Black and Global: The Untapped Power of Urban Global Missionaries
As I set my foot on Belgian soil at the age of 15, I was struck by a strange mix of emotions - feeling like an outsider and yet, inexplicably, right at home.
The boulevards of Paris and the unique designs of Copenhagen were just a couple of the many destinations that my passport took me to.
Charlie in Paris rockin’ a stocking cap
With each stamp my passport collected, I began to see myself not just as a young person from Harlem Heights but as a true citizen of the world.
The experience was nothing short of transformative, and I will always look back on Brussels as the place where everything changed for me.
But here’s the deal: No matter where I went – whether it was Central America, Africa, or even when I was home in Europe – I often found myself as the only black dude among my missionary peers.
The Global Power of Black Culture: Hip-Hop’s Universal Language
Ever been in Romania and had someone gently touch your skin just because you were the first black person they ever met?
It's an experience like no other. Or how about being mistaken for having personal ties with legends like Tupac or Biggie? That's the power and reach of our culture.
In Copenhagen, my love for Outkast became the bridge to friendship with a local graffiti artist.
Christiania, Copenhagen
Through him, I discovered the world of hip-hop in Denmark.
From Wu-Tang Clan’s frequent visits to the passion of local fans, it was clear hip-hop, our cultural gift to the world, resonates globally.
And in this rhythm, there’s a mission field waiting to be tapped.
“So, Where Are All the Black Missionaries?”
On my travels, a question echoed, sometimes silently in stares, sometimes loudly in words: “Where are all the Black missionaries?”
Isn’t that something? Our presence in global missions feels like a whisper in a world where our music, fashion, and essence leave unfading marks. Pew Research says over 20 million of us are in the African-American church community.
Imagine if just a slice of us took on the mantle of global missions.
We would change the game!
Nothing New: Black Missionaries of the Past
History paints a colorful canvas.
From the Ethiopian eunuch of Acts – possibly the OG of Ethiopian missionaries – to early church heroes like Athanasius, people of color have always been part of God's mission.
But somewhere along the way, between the shadows of slavery and the struggles of civil rights, the narrative of Black missionaries got a lil bit hazy.
Yet, even then, the spirit couldn’t be chained.
You ever heard of George Liele or John Marrant?
These early African-American missionaries took the gospel beyond American shores, breaking barriers and planting seeds. Go look em up.
Rising to the Call: The Modern Need for Urban Black Missionaries
Here's where my heart gets amped up.
Picture this: Black dudes who are steeped in the culture are making a significant impact on streets across the world, from Amsterdam to Seoul, by spreading the love of Christ.
Our unique vibe and language resonate with people from diverse backgrounds, making us a powerful force for spreading the Good News.
With our culture as a vehicle, we can serve as modern-day apostles, carrying the message of hope to every corner of the globe.
It’s not about short trips or ticking countries off a list.
It’s about connecting, bridging gaps, and showcasing a diverse body of Christ. And trust me, when you’re on this journey, it transforms you as much as those you reach.
A Call to Action
So, to all my brothers and sisters, imma step aside but let me say this:
We’ve been gifted with influence, resilience, and a rich history of experiences.
Can we rise to this global occasion? Can we take our unique place in the world of missions?
Dream with me for a second: stories of churches sprouting in Brussels, of communities finding hope in Sri Lanka, all pioneered by Black and brown folks from these American streets.
It’s a dream worth chasing. And I believe, together, we can make it our reality.
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin…” - Zechariah 4:10
