Worship and a view of the city with new eyes

The first day of Speed BUMP is a long day of listening, learning and observing under the trained eye of John Mayer, executive director of City Vision. If you have “eyes to see and ears to hear,” God is doing an extraordinary thing in these Twin Cities – He is bringing the nations to us.

Knowledge of the history of the city helps us to understand the current culture of the city. Some stories are unique – St. Paul was formerly named “Pigs Eye” – and some are common to all – the interstate system made way by taking property in the poorer neighborhoods. How people got here, why they stay here and who they are was part of the day’s journey.

After worship with our host church, Trinity City Church, St. Paul, and lunch with Pastor Bryan and Nick, we headed out on Summit Avenue towards downtown then just a few blocks out to a Hmong mall. We learned the story of the Hmong, observed the culture and enjoyed the best bubble tea around in more flavors than the best ice cream places. Of note were the families and the generations represented in each. Other cultures don’t live in isolation like we do and age is valued.

Displays of every product imaginable at a Hmong mall in St. Paul

Crossing the river to Minneapolis, we explored the Phillips neighborhood, believed by some to have representatives of every nation in the world. At one time dubbed “Murderapolis,” the neighborhood is known to have over 100 languages spoken. We visited a Somali mall, shared Somali tea and visited with friends of John’s. The men and women were largely separated there, including in the mosque above the mall.

The many gorgeous fabrics in on of the Twin Cities' Somali malls

As we left, we parked near a corner where the 1% and the 99% live as "neighbors." At this intersection, there was a single family home that sold for $1,000,000 with a backyard that bordered a home where as many as 40 people were living in the residence, according to the last census. Across the street an eclectic home with murals and sculptures, reminding us of the presence of a large hippie culture that is a part of Minneapolis. These cities are unique in their diversity on every block.

After a quick stop at the Electric Fetus, we debriefed for dinner at the Midtown Global Market. Our eyes (and taste buds) were opened to things we had not seen on our previous trips to the Cities. God is bringing the nations to our doorstep and presenting opportunities for the Gospel to be shared without having to travel or learn a language. We can even share to those who will return to countries with closed borders.

John Mayer and the team from Swan Lake EFC, Cottonwood, MN (and our lovely host from Safari)

“...for such a time as this…” Esther 4:14