By Shelli McNutt
When Susie retired from a 31-year career as an elementary school teacher in 2021, she didn’t slow down—she
stepped into a new calling.
Living near Clarkston, Georgia, Susie began volunteering with a refugee ministry of Johnson Ferry Baptist
Church, serving Afghan families who had recently been evacuated from Kabul and other regions of
Afghanistan. With a background in ESL and decades of experience in a multicultural public school system,
Susie saw an opportunity to continue doing what she loves—teaching—while sharing the love of Christ.
At first, Susie and her co-volunteer developed their own curriculum. But while searching online for additional
resources, she discovered Light of the World Learning. The material seems to be a perfect fit for the more
advanced Afghan ladies she teaches. The LOTW curriculum’s conversational focus and minimal preparation were exactly what she needed.
Susie and her co-teacher lead the advanced English class for Afghan women living in a nearby apartment
complex. While the husbands often learn English on job sites and children pick it up in public schools, many
of the women don’t have the opportunity to pick up conversational English. Therefore, they are highly motivated to learn the language in this setting.
Occasionally, women with very limited English join the advanced class. Rather than embarrass them, they are
gently invited to listen and participate only if they feel comfortable. The atmosphere is one of respect, patience,
and encouragement.
Susie tells us that there is so much refugees don’t understand about U.S. culture.
“Most of the women were from Kabul, but some were from small villages, where they received no education.”
They are Muslim, but I hope and pray that God will allow me and the other teachers to be a witness of the love
we have for them which comes from Jesus’ love for us. They know we love them and want what is best for
them to assimilate into our culture, and the best way to do that is to help them with English learning.”
Susie sees her role not only as a teacher but as a witness—demonstrating Christ’s love through consistency, kindness, and prayer.
She shared about a student who recently flew back to Afghanistan to marry. They were so worried
that she and her sister would not be able to return to the United States. The teachers let them know that they were
praying for them, the marriage, and a safe return to the states. After the break, the sisters returned to class
and Susie was able to let them know how thankful they were and that God had answered their prayers.
In moments like these, Susie sees clearly how language learning and faith intertwine. Their return felt like a
tangible reminder that a big part of ministry comes with witnessing His answers to prayers!
For Susie and her fellow volunteers, experiences like this go beyond vocabulary and grammar. They are
reminders that through every lesson, conversation, and quiet prayer, lives are being touched, hearts are being
encouraged, and the love of Christ is being faithfully lived out in practical, powerful ways.