Philadelphia Regional Diaspora Network
Exploring ways to work together to reach the nations among us.
This network has been created to encourage, inform, connect, and equip God’s people to reach the nations among us here in this region, many of whom represent the least reached around the globe. We are passionate to see the good news of Jesus transform the lives of refugees, immigrants, international students, and professionals from all over the world who are now living here in the Greater Delaware Valley.
Our network brings together leaders from (1) diaspora churches and communities, (2) majority-culture churches, and (3) ministries to diaspora for the purpose of mutual encouragement, collaboration, and sharing of resources. We want to learn from each other and work together as members of the larger Body of Christ. If you have a heart for those God has brought to our region from all over the globe, we invite you to join us!
What do we mean by diaspora?
We use the word, “diaspora” to refer to any immigrant, refugee, or international living or studying here. Some of our diaspora neighbors have just arrived in the US. Others have been here for a couple of generations but still maintain their unique culture and language.
How will the network benefit you?
This is a collaborative effort, not an organization, so our Network is shaped by the vision, needs, and volunteer work of participants. Our goal is to be a centralized “hub” that is usually virtual but at times meets in person.
Please reach out to us
- If you are part of a diaspora group or you work with diaspora in our region and need help or just encouragement.
- If you are a church leader trying to discern how to engage your congregation in building bridges to new neighbors from the other side of the globe.
- If you have expertise or resources to share that can serve our diaspora newcomers.
We are here to serve, not to fulfill our own agenda.
What’s included in the “Philadelphia region”?
Our focus is on the Greater Delaware Valley but anyone is welcome.
Network resources
Who is leading this effort?
Our leadership team currently includes the following:
Sue Patt
Diaspora Catalyst with Frontier Ventures
Sue has been on staff with Frontier Ventures since 1982, for many years serving in various leadership roles with the Perspectives Study Program. No matter what else she was doing, Sue has consistently put feet to her passion to reach diaspora people in her own neighborhood in Exton, PA.
Matt Peace
Church Partnership Manager for World Relief’s Churches of Welcome
As a former pastor and founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance’s short-term missions Envision program, Matt brings a pastor’s heart and global experience to his efforts to better engage churches with diaspora people. Matt and his family live in Mt. Holly, NJ.
Ellen Livingood, Leadership Team Chair
Director of Catalyst Services and editor of our Network’s Updates
Ellen launched Catalyst Services 20 years ago to help churches, networks, and agencies engage believers in more effective witness “here” and “there.” She brings to the task of our Network experience in administrative leadership in a mission agency and in coordination of global outreach in a local church. Ellen lives in Newtown, PA.
Get Connected
Subscribe to our newsletter
Subscribe to our email updates to stay informed about our activities, new diaspora ministry resources, and regional ministry opportunities.
Join our Facebook page
Search for and join the Philadelphia Regional Diaspora Network page!
Attend Network meetings
The Network holds occasional meetings to facilitate connections, do planning, and provide tools and information. When you subscribe to our monthly updates, you will be alerted to upcoming sessions.
Suggest how we can serve you
Tell us how we could help your church or organization better reach the nations among us.