"Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: 'Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!' Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, 'What does this mean?'"

—Acts 2.1-5

What an exciting moment the first Pentecost must have been! The Spirit empowers the disciples to bring the good news of Jesus to people in their own languages and because of that, many believe and are baptized. That was a great day! But then the next day came...and the day after that. The Spirit had miraculously brought the good news to people from all these different cultures and languages ... how can they become disciples? How do they make disciples of others?

The Church became a multicultural diaspora community from the beginning. That is beautiful and should cause us to be amazed at the power and wisdom of God. 

But it is also perplexing. How do we empower those living in this region from every language and culture to be fully engaged in God's mission to live and proclaim the good news of the kingdom?

That's the theme of this month's newsletter. Read the interview with Rev. John Mondi, Diaspora Local Mission Leader in the Great Lakes Region, about how established congregations can support gospel witness among immigrant communities in our region. Listen to the passion for discipleship from Pastor Ricardo, a church planter among Latino diaspora in West Michigan.

Pray for our Lord to continue sending his Holy Spirit on our churches so that we can be his witnesses in our neighborhoods and to the ends of the earth.

—Scott Stark
Regional Mission Leader

• Double your impact! A generous donor is matching gifts from individuals—and churches—through April 30 when you give to Resonate's "Where Most Needed Fund." This fund helps support missionaries and ministries throughout the United States, Canada, and the world. Here's how to give and match your gift.
  
  
• What does your church do to celebrate Pentecost? We have bulletin covers, projection slides, videos, and other resources for your upcoming Pentecost worship services. 
  
  
• Are missionaries visiting your church this summer? Having your missionaries in town is a unique opportunity. Here are ten ideas to make the most of their visit and to strengthen your partnership with them and your ministry together.

Thank you for your work spreading the gospel in your community and throughout the world. Resonate exists to plant churches, send missionaries, and support you and your church as you join in God's mission. Want to talk? Send me an email!