In early August the Minnesota Conference hosted its first ever Global Grace Gathering—an event born out of a growing need in our state: creating a safe place for international, employer-sponsored employees to connect, share the challenges of missionary life, and be spiritually uplifted as they continue their ministry in Minnesota.
In 2023, the Minnesota Conference stepped more intentionally into the complex world of immigration. For years, the conference had sponsored religious workers to support pastoral ministry. But as educators began retiring or leaving the profession, a shortage of qualified Adventist teachers emerged. New graduates slowed to a trickle, and for the first time in recent memory, we began recruiting internationally for education.
Since then, God has paved the way for 22 families from overseas to join the Adventist family in Minnesota—serving as pastors, teachers, leaders and Bible workers.
Why this gathering mattered
Pastors and teachers—especially those from another country—often face a unique kind of isolation. They are pillars in their communities, privy to confidential information, and held to high expectations. Add cultural differences, separation from family, and the challenge of learning a new way of life, and the sense of loneliness can be profound.
The Global Grace Gathering was our way of saying: you are not alone. It was designed to help our missionaries meet others who understand their journey and to build a supportive community.
We invited both newer arrivals and longtime Minnesota employees with international roots to lead devotionals, workshops and discussions. Highlights included:
- Sabbath morning: Pastor Jeff Scoggins reminded us that as missionaries—those who are sent—we must meet people where they are.
- Workshops: Gayln and Lorena Bowers, former missionaries to Thailand, explored the challenges of navigating new cultures and led activities that helped participants learn more about one another’s backgrounds.
- Cultural activity: Becky Scoggins facilitated a lively game that sparked laughter and friendships.
- Personal testimonies: Pastor Sean Lee from Southview Church shared his own journey of moving to the U.S. and how life’s experiences shape us into better ambassadors for God.
- Sunday inspiration: Pastor Ray Valenzuela from Minnetonka Church spoke on the power of a single act of kindness to create belonging, reminding us that we are all members of God’s family.
- Open conversation: I (Savannah Carlson) facilitated a debrief session to hear directly from attendees how the conference could better support them in their transition.
- Immigration insight: Attorney Paul Hultgren offered practical information on immigration issues currently causing anxiety in international communities.
- Age-specific ministry: Jillian and Collins Maranga cared for children under 12, while Pastor Ray met with the teens to discuss the surprises and challenges of coming to the U.S.
Shared meals brought another layer of connection. Sabbath lunch featured dishes from around the world, and around those tables, friendships began to form and experiences were exchanged. By the end of the weekend, the sense of community was unmistakable.
The global mission at our doorstep
For decades, the United States has sent missionaries overseas to share the gospel. Now, God is bringing the mission field to us. Missionaries from the Philippines, Guyana, South Africa, Iceland, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Mexico and more have been called to serve in Minnesota.
Our state’s ethnic diversity—encompassing Somali, Indian, Hmong, Karen, Korean, Kenyan, Ethiopian and other communities—offers endless opportunities for cross-cultural ministry.
As we live out Christ’s command to “go… and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19), we believe Minnesota can become a premiere producer of pastors, teachers and tentmakers—disciples who make disciples.
Could it be that God is preparing us for an even greater outreach in our own neighborhoods? Could it be that He is calling us to step beyond our comfort zones and embrace those He has sent, no matter their origin?
Minnesota Conference leaders believe the answer is Yes.
By Savannah Carlson, edited for clarity by ChatGPT
