance Pitman Founding Pastor, Hope Church Las Vegas President of Send Network, North American Mission Board, Southern Baptist Convention We have one of the greatest opportunities to globally fulfill the Great Commission by reaching internationals right outside our front doors. We all need help to know how to do this effectively. Thankfully, Dr. Stu Cocanougher has produced this essential guide for our ministries going forward. Craig Springer Executive Director, Alpha USA