Gen Connect

Reflecting back on your life, have you ever felt like you didn’t belong? This is a universal hardship, but we each have experienced it in our own way. In our local community, there is a next generation that feels this deeply. Their parents come from a different culture and language. They know they don’t fit in with the country of origin, and they doubt that they truly belong here. They seek various solutions to this problem, but we know intimately that Jesus is the answer. Jesus calls us each by name, not by group. It is our hope that this ministry, Gen Connect, will share the gift we have received with this generation.

The Ministry Focus of Gen Connect

This ministry is focused on reaching the 1 1/2 generation immigrant community, consisting of people who came to the United States as children with their parents or who were born here after their parents immigrated to the U.S. These individuals often feel caught between two cultures and struggle to find a place of belonging. We believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and we the Body of Christ at St. Michael’s, can offer a place where everyone is welcome and belongs.

Our Purpose

To reach and raise the next generation; to foster faith in Christ through relationship building and worship.

Our Promise

We are a church that provides a sense of belonging for the one and a half generation immigrants. “You belong, and we’re glad you’re here.”

Our Values

• Kingdom Minded
• Unity of the Spirit
• Openness and Humility
• Intentional Relationships
• Compassion

Meet Hunde Takele

From a young age, Hunde Takele had a passion for spreading the Gospel. Hunde grew up in Ethiopia and was raised by German Lutheran missionaries. At the age of five, his family brought him to see the German missionaries and be prayed over. He experienced miraculous healing and was able to stand for the first time in his life. From that day, he dedicated his life to the Lord and wanted to raise people for God’s kingdom.

When Hunde was a young adult, he moved to the U.S. with a mission to evangelize. He randomly chose Minneapolis as his new home. He eventually started an Oromo church to share his experience with others and preach the Gospel message.

Hunde has a heart for immigrants and wants to be the bridge for those who struggle between two different cultures and finding their faith. His vision is to respond to the social and spiritual needs within the church and community by providing a strong foundation of faith. He is currently attending Concordia Seminary to become an LCMS pastor. Hunde is also a faith leader for the youth at Power of Gospel Oromo church which meets at St. Michael’s.

He is married to Martha Oumer and they have two little boys named Jacob and Eba.

If you have questions about GenConnect, check out these New Ministry FAQs (rev. 2-28-22) or email the planning team at GenConnect@smlcb.org.