New Roots Ministry

05/29/2026

"The Nations Have Come to Us!" workshop was a good time. Thanks to New Roots Ministry founder Carl Bruxvoort for providing some history, as well as biblical perspective on immigration. Board member Simplice Noutsougan discussed his family's immigration experience, and migration patterns of west Africans. Former Board member William Daldoum described his family's immigration experience, and migration patterns of east Africans. The variety of food and beverages from other countries provided a nice touch as well.

05/22/2026

I appreciate groups that want a cross-cultural experience. Though this group of mostly seniors are just across the Minnesota state-line, hanging out in immigrant establishments in Sioux Falls is quite different from rural and small town MN. We started by going to La Luna Cafe and getting some education from Salvador about central American migration. Next, Alicia at LSS' Center for New Americans offered an excellent educational hour about refugees and other immigrants, and how LSS, as a regional agency, assists many of them. We went to Hagere Restaurant for authentic Ethiopian cuisine. We shopped at Mogadishu Store, which is always entertaining. Finally, my friend, Ahmed, hopped on our bus for the final 10 minutes, sharing from his African Muslim perspective about his deep desire for world peace, and how he and I, with different backgrounds, have a good friendship.

05/15/2026

Really fun hanging out with some friends, as well as 4 ministry workers visiting directly from El Salvador. In this picture, we had coffee and food at Edit's and Salvador's La Luna Cafe. That's always a "hit," but even better as Edit and Salvador are originally from El Salvador. After visiting an African store owned by a Muslim friend, and then discussing our love for, and outreach to, people of other faiths, we had a good visit with Father Kristopher Cowles. Kristopher, an evangelical, charismatic, bilingual priest, who is in-tune with being impactful, especially among Hispanic youth and young adults, provided us with inspiring dialogue.

05/05/2026

"The Nations Have Come to Us!" New Roots Ministry is hosting a gathering. 1) Founder, Carl Bruxvoort, will offer Bible reflection on immigration. 2) Board members will share their stories of immigration. 3) Good ethnic foods & beverages will be served. WHEN? Saturday, May 9, 9:00--11:30AM. WHERE? Empower Campus' Community Room, 1915 E. 8th St, Sioux Falls. RSVP is not required, but if you think you might come, please let us know.

05/05/2026

"The Nations Have Come to Us!" New Roots Ministry is hosting a gathering. 1) Founder, Carl Bruxvoort, will offer Bible reflection on immigration. 2) Board members will share their stories of immigration. 3) Good ethnic foods & beverages will be served. WHEN? Saturday, May 9, 9:00--11:30AM. WHERE? Empower Campus' Community Room, 1915 E. 8th St, Sioux Falls. RSVP is not required, but if you think you might come, please comment here or FB message us.

04/29/2026

"The Nations Have Come to Us!" New Roots Ministry is hosting a gathering. 1) Founder, Carl Bruxvoort, will offer Bible reflection on immigration. 2) Board members will share their stories of immigration. 3) Good ethnic foods & beverages will be served. WHEN? Saturday, May 9, 9:00--11:30AM. WHERE? Empower Campus' Community Room, 1915 E. 8th St, Sioux Falls. RSVP is not required, but if you think you might come, please comment here.

04/15/2026

I was privileged to have a fine group of youth, along with a pastor and youth director, from Bridge of Hope Church in Sioux Center, Iowa, to hang out with us in Sioux Falls. It was also good having my friend, Amadu (the guy with black hair), join us and share about life as a former refugee and about his faith. The day involved some classroom time, some good food at a Nepali restaurant, some shopping and cleaning at Mogadishu Store, and hearing some parting words of wisdom from friend and business owner, Ahmed.

04/02/2026

Queencilia and Homary are go-getters! From the time Homary had to leave Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a refugee, going to Zambia, he sought education and opportunities for leadership. There, he met Queencilia, whose family was originally from DRC, and eventually they were able to come to the US. Education continued, along with promotions at their workplaces.
It was fun to be at their Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of their Bethany Home Care. I believe it will be a success.

03/26/2026

I've been doing a lot of learning about Islam during this past month of Ramadan. I went to a neighboring mosque---Islamic Center of Sioux Falls on E 6th St, which was the first mosque in SF, established in 1992. I went there for a Friday 1PM prayer service, then again at 7PM for a breaking-the-fast service. After 14 hours of fasting from all food and beverages, we enjoyed a very good meal together! In SF, there are presently 3 mosques/masjids, and as the Muslim population is growing, funds are being raised to have a 4th. I went to the Eid al-Fitr, which is the celebration at the end of Ramadan. There were a few thousand people together at the SF Convention Center.
I think the biggest growth is from the fact that SF is a fast-growing city, and naturally some of those moving in are Muslim. I also think more refugees and immigrants who have been coming to the US in the last few years are Muslim, compared to more Christian refugees and immigrants coming in the past 30 years.
MY EXPERIENCE AND VIEW: Muslim people have been kind to me as a guest, and they are thankful for my interest. I am learning that Islam is extremely works-oriented, making me more deeply appreciate my God, who extends unconditional grace and love to me, which then motivates me to live a life that thanks him and that is helpful to others; I don't have to, nor can I in any way, earn my way with God. Read this webpage to give you an idea of how people strive to earn and achieve their way with God in Islam: https://www.muslimaid.org/what-we-do/religious-dues/the-night-of-power-laylat-ul-qadr/. As well, if you want to compare the religions of Islam and Christianity by their doctrines, I wrote this paper, which may be helpful to you:http://sfnewroots.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Comparison-Islam-and-Christianity-2026.pdf

03/17/2026