By Ruben Isturiz, Missionary Pastor • Ebenezer Baptist Mission
At Ebenezer, we always teach that a gospel movement begins and ends with prayer. We continually pray for “open doors” and opportunities to build bridges within our community.
For over a year, Kory (my wife) and I have prayed about starting an English as a Second Language (ESL) ministry. We view this ministry as a valuable opportunity to connect with the community in which we live and, through it, build bridges that enable us to share the gospel.
A month ago, we launched a pilot ESL program, and the participants are very happy with the classes. We will continue with this pilot group throughout the fall. In January, our goal is to expand the program to a larger group, and we are already evaluating appropriate teaching materials.
Our goal is to offer an ESL program for beginners and, for more advanced students, an “English Conversation Club.” In all my years in Arkansas, I have never found a place where English can be practiced consistently. The idea is to incorporate a Discovery Bible Study (DBS) in English, which will provide an excellent opportunity to practice the language through the study of the Bible.
We are praying that God will provide a leader to direct this ministry and volunteers who are willing to get involved. The main requirement for volunteers is to be filled with the Holy Spirit, be a native English speaker and have the patience necessary to work with people whose first language is not English.
We pray that God will be glorified in the material chosen and in the lives of the brothers and sisters in Christ who get involved. The door is open. Will you be one of them?
