“What I admire most about the Puerto Rican community is the eagerness to thrive in new places. I find this trait amongst most first generation immigrants in America. The gratitude shared amongst us for all the blessings we have is something I admire and frequently lean on when I'm going through personal struggles.” 

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The reason we begin celebrating on September 15 is because that day marks the anniversary of independence for five Latin American Countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

Asia is the largest continent and the Pacific is the largest ocean in the world. To only have a month to celebrate every tongue, tribe, people, and nation from these regions is not enough, but hopefully, this calendar of engagement suggestions will help us grow in our knowledge and love for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and their contributions to our nation, our communities, and our church.

It was the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor that finally broke open member, Milbrey Heard’s heart in a way that it hasn’t recovered. Read more about her journey to help make All Souls a reconciling community.

Work on any scale, whether it be making lattes or leading large companies, is never simply a means to an end. Whether or not you work for any kind of Christian ministry, work is one of the largest ways you image Jesus to the world. Instead of providing means for never-ending consumption, our work is a way to contribute to God’s vision of flourishing in the world.

Ten years ago, ASF Member Alex Garcia and his family were suddenly in dire need of help. His beloved mother, Margo, suffered a massive stroke, which would require immediate and permanent assistance. He found help for his mom through a refugee, and he shares how he recently got to help “Friends of Refugees.”

It’s one thing to desire a 24-hour period of time to stop, rest, delight, and worship–another thing altogether to make it practical. If we all want it, then why is it so hard?