Sarnia Welcomes International Students to Canada

Each September, May and January, Lambton College begins a new semester.  With it they welcome new international students to Sarnia from all over the world. The September semester represents the largest group of new students, May the smallest and January somewhere in between. The Sarnia Gospel Hall has connected with the International Office at Lambton College to host the new international students for a Welcome Dinner. Our first dinner was just over a year ago in August of 2013. We have had three more dinners since then, with our most recent on the 27th of August with seventy students attending.

Timing and Transportation

The timing of the dinner is important and usually falls the week before the semester begins.  Once classes start the students become occupied with their studies and are less likely to attend.  We have found that as a first point of contact in Sarnia, aside from the college, we are able build a stronger relationship.  Once the date is set, the Student Activity Coordinator from the college arranges a bus tour of Sarnia with the final destination the Gospel Hall.  City busses have been chartered as well as school busses, but in both cases the college has covered the cost.

Welcoming and Introduction to Christianity

When the students arrive, the Christians are waiting to welcome them. Everyone wears a name tag to encourage communication and interaction.  The students make their way in and find a seat for a 15 minute welcome message which usually touches on life in Canada, a personal story, and an introduction to the Gospel.  The message has been somewhat of a challenge.  We know it is an amazing opportunity to present the Gospel to young people who have possibly never heard it. At the same time we have to respect the college and the students so we do not upset or offended and lose the opportunity entirely.  The approach has been to focus on the love of God, and an explanation as to why we would have a group of students in for a meal.

The Meal

After the message, students are served a Canadian dinner consisting of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. It is difficult to make the foods to which they are accustomed, so we usually either avoid those dishes or combine them with a Canadian dish. For dessert we serve cake decorated as the Canadian flag.  The Christians are encouraged to sit among the students during the meal in order to share stories and advice, in an attempt to build relationships. In the past, the Christians have been responsible for bringing the students back to their homes. At the last dinner the buses were able stay and take the students home when the evening had concluded.

Welcoming ‘Care’ Package to Leave With

A small treat bag is given to the students as they leave.  The bags consist of candy, pencils, buttons, and other treats along with a magnet verse and some contact information.  We try to keep a Canadian theme throughout the meal, the treat bag, and even in some decorations. At the last dinner we handed out pamphlets explaining a little more about the Gospel Hall and the International Program. The pamphlet also contains contact information and encourages the students to connect with us on Facebook.  The Facebook page is called Sarnia Gospel Hall International Program.  We have found that Facebook and email are better ways to contact the students initially as they have access to internet sooner than cell phones.  We hope to expand the effort by having meals/events more regularly than just at the beginning of the semester.

The Future

With God's help in this work we are sure to see blessing. We need His guidance in directing our future activities with the students. We also look to Him to bless us with continued openness shown by the college towards our efforts. The response and connections made have been very encouraging and we feel God has blessed this work so far.

If you would like more information please contact Jesse or Vashti Young

Empty Egg Easter Object Lesson Idea

Okay, perhaps you are trying to stay away completely from the eggs of Easter. I understand; so skip this idea. It's not for you. But for those who don't have any qualms about using a common and cultural thing to teach the truth of the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Christ, you may like this idea.

Empty Egg Lesson – Click on this link and you will be able to print off the Empty Egg Lesson – a very attractive color brochure to give out to those in attendance. This lesson may be more suitable for a Teen Class or an ESL class or a Bible Study Outreach group. (Credit for this posting and idea goes to: Paul Schlieker www.bible-study-lesson-plans.com. Lostsheepfinders is not endorsing the content on that website but this particular object lesson has merit.) If you do not like the translation they used, you can use their basic layout but use the translation you prefer and design your own handout. The instructions below will not make much sense until you download the brochure – but these instructions are only here – and you will not see them when you download the brochure. So notice them below.

1. Number twelve plastic eggs. 
2. Cut apart the scripture texts.
3. Place each object and each text in the corresponding numbered egg. 
4. Divide the eggs among the participants. 
5. Ask participants to open the eggs in numerical order, showing the object and reading the verse.
6. Take your time and discuss each object/verse and its significance with the group. 

Lansing, Ontario: ESL News

This report was submitted by Sarah Giraldi on behalf of the Lansing Gospel Hall.

Background

ESL classes at Lansing Gospel Hall started in September 2010, although interest was shown much earlier. Some believers were Korean students who wanted to learn more; some believers had been involved in other ESL-type outreaches; and some had held paid positions in teaching English to second language learners.

We held several meetings through the summer to see who was interested in helping out and to collect ideas regarding format and curriculum. Once these were decided on, we held an evening of mock “classes” for those who were interested in helping, but had no previous experience.

