By Shelli McNutt
For Lorna Tatomir, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) isn’t just about grammar and pronunciation—it’s about building relationships, restoring hope, and sharing the love of God.
She resides near the tomato capital of Canada, home to thousands of migrant workers who need to learn English. Lorna’s background is rooted in compassionate service. Her early work with non-verbal students in group homes, combined with her training as an ESL educator, uniquely shaped her passion for reaching vulnerable populations. Now serving as a missionary with Literacy and Evangelism Canada, she found a natural fit in Light of the World Learning —a global ministry that offers high-quality, Bible-integrated language instruction to learners around the world.
“I spent three years looking for a program like this,” she says. “Light of the World Learning is all-inclusive, with outstanding resources and consistent support. Once I embraced its unique structure and let go of more traditional teaching methods, everything clicked. I saw real growth in my students—and in myself.”
Lorna teaches exclusively online, leading LOTWL classes three to four times a week. Her students vary widely—from highly educated individuals seeking English certification, to women exploring the Bible for the first time. While each session centers around LOTWL’s 50-lesson curriculum, every class is shaped by the students’ unique needs, language levels, and spiritual journeys. Some lessons are one-on-one; others form intimate, supportive group settings where deep friendships flourish.
These friendships are what make the work most meaningful for Lorna. “It’s about relationships,” she explains. “When you get to know the women and see how learning English—and the Bible—is changing their lives, you know you’re doing what God called you to do.”
Lorna is particularly passionate in her ministry work with Eritrean women. Eritrea is one of the most persecuted countries on earth. Thousands of Eritreans have fled their country in search of refuge and asylum. God has used Lorna to provide English instruction and Bible knowledge as a way to fulfill a calling He laid on her heart years ago.
Her journey hasn’t been without challenges. Navigating technology and teaching across different levels of language proficiency require constant adaptation. Yet, Lorna sees divine orchestration in her work. Time and again, God places specific people groups on her heart—and then places students from those very communities in her classes.
LOTWL’s impact goes beyond language acquisition. Through Lorna’s guidance, students have found church homes, completed certifications, and built communities of faith and friendship. In one particularly touching example, a class of women came together in person to host a baby shower—demonstrating the deep bonds formed through the program.
Lorna’s influence extends into her own church, which has embraced her ministry by supporting English learners and even opening their doors to a Spanish-speaking congregation that uses the church facilities for Sunday service after their traditional English service. The church has caught the vision, asking how they can serve the growing migrant population in the area, how they can show love in practical ways.
Recently, the Rehoboth Eritrean Church in Toronto has been developing an ESL ministry by training leaders in their church. Lorna and Sari have been using Light of the World materials to do a Wednesday night Women’s ESL for Bible. “We graduated a first group of ladies from Lessons A1 (Beginning) and have a Lesson A2 (High Beginning) group. We have a student coming to this group who connects with us from Brazil! This shows how well LOTW lessons can be global with online teaching.”
Looking ahead, Lorna hopes to continue equipping others to teach through Light of the World Learning. “The beauty of this curriculum is that it’s designed to multiply. Anyone with a heart to serve can pick it up and start teaching—and sharing the Word of God.”
To those considering volunteering or learning a new language, Lorna offers simple advice: “Just begin. You don’t have to have all the answers—just a willing heart. God will do the rest.”
Learn more about how you can get involved with Light of the World Learning at www.lotwl.org.