August 8, 2004
The rationale behind World English Institute is well-expressed by Larry Little, missionary in Arad, Romania. As you read this report, think about how your congregation and your missionaries can use WEI as an evangelistic tool in countries where people are studying English as a second language.
“Mission work is about preaching the gospel to the lost. But the lost must somehow be persuaded to hear the gospel before they can be saved.
“The July campaign has proved the effectiveness of the WEI approach to getting people to hear the gospel. Five Christians from America joined us as teachers in the campaign. The Romanians who were attracted to our free English instruction proved to be serious students whose motive for coming to us was self-improvement, not benevolence. We ended up with over 30 men and women as students ranging in age from 16 to 52, from various backgrounds, religions, and occupations.
“The material is excellent. It is sound and written in such an easy-flowing and interesting way that the students move quickly from sole interest in English skills to genuine interest in the Bible.
“The amazing thing is that our students enjoyed studying the Bible! One student actually pushed the grammar book aside and wanted to just do the Bible portion. As the month progressed, teachers were sharing comments from their students—such as, ‘When I am baptized, I want to be here,’ ‘I have never heard this before,’ and ‘I am studying the Bible more than I ever have before.’ The very fact that, for a month, over 30 people looked forward to coming to us every day knowing that they would be studying the Bible is simply amazing.
“Due to its [WEI’s] very nature, translators for our American teachers were not required. This greatly enhanced the quality of the one-on-one studies. Our job is to preach the gospel, and WEI produces quality contacts. Our objective for the campaign was realized beyond what we had hoped for.
“We rejoice in that one obeyed the gospel in the third week. For most, however, it takes longer.
“After Corina’s baptism, she encouraged her mother to study the Bible with us—which resulted in her obedience to the gospel. Now, her mother is encouraging Corina’s sister to study with us. Corina has also influenced a friend to begin WEI with us.
“We have 15 students continuing their studies. At this point, we feel that at least three more students are close to obedience.
“This is a work in progress, and we have yet to see the ultimate results. We have been thoroughly impressed with this outreach approach. All praise, honor, and glory be unto God.”
