African Immigrant Ministry

Since 2008 the Metro Milwaukee Lutheran Mission Society together with the South Wisconsin District, has worked with Hope Lutheran on the south side and Benediction on the north side providing funding and support for their African Immigration Ministry Food Pantry Program. There are more than 15,000 African immigrants living in Milwaukee, and many of them are of Muslim heritage. These immigrants face many challenges adjusting to the American way of life. This is further complicated by those who do not have the financial means to provide for themselves and their families. As food is the staff of life and provides not only important nutritional value but also comfort in many ways, keeping with one’s own diet is important. This program provides specialty food for these Immigrant families with the goal of eventually moving them onto supplements and other food staples as they begin to acculturate into the American diet.

While the program focus is in meeting the nutritional needs of these immigrants, the spiritual needs of these immigrants are at the forefront of this program. Through strong Christian based relationship building that occurs at these sites with our volunteers and both lay and ordained ministers that serve these sites, we thank God for the blessings that have been received and in the bringing of others into His fold.

This program is currently under review as we determine better ways in which we can minister to this population more effectively. There are several options being considered regarding how to assist this immigrant population thru other means of social outreach including job training and daycare.