When you think of Philadelphia, does it ever come to mind as a hub of Asian cultures? Nearly 40% of Philly’s immigrant population in recent years has come from China, and the city is host to dynamic Asian communities from throughout the continent.
From Cambodians or Indonesians in South Philly to Koreans in Olney or Upper Darby, Philadelphia hosts vibrant cultural hubs representing nations from across Asia. Northeast Philly stretching out to suburban white collar commuters is home to large Indian communities, and only a handful of cities in the U.S. have larger Vietnamese populations than Philly, the third largest on the East Coast. Naturally, Chinese migrants do business as well as live in the center city near the city’s traditional Chinatown but also commute in from metro area’s globally diverse suburban communities too.
For those who feel called to make disciples among unreached peoples, encountering the nations in Philadelphia represents a strategic missional pathway. As a global city and re-emerging gateway city, Philly is a host to the nations. Opportunities to impact Buddhist, atheist, Hindu, Muslim, or Sikh neighbors and friends is prevalent throughout Philadelphia.
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