Multi-Cultural Ministries
We are committed to ministering to communities of people from different languages, cultures, and backgrounds. In the greater Chicago area, more than 200 different languages are spoken. Chicago has long been one of the most culturally diverse cities in our country and this trend is sure to continue. The people of The Orchard feel a strong passion to support, to encourage, and share the good news to these diverse people groups. The Word of God commands to take the Gospel to all nations and to disciple them in the name of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). The aim of the Multi-Cultural Ministries is to create comfortable, inspiring programs for each cultural and language group that facilitate outreach. We encourage native speakers of English to reach out across cultural lines and barriers with the love of God. Let's rejoice and worship the Lord as a diverse church with one voice. Let us experience the new life we have in Jesus with brothers and sisters uniquely created by God to function as the body of Christ together with us and to praise God throughout eternity (Revelation 7:9). If you have even the slightest interest in this ministry, we strongly encourage you to get involved with us. We are always available to get to know you and to hear about your cross-cultural experiences or ideas. There are a variety of ministry opportunities where you could use your gifts and passions. Contact one of the ministry leaders to get involved today!
Blog/Facebook
We are so thankful that we have this blog and Facebook to interact with people around the world about multi-cultural ministry news, information, ideas, tools, discussions, resouces, etc. We also blog about our ministry journeys here in Chicago. We sincerely hope that this blog will be used by God to bless many different kinds of people around the globe. Visit the Blog and Facebook now.
Volunteer
Language Interpreter
Individuals can interpret Sunday sermon to their language.
Community Ministry Supporter
One English speaker/one foreign language speaker.
Writer/Editor/Blog Writer
We are looking for creative writers and editors.
Contact Shohei or Joy.
Our Ministry Supporters
Shohei grew up in Kagoshima prefecture, spening much time in the beautiful mountains and the Pacific Ocean. His peaceful personality might come from those experiences. While attending Meisei University in Tokyo, he played guitar in a rock band. After college, he entered the clothing industry where he started a select clothing store with two friends. This career allowed him to travel extensively overseas. His big life transition came, however, in June 2000, when he decided to become a Christ follower. In 2004, he entered seminary to get a master's degree in theology to become a pastor. He graduated from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He likes to do creative things like web designing. Currently he is an intern at The Orchard trying to develop the multi-cultural ministry. In his private time he likes to read books, listen to the music, and play his acoustic guitar. Shohei and his wife, Nami, have two kids, Paul and Rayna. Email Shohei, 224-764-4046.
Joy Nevin Axelson was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs. Her father was a Theology professor at Moody Bible Institute and her mother was a Christian counselor. While attending middle school, Joy began studying French. She loved it and ended up getting a B.A. and an M.A. in French. In the meantime, she studied German, Spanish, Catalan, Creole and Czech. Joy loves going on missions trips and speaking foreign languages. She has visited Haiti, France, Poland, Romania, Guatemala, The D.R. of Congo and Greece, among others. After getting married in 1996 and teaching French for seven years, Joy had two children and now works part-time as a French translator. Joy has had a vision to reach out to internationals most of her life and is ecstatic to see this dream finally come to fruition. Email Joy.