Nancy Kingdon recently shared about the Light of the World English Language Learning program at Healing Place Church in Canada: “All of our ESL students with their families were invited to what has become an annual backyard pool party. This year 71 participated. Families brought an ethnic dish and we supplied halal chicken hotdogs, rolls, and soft drinks and water. A great time of fellowship, friendship and fun was experienced, along with the mingling of many nations—currently more than 11 nations represented through this ESL gathering. It was the first time one young Syrian boy of about nine had ever been swimming, we discovered, as we watched him splash and toss a ball in the swimming pool.”
“Another joy is the way some of our original students….I am thinking of Sheela from Afghanistan, Angeleena from India, Karla from Mexico, Olivia from Guatemala and Mirna from Argentina….have blossomed with confidence in speaking English. Before their first class, we noticed they were shy and seldom spoke, if at all. Now, all of them are confident chatting with anyone near them and they have no problem greeting others, smiling a lot and holding a conversation. What a joy to see this transformation! We’ve heard other students say they know how to fill in job application forms and are not afraid of a job interview since they have had ESL lessons with us.”
“Another well-received special event was how we organized a ‘graduation day’ and invited ESL families to come to the front of the church to receive their ‘certificates’ for having completed 50 lessons. The rest of the church was able to congratulate these students—approximately 90 ESL students now feel a part of this ministry!
“A number of our ESL students asked to be baptized, and our church family were able to praise God, along with them, when they did so, and then welcome them as they started attending our church each Sunday.”
We thank the congregation of Healing Place Church for opening their doors and their hearts to welcome newcomers!