“Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” (Matt 28:19)
How is that possible? This is my story:
Frank and I began our “mission trip” in January of 2018. Through World English Institute (WEI) we have “traveled to Kenya, Myanmar, Malaysia, Brazil, Haiti, Philippines, and Pakistan (just to mention a few places) and met over 300 men and women, teens, and even a few children who wanted to learn English through studying the Bible. Some students state they are Christians, but many are Islamic, Buddhists, or have no religious background at all. We have lots of opportunities to share God’s Word. Not all our students have finished all the courses and stayed with us these past two years, but we have planted seeds and continue to pray God will continue to help them grow.
“COVID-19” shut down my world a year ago, but opened up the world to me. This one word phrase was something that affected all humanity and because of it I was able to find common ground to develop deeper relationships with my students. I shared my concerns and life changes, and they shared their stories. We have hurt and prayed for each other throughout the year.
My favorite part of the WEI program is building relationships with my students. The more we learn about each other, the easier it is to teach them God’s Word. I thoroughly enjoy writing encouraging notes after each lesson through the WEI website (not my personal email). It’s been rewarding to share my life experiences and my faith through these ongoing conversations. I feel like I have friends all over the world!
So many conversations have touched my life: a bride adjusting to married life living with her in-laws, a miscarriage, COVID and the effects of the pandemic, questions they ask as they search for the truth, grandchildren, a run away child, no clean water, illnesses, aging, loss of job, etc. Each topic has allowed me to share my faith and pray for them in a personal way and also helped me grow spiritually. I see God working in all our lives!
Teaching is easy! You don’t have to be an expert in teaching English or the Bible. In fact, I have learned many new things as I have taught my students. The Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced courses have scripted grammar and reading lessons. The WEI computer program grades the grammar lessons and the reading lessons except for 3 – 4 discussion questions that the students are supposed to answer in their own words using their English skills. We correct and make comments on these few questions.
I have learned to appreciate how blessed we are in the United States. So many of my students complete their work on their phones. They do not have computers. Many live in very rural conditions without the medical facilities that we have. Many are well educated and have prestigious jobs and others long to be employed. They are hungry to learn and very appreciative of their teachers.
Won’t you consider being part of the WEI and become a teacher? Everyday there are hundreds who are up and want to be taught….. It’s time to begin your mission trip!
