Tides of Opportunity: Missiological Experiences and Engagement in Global Migration

Hope and Hospitality for Migrating People

Never have so many people left their homes and migrated to other parts of the world as we’ve seen in recent years. This phenomenon creates as many opportunities as challenges. We are witnessing a massive increase in urbanization, pluralization, multiculturalism, and interfaith dialogue. What are the implications for the church as it tries to reach the nations?

Tides of Opportunity brings together experts from diverse backgrounds to consider the practical significance of this mass migration. The reasons for these population movements are as varied as the people. Sadiri Joy Tira explores several causes, like military conflict, economic hardship, and natural disasters. The contributors not only explain such trends but suggest possible ways to engage with diaspora neighbors. Through case studies, this volume also examines lesser-known dynamics, such as sex trafficking and the movement of immigrants to rural areas.

This book challenges us to find more creative and integrated mission strategies for effectively reaching out to the various ＂peoples on the move＂ with the gospel. How will you respond to the tides of opportunity?

Dr. Sadiri ＂Joy＂ Tira A is diaspora missiology specialist at the Jaffray Centre for Global Initiatives at Ambrose University in Canada. A reflective-practitioner, Sadiri Joy Tira served as catalyst for diasporas (formerly, senior associate for diasporas) for the Lausanne Movement from 2007-2019, as founding chairperson of the Global Diaspora Network (2010-2015), and for over two decades, as senior pastor of First Filipino Alliance Church in Edmonton, Alberta--Canada’s ＂Gateway to the North.＂ He is also a blogger for Outreach Canada.

Damples Dulcero-Baclagon is the managing editor of Asian Missions Advance and secretary of Asia Missions Association. She obtained a master’s degree in Asian Studies from the University of the Philippines. Prior to that, she was trained as a missionary at the East West Center for Missions Research and Development, Korea where she also served for six years under the late Dr. David J. Cho. In the Philippines where she now lives, she serves as the national discipleship coordinator of Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse.

Lorajoy Tira-Dimangondayao is an MTS student at St. Stephen’s College at the University of Alberta (Canada). She has a bachelor’s of theology from Ambrose University (formerly Canadian Bible College). Lorajoy serves as a press editor for the Jaffray Centre for Global Initiatives at Ambrose University and serves on the Lausanne Movement Canada’s Board of Directors. With diaspora missiology close to her heart, she served as Dr. Sadiri Joy Tira’s administrative assistant for two decades. She is co-editor of Beyond Hospitality: Migration, Multiculturalism and the Church.