Something happened a few weeks ago that slipped through the news cycle for most Americans. It made headlines, but I'm sure most people did not fully comprehend the significance of the events as they were unfolding.
In a historic move, the prime minister of India, Narendra Modi, joined Donald Trump for a massive political event here in Houston called, "Howdy Modi!" Over 50,000 people attended the packed stadium for a celebration of Indian culture married to a political rally. Thousands of Indian Americans were dressed in the bright and colorful cultural garb of India, waiting in line to enter the rally, while many more Indians and interest groups were standing outside protesting the event.
I regularly write about the shifts in the North American mission field, and this event serves as one very large example of the scope of these changes. For most, this probably appeared as yet another dignitary making his way to America for some glad-handing and political pomp. However, for those of us paying attention, this event signals something of great significance that is occurring globally. In fact, it underlines important shifts that we in the church need to notice.
What does “Howdy Modi!” Tell us?
Evan Vucci writes in The Atlantic, "While its organizers insist 'Howdy, Modi!' was meant to merely highlight the Indian American story—as Trump and Modi broker energy partnerships in Houston and a possible trade deal at the UN General Assembly this week in New York—the rally was really a power play for the two leaders. It gave them both a chance to capitalize on the enthusiastic display of Indian and Indian American voters in the crowd."
Without delving into the particular politics of the event, I want you to notice a couple of significant points Vucci notes:
1. The power play that is occurring
Why would a high profile political leader from India benefit from holding a political rally in Texas? Furthermore, what exactly does Trump have to gain from such a rally? Simply put, the power play exists because of the size and prominence of the Indian diaspora in America. This is a power play for those leaders because the Indian diaspora is that influential. Vucci writes, "Indian Americans, while only about 1 percent of the population, are the wealthiest minority group in America and among the most generous donors to U.S. presidential elections."
“Certain diaspora groups in the United States are now so numerous, so influential, that their respective heads of state feel it is politically significant for them to come address them directly. ”
2. The location of the rally
While there are obvious ties to the energy sector in Houston, the location was not purely based on business interests. Houston is one of the Indian diaspora's largest centers globally, and members of the Indian community in Houston are extremely influential both here and back in India.
The event was hosted by an organization called the Texas India Forum. The very existence of such an organization should demonstrate the size and influence of the Indian community in Texas, especially since it was able to invite the Prime Minister of their home country for a rally and him take them up on the offer.
Again, the particular political stances and alliances behind the event are not the focus of this article. My whole point rests in the fact that the event took place at all. Particular political machinations aside, the real story is that certain diaspora groups in the United States are now so numerous, so influential, that their respective heads of state feel it is politically significant for them to come address them directly.
In many ways, this signifies a real shift from previous eras when diaspora groups in countries like India were seen less favorably. Today, many countries understand the value of diaspora communities, especially ones in influential locations like the United States. Far from looking down on those who left, they seek to establish firm connections with these communities, their dollars, and their influence.
Why does this matter for the Great Commission?
Simply put, diaspora communities matter when it comes to the Great Commission. I bang this drum regularly, but one of the most significant opportunities in North American missions today is finding and engaging the diaspora communities in our cities with the gospel in a way that is contextual, compelling, and contagious.
“One of the most significant opportunities in North American missions today is finding and engaging the diaspora communities in our cities with the gospel in a way that is contextual, compelling, and contagious. ”
The very presence of a hundred thousand South Asian peoples—most of which are Hindu or Muslim background—in a North American metro area should raise some flags for those of us who speak often about our love of international missions. Evangelical churches have a proud history of taking the gospel to the nations. As the nations come to us, we have that very same opportunity, and often with people from areas very hard to reach with the gospel.
However, Howdy Modi! demonstrates a couple things concerning this significant Great Commission moment:
1. The Global Connection
First, these groups are not only coming here, but many diaspora communities are also very influential back at home. Notice the close ties that are maintained between the South Asian diaspora here in Houston and the political, social, and economic life of their home country. In other words, this access flows in both directions.
Engaging diaspora communities here is a significant means of engaging those same groups in their home countries as well. I know missionaries in closed countries who've gained access to closed villages not through connections in their country of service but though connections made with diaspora members here in the States. Reaching them here only helps further our goal of making disciples over there.
2. The Community's Values
Finally, The Atlantic's commentary on “Howdy Modi!” provides us with some telling information concerning the manner in which we need to engage these communities. Notice the effort made by the South Asian community here in Houston to maintain their cultural identity. Many diaspora groups work hard to maintain their language and culture. That does not mean they are not glad to be Americans as well. Far from it. However, it does mean they see their home culture as valuable and something they desire to maintain.
Effective gospel ministry to these groups will feel the same way. It understands the need for contextualized cultural manifestations of the gospel in their language and culture. The goal of Christian missions is to transform the worldview of a people to that of the Scriptures, not conform their outward culture to that of America (or your local church for that matter). To reach the core of such a solid community, missions engagement will have to do so on their cultural terms.
