Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge:“Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.” Matthew 10:5-8 The Message
These days “neighbor” has taken on a different meaning from when I was growing up. Most of the people in my neighborhood in Birmingham had been there for several generations; we all had common roots. Things have changed a lot from the 1960’s/70’s. My neighbors in Montgomery are “red and yellow, black and white.” According to Matthew 10:5-8, we are to go out “to the neighborhood” and “tell them” about the Kingdom of God. We are to bring health to the sick, touch the untouchables and be generous…sharing what we have been given by the Lord with those in need. One of the best ways of showing our international neighbors God’s love is by meeting their need to learn English. It is a great way to DEMONSTRATE what we are called to do as obedient followers of Christ.
There are two very important reasons why I think it is important for churches and our association to continue to offer ESL classes as a ministry.
1.Church/Association based ESL ministries physically demonstrate Christ’s love. St Francis of Assisi said this, “Preach the Gospel and if necessary, use words.” Christ called us to meet the needs of those around us.
2.Church based ESL ministries are a natural setting to share the gospel. After the “physical need” of learning English has begun, teachers have natural opportunities through talking about American holidays, cultural differences and the meaning of the church and Christianity.
Henry Blackaby always says, “Look at where God is working and join Him in it.” God is bringing people to the United States. He longs for them to know the personal relationship that we all share with Him.
Lisa Rose, director, Church and Community Ministries, Montgomery Baptist Association
