
An important part of our vision for LAC is to reflect the community into which God has placed us. We want to be a church that is welcoming to everyone, regardless of ethnic or socio-economic background. The Apostle Paul certainly had this in mind when he penned these words in Galatians: "So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free people, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus." (Gal. 3:28
)
God has taken us at His Word and provided many opportunities right in our own "back yard" to reach out and welcome first-generation ethnic groups into our congregation. We now have four vital and growing ethnic fellowships worshiping on our campus, Latino, Ethiopian, Arabic and Korean, reaching out to the four ethnic populations in the San Gabriel and San Fernando valleys.
Latino
Reaching out to the Latino Community
Presently, over 45,000 Latinos live in the area immediately surrounding LAC. Many of them have no connection to a church and no relationship with God. Comunidad de las Américas was formed in 1994 to meet the challenge of reaching them with the Good News of Jesus Christ and folding them into a worshiping community. Pastor Jorge Sanchezleadership to this exciting ministry. The worship service is on Sunday morning at 11 am in the Chapel and is conducted in Spanish. Parallel to the service there is Nursery Care and Sunday School for the children. Before the worship service, beginning at 9:30 am, the "Family Hour" provides various Bible classes for all age groups. In addition to the Sunday activities the ministry also includes: numerous weekly cell groups, a women's group, a youth group, a drama ministry, and many special events and outreach opportunities. This is an exciting and growing ministry of over 175 adults and children, who are a part of our LAC family. For more information, please call 626.844.4776 or click here.
Ethiopian
Reaching out to the Ethiopian Community
Another part of the diverse ethnic community in which we live here in Southern California is comprised of over 50,000 Ethiopians. They have maintained a strong cultural and linguistic identity and speak the Amharic language. In April, 2002, Getachew Kiros started an Amharic-speaking fellowship on our campus that meets every Sunday morning at 11 am, with provision for child care and Sunday School for children. The vision is also to provide an opportunity for all Amharic-speakers (Ethiopians and Eritreans) within the SGV area to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ through a variety of outreach strategies and programs. For more information, please call 626.817.4587 or click here.
Asian
Reaching out to the Asian Community
We are experiencing considerable growth in the Asian Community in the San Gabriel Valley and many have come to Lake Avenue Church looking for answers to their spiritual questions. Some of these individuals and families have a connection to church but most have no personal relationship with God. These are the people we want to reach with the Good News of Jesus Christ. For more information, click here.
Others
Reaching out to other Ethnic Groups
We are excited about the four ethnic ministries God has already raised up at LAC, but we believe there may be other groups that could become a part of our family who desire to worship in their own language and culture such as, Japanese, Chinese, Armenian. If you have a vision or an interest in being a part of a new ethnic ministry launch, please contact Pastor Roger Bosch at 626.844.4770 or rogerb@lakeave.org.





