Historically, North America has sent great numbers of missionaries around the globe. Now we are becoming one of the most ethnically diverse areas on earth.

This is no accident. In fact, it's an unprecedented opportunity for Southern Baptists to impact the peoples of the world. But we must remain intentional.

The danger we face in North America -- despite its diversity -- is that familiarity can lull us into complacency.

Southern Baptists can't let this happen.

If your church is successfully reaching people in your community and beyond, you have probably had to shift your methodology and approach over the past two decades. Your community's culture has probably shifted some in ethnic makeup and size.

Multiply such changes by hundreds and thousands of communities in the United States and Canada that are experiencing an influx of new business, new immigrant populations and new belief systems. That is today's North American mission field.

These new complexities mean Christians have to be the hands and feet of Christ to our communities more than ever before. Our church planters are great examples of this. They leave the familiar to make Christ known in the tough places.

From inner city Miami to Canadian provinces, these missionaries are devoting themselves and their families to serve their communities through acts of love as they seek to reconcile people through Gospel truth. Continued...