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Seventh-day Adventist Church
2003 NAD Offering Call
“Becoming Faithful Stewards”

Date: June 14, 2003
Appeal: Multilingual Ministries
LANGUAGE GROUPS ON THE INCREASE

Unbelievably, it seems Spanish is the second most widely-spoken language in the U.S., and Hispanics are the largest minority group in America.

Asians have increased in America to 10.2 million, or 3,6 % of the total population. America has become a multi-cultural, multilingual country, and the church is experiencing the same phenomena.

On any given Sabbath there are as many as 33 languages spoken in our churches across the nation. At least 26 of those language groups, including the hearing- impaired, fall under the auspices of the N. American Division.

Among the fastest-growing non-English language groups are the Hispanics, with over 115,000 Adventist members; the Haitians, with over 23,000 members; and the Koreans, approaching 12,000 members. And just behind them are the Portuguese, Native Americans, and Russians.

The total non-English language groups is 184,247, over 20% of the membership in North America, but 35% of all new baptisms.

What are the reasons for this phenomenal growth?
1.
Many of these converts are recent immigrants with an openness to a
personal faith and relationship with God.
2.
Many of their members are in their “first love” for the mission of the
church and are very active members, sharing their faith with associates,
3.
In some cases, the church has provided non-English language ethnic
leadership, who speak the language and understand the culture.

Appeal text: “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God, and give glory to him,..” [Revelation 14:6-7]
Submitted by North American Division Multi-lingual Department

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