Hmong Mission in St. Paul

Agenda Demographics Demographics Purpose Purpose  LCMS Hmong Ministry in St. Paul  Challenges and Opportunity  Vision for Growing Hmong Ministry  Proposal & Budget Questions Questions

Demographics Who are the Hmong? Hmong originated in southern China & migrated into northern Laos and Thailand. Hmong originated in southern China & migrated into northern Laos and Thailand. Most of the Hmong still practice Animism and ancestor worship. Most of the Hmong still practice Animism and ancestor worship. Why & When? The Hmong in St. Paul are from Laos and Thailand and started arriving in The Hmong in St. Paul are from Laos and Thailand and started arriving in Many were sponsored by LCMS. Many were sponsored by LCMS. Where are they now? 1) California38% 2) Minnesota 25% 3) Wisconsin20% Minnesota has an estimated 2010 Hmong population of 97,600Minnesota has an estimated 2010 Hmong population of 97,600 About 39% lives in Ramsey County, estimated 38,111About 39% lives in Ramsey County, estimated 38,111

The Mission Ground Bethlehem

Eastside St. Paul Hmong in Ramsey County are highly concentrated in just a few areas. –55106, 55101, 55103, 55117, –About 35% of the Hmong in Ramsey are in our neighborhood at –Based on the estimated 2010 Census it is an approximately 13,770. –About 1 out of 4 students in the St Paul School District speak Hmong. –In this neighborhood, 1 of 5 person are of Hmong ethnicity. The blocks right outside the doors of Bethlehem shows 1 of 4 person are Hmong. The blocks right outside the doors of Bethlehem shows 1 of 4 person are Hmong.

Density of Hmong in St. Paul

Hmong Churches in St. Paul There are 9 Hmong Churches in St. Paul. In our Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood, there is just one other church – United Methodist. In our Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood, there is just one other church – United Methodist. In the areas highlighted, there are a 4 Hmong churches. 2 United Methodist, 1 ELCA, and 1 Missionary Alliance. In the areas highlighted, there are a 4 Hmong churches. 2 United Methodist, 1 ELCA, and 1 Missionary Alliance.

Challenges There are only two Hmong LCMS Congregations in the Twin Cities. Currently, there is no Hmong Pastor serving the Hmong LCMS Congregations in the Twin Cities. There are only two Hmong LCMS Congregations in the Twin Cities. Currently, there is no Hmong Pastor serving the Hmong LCMS Congregations in the Twin Cities. The two Hmong Congregations continue to lose members due to spiritual needs being unmet, especially for limited English speakers. The two Hmong Congregations continue to lose members due to spiritual needs being unmet, especially for limited English speakers. There is high interest from Hmong people to be part of a more established LCMS Congregation since there are small groups of Hmong meeting at various locations. They are being served by an ordained pastor on an intermittent basis. There is high interest from Hmong people to be part of a more established LCMS Congregation since there are small groups of Hmong meeting at various locations. They are being served by an ordained pastor on an intermittent basis. Language and cultural barriers make it difficult to recruit new Hmong members. Language and cultural barriers make it difficult to recruit new Hmong members.

Opportunity Bethlehem is situated in the “perfect” location for an LCMS Hmong ministry. Bethlehem is situated in the “perfect” location for an LCMS Hmong ministry. Bethlehem has a Hmong speaking service and existing Hmong congregation that would be the seed for expansion to reach out plant a stronger and new Hmong mission. Bethlehem has a Hmong speaking service and existing Hmong congregation that would be the seed for expansion to reach out plant a stronger and new Hmong mission. This mission ground is excellent for spreading the “Good News” of the Bible to this ethnicity. This mission ground is excellent for spreading the “Good News” of the Bible to this ethnicity. Collectively, MN LCMS South District, LINC, and Bethlehem can have success in an urban ministry with Hmong. Collectively, MN LCMS South District, LINC, and Bethlehem can have success in an urban ministry with Hmong. Bethlehem is committed to using our resources to develop, mentor, plant, and grow this mission. Bethlehem is committed to using our resources to develop, mentor, plant, and grow this mission.

Our Vision: Grow Hmong Ministry Establish a new mission site in the northeastern part of St. Paul, Maplewood, and Oakdale. Establish a new mission site in the northeastern part of St. Paul, Maplewood, and Oakdale. Begin outreach immediately to plant the new mission. Begin outreach immediately to plant the new mission. Call Hmong pastor, preferably Rev Kou Seying to serve Bethlehem Lutheran Church and also to grow the new mission because he has the following: Call Hmong pastor, preferably Rev Kou Seying to serve Bethlehem Lutheran Church and also to grow the new mission because he has the following: Knowledge, experience, track record of being successful in the Hmong mission field. Knowledge, experience, track record of being successful in the Hmong mission field. Bilingual, bicultural and inner city Hmong family experience. Bilingual, bicultural and inner city Hmong family experience. If Rev Kou Seying does not accept the call, work to find another Hmong pastor who can serve Bethlehem and grow the Hmong ministry. If Rev Kou Seying does not accept the call, work to find another Hmong pastor who can serve Bethlehem and grow the Hmong ministry. Within three years, Bethlehem will plan a third Hmong mission in the Cottage Grove/Woodbury area. Within three years, Bethlehem will plan a third Hmong mission in the Cottage Grove/Woodbury area.

Proposal & Budget We are requesting $115,000 from MN LCMS South District. Bethlehem will allocate this amount over 4 years with the expectation of independently paying this Pastor starting in year 5. - Pastor Robert Krueger retired on June 15, His funding could be redirected to fund our Hmong ministry. - Pastor Robert Krueger retired on June 15, His funding could be redirected to fund our Hmong ministry. Proposed Budget Cost and Sharing Over Time Proposed Budget Cost and Sharing Over Time MN South District Total Cost Bethlehem Total Cost 62K 63.3K 64.5K 65.8K 66K

The End Questions