Tuesday evenings buzz with the voices of ESL students and volunteers. Laughter, greetings and echoes of different languages fill the room. Secondly, there are voices of uncertainty for those coming for the first time and voices of concern from students with a relative in a country of political unrest. Most of all in Lakewood’s ESL ministry there is the voice of a family composed of volunteers and students. This is a place where God’s love overflows.
The birth of the current ESL ministry began several years ago at Lakewood Baptist Church. A couple from Venezuela visited our Sunday School Class. They spoke or understood very little English. I invited them to join us in the Contemporary Worship service.
After the service I introduced them to Dr. Tyler. Later Dr. Tyler and I discussed how the church can reach out and meet the needs of our diverse-growing community. In our conversation the Holy Spirit impressed on me the need for English classes in our community. Dr. Tyler was very supportive of this idea and six months later ESL began.
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
God already had teachers prepared for this ministry. He put two names on my mind to invite to be teachers and they both accepted immediately. An ESL training was scheduled and anyone who might be interested in serving in ESL ministry was welcome to attend. About twenty church members joined the training. From this group we had 2 more teachers and a dedicated group of volunteers. God had equipped us with people and training and now it was time to take a step of faith.
Why is ESL a Needed Ministry at Lakewood Baptist Church?
Did you that 8% to 9% of Americans lack English proficiency according to the latest information from the U.S Census Bureau? In the state of Georgia 15% -16% of the population of Georgia does not speak English. In Hall County the foreign-born population is 16% to 20%?
What does Jesus tell us in Matthew 28:18-20?
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'” Matthew 28:18-20
These were the last words Jesus spoke to the disciples before he ascended. When someone leaves us, their last words are very significant. These final words are of vital importance when we say goodbye to this individual. Jesus told his disciples with great authority to, “GO and make disciples of ALL nations.” He gave a command not a suggestion. The nations of the world have arrived in Gainesville, Georgia and we have a responsibility and privilege as believers to fulfill the Great Commission in our own front yard.
Since ESL began at Lakewood Baptist Church, we have had over 120 students register for ESL and eleven countries represented. Donnie from El Salvador comes to Gainesville on a H-2B visa which allows him to do seasonal work for about 8 months. Donnie has progressed 2 levels in English proficiency. This enables him better to communicate on the job and in everyday life in the states. Celeste and her mom from Venezuela come straight from their family-owned body shop every Tuesday to learn more English.
A married couple, Rosario from Nicaragua and Merced from Mexico, work two jobs and have 4 children. Their only day off is Tuesday but they want to speak and understand English better. Learning English helps parents talk to their child’s teacher and communicate in the workplace better. A college student from France living in Gainesville, attends ESL to perfect her knowledge of English. Most recently a family from Haiti and a lady from Vietnam started attending ESL classes.
When a new student arrives, we have volunteers ready to welcome new students and another volunteer to evaluate their proficiency of the English Language. Currently we have ESL classes from Intro to Level 4. After research and recommendations, we choose Intercambio for our ESL curriculum. The only cost for our students is to purchase a book for $15 each semester. Students can also sign up for childcare if needed.
At the end of the semester, we have a celebration dinner. At the end of the fall semester students bring favorite dishes from their country. Each class does a presentation of a Bible verse, song or reading they have learned in English that semester. At the end of the spring semester, we share a meal together, classes share a presentation and students receive a certificate and a Bible. Also, they could invite family members to celebrate their success.
In July we have a cookout with indoor and outdoor games. Every dinner includes a time of good food, singing, an evangelistic devotional and an abundance of laughter and fellowship. Our students and volunteers know how to celebrate together.
What are the Mission Goals of ESL and how are they being met?
- To share the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)
Each week in ESL teachers intentionally intertwine scripture into English Lessons. We desire for each student to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and grow spiritually. Once a month we meet in a large group to have a short evangelistic devotion, sing and pray together. On Sunday mornings at 9:30 an ESL Bible Study class is offered for anyone who would like to attend. It is taught by David, one of our students who worked with youth at his church in Mexico City.
- To teach English to the best of our ability.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
Weekly ESL teachers prepare lessons, make contacts, and pray for their students. Volunteers may also prepare part of the lesson. Volunteers also work with a grou or individuals to practice English or complete written assignments during class.
- Develop relationships and make connections.
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)
One of the best parts of ESL is developing relationships with our ESL students. We truly become a family. Each week students and volunteers are so glad to see each other. Our volunteer staff is incredible. I encourage them to sit with the same group of students each week. This is how connections and friendships are made. We have had students bring a birthday cake to class to celebrate a volunteer’s birthday with the whole class. ESL for me is one of the most fulfilling and exciting ministries I have been a part of. The Holy Spirit is moving and working in a mighty way in this vital ministry.
Written by Elaine Jump
ESL Ministry Director