by Union Gospel Mission Asian Ministries
899 Payne Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55130
Today, a new group of homeless people with no traditional homeland of their own is arriving by the planeload in the Twin Cities, resulting in the largest concentration of Hmong people outside of Asia. Union Gospel Mission (UGM) Asian Ministries is responding to their Hmong friends and using the opportunity as a springboard to reach out to other Asian people groups. With tutoring, mentoring, Bible Studies and youth groups for elementary, junior and senior high school students, Union Gospel Mission is continuing its long tradition of extending a helping hand to those looking for a new home. And in the process, they hope their new friends will also find new life in God.
UGM’s workshops present an opportunity to learn new ways to think about changing neighborhoods and neighbors. Thinking outside the box is a critical skill, especially when new languages and cultures are thrust into the midst of your ministry context. Developing diverse and indigenous leadership in an organization is a critical step to seeing long-term impact.
Schedule
Saturday, September 29
| 12:00pm | Bus departs Hilton |
| 12:30pm | Arrive at UGM Asian Ministries |
| 12:30pm-1:30pm | Lunch |
| 1:30pm-2:00pm | A history of Hmong in Minnesota |
| 2:00pm-3:15pm | Workshop I: Lighthouse Ministries and Outreach to Youth and Children |
| 3:15pm-3:30pm | Break |
| 3:30pm-4:45pm | Workshop II: Same Places, New Faces: Staying engaged in changing communities |
| 4:45pm-5:00pm | Debrief |
| 5:00pm | Bus departs UGM Asian Ministries |
| 5:30pm | Arrive at Hilton |
Workshop I: Lighthouse Ministries and Outreach to Youth and Children
An extensive, thorough and holistic approach to youth involves a lot of work and continually changing strategies in our rapidly changing society. UGM Asian Ministries has worked hard to develop relevant programs that are adaptable to meet the needs of the community. Partnerships and collaboration with others has been a critical piece of their growth as well. With greater and greater immigrant presence in our communities it is important to think critically about how outreach to youth can extend into families.
Workshop II: Same Places, New Faces: Staying engaged in changing communities
Neighborhoods and communities can see their demographics change overnight. New neighbours and changing contexts demand that we not lock in to a single way of doing things. Come learn how to study changing communities and then to respond in culturally relevant ways. We need to be able to think outside the box to develop relevant strategies that are culturally appropriate and specific to the people present. Learn how to avoid the ever-present danger of patronizing through effective leadership development.
Pre-registration for On Location Workshops is required. Purchase a ticket for UGM here. The $10 fee covers lunch and transportation costs. All ages are welcome at this site; attendance is limited to 50. This site is not handicapped-accessible. Parts of this event will be held outdoors. Come dressed for the weather, rain or shine.
