“These tutors are volunteers. That means they don’t get paid to be here. They take the time to come teach English because they want to show you their love for our Savior.” Director Beth Thompson lets the students know every week. Simply stated, that’s what it all boils down to. That is why we have English classes.
The English Language Outreach experience started for me with WELS Kingdom Workers. I was blessed with the opportunity to teach English classes in Mexico for one year on a daily basis. When I returned to classes at the seminary, Gethsemane Lutheran Church on Milwaukee´s south side hired me to help with their evangelism to the Hispanic community. The easiest way to meet scores of them and talk to them about our church was at English classes. Back then I had the time to make the 35 minute drive to Gethsemane twice a week for English classes. Now, although my schedule does not allow me to go as often, I still enjoy tutoring once a week.
The reason I enjoy tutoring is not because I am an amazing English teacher. I don’t think anyone could actually say that I was without being accused of flattery. I know English because I speak English. I’m there to help anyone who cannot speak English in any way that I can. Largely thanks to the year I spent in Mexico, I can carry on a conversation in Spanish. While it´s true that the ability to speak Spanish helps fuel conversations with beginner students, even beginner students often appreciate the opportunity to practice their English as long as there is someone patient enough to listen. And do they ever show their appreciation!
At the end of every semester, classes at Gethsemane end with a fiesta. Students prepare a short composition on various themes to read in front of everyone. I have heard more heartfelt, soul-wrenching thank-yous, often with tear-filled eyes, from students to their tutors for the time, help, and friendship which they have shared. The students are touched that busy parents, students, and other hard working people take time out of their day to come teach them English. They are eager to get to know the teachers and what it is that motivates them to dedicate their time for someone they don´t know. This demonstration of love that we know comes only from our Savior makes friendships possible across the barriers of language and culture.
“They take the time to come teach English because they want to show you their love for our Savior.” I wonder who benefits more from hearing those words – me or the students. As Mrs. Thompson introduces the tutors from various churches, schools, occupations, ages, and walks of life – all working together – I am impressed by the variety of different people and organizations that come together to make this opportunity possible and by the love for their Savior that motivated them to do so. But then, after a conversation with a student turns to matters of faith and the Lord hands me a silver platter with yet another opportunity to share his precious gospel, I realize: It’s no wonder they all enjoy this! English classes at Gethsemane and many other places have opened up doors and windows for individuals and congregations to share the gospel with their neighbors.
There are a handful of seminary students that regularly volunteer. It´s not easy to make the trip down to the south side on a school night. It takes hustle to make it down there on time after work, and it requires missing supper in the cafeteria. But it´s worth it. As seminary students who sit at desks with our noses in books all day long, we can easily lose sight of the reason we´re doing all this. For me, taking just a few hours a week to tutor at Gethsemane is an excellent way to keep my eyes focused – not on myself or my books, but on the people who so desperately need to hear the good news of the gospel.
Only the Lord knows if someday I will have a call that includes an English language outreach program. But if he does give me such a call I will be willing and eager and will have an idea of how it should be run. I am thankful to Gethsemane and the English Outreach Program for giving me the opportunity to share in their joy of reaching out to the community.
Simply stated, that’s what it all boils down to. “They take the time to come teach English because they want to show you their love for our Savior.” That is why we are all here, isn’t it?
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