Classes

We started classes mid-September, and continued every Friday night except for holiday times. (We just had our last class, and will be taking a break for the summer.) At this point, we offer beginner and intermediate classes. Each class runs for about an hour; after the classes are finished, everyone meets for a snack and a time to chat informally. 

The beginner class focuses on vocabulary and pronunciation, covering topics like Weather, Transportation, and the Supermarket. The intermediate class focuses on conversation, based on questions about short news articles. The beginner class has been introduced to various proverbs (from the book of Proverbs) and idioms. The intermediate class has gone more in-depth with verses relating to an overview of the Bible and the claims of Christ. The snack time after the classes has been a great opportunity to get to know the students a little better.

Helpers

We have believers who are interested in teaching sign up ahead of time. This prevents teaching from becoming the responsibility of one or two people, and gives the students experience with different English speakers. In addition to teachers, we have had others help out in a number of ways: greeting students and handing out name-tags, bringing food or helping to serve, setting up tables or cleaning up, or chatting with students during the snack time. We have also had believers supervise games and activities with children who come, thus allowing the parents to attend an ESL class they would not otherwise be able to. Most importantly, we have appreciated the support of the many believers who have prayed for this outreach.

Response

We have had a very positive response to the classes. Most weeks we have 20-30 students present, and several have started to attend our regular meetings at other times in the week. We have a very diverse group of students who come - a variety of cultures, ages and walks of life are represented at each class every week.

For some holidays, we have a special meal with the students. Both the classes are combined, and we have the students together for a short gospel message and activity relating to the holiday. This is followed by the meal where students had the opportunity to taste some more “traditional” Canadian foods. Students were very appreciative of this.

Advertising

Some of the ways we have advertised for this outreach include:

• A large sign at the side of the hall;

• Our website and answering machine message;

• Handing out flyers at intersections close by (Lansing Gospel Hall is located near a major intersection and subway lines);

• Posting flyers in bus shelters, on community bulletin boards;

• Placing ads in nearby ESL schools that offer day classes not conflicting with ours

• Posting ads online (some believers have translated the ads and put them on Korean and Japanese websites); and

• Placing ads in community newspapers that serve different language groups in our area.

Future Plans

Lord willing, we hope to continue this outreach in the fall, running classes from September to June, except for holidays. 

 

If you have any questions please contact Sarah Giraldi and visit Lansing Gospel Hall website.

ESL in Halifax, Nova Scotia

God has graciously placed in the hands of the local church which meets at North Street Gospel Hall in Halifax an opportunity to work with a number of landed immigrants and international students. 

James Makes a Phone Call Requesting Help

The work began when a Chinese post-doctoral scientist came to Halifax to work for two years at the National Research Council.  Through a friend in Ottawa, James was encouraged to call us and ask for help with English. When James made his first phone call he said, ‘I want help with English and I want to learn about God’. Two Christian brothers went to meet him and his wife. They took along an ESV Bible and began, two nights per week, reading with them the Gospel of John at their home. These folks, as is the case with most of the Chinese and Korean people with whom we have worked, can write and read English, as it the official second language in their countries, but are weak in pronunciation. 

Two Years Later ESL Classes Established

After working with them for about two years, we have moved the program to the Gospel Hall where we conduct classes lasting for two hours on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. We are normally dealing with people who are well educated and who have a good grasp of the rules of English grammar. We also have had students from Russia, Mexico, Columbia, Sri Lanka, India, Uruguay, Egypt, and Iran among others.

Read Aloud Approach to Learning English as a Second Language:

We believe that one of the most effective ways of teaching English is through the Read Aloud Approach. The student learns as he/she hears the words pronounced correctly by the teacher and further learns through the practicing of proper pronunciation. Each person reads 3-5 verses in turn as we go through a chapter an evening, normally starting with the Gospel of John. Vocabulary is being built as we read together. Comprehension and speaking are fostered as we discuss what we have read. Grammatical issues are discussed as they come up in the reading. 

Bible Translation Used

Believing that modern, present day English is what is reasonable and required, we have chosen to use the NASB but believe that the classes could be profitably conducted also with either the ESV or NKJV.

We want to teach English and believe it is our responsibility to ‘do good unto all men’--‘So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.' Galatians 6:10 (NASB) We also want to sow the Good Seed of the Word of God. We would like to see fruit for eternity. Can we accomplish simultaneously these purposes? We believe we can.

‘For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.' Hebrews 4:12-13 (NASB) 

We have seen evidence that God is using His Living Word in the power of the Holy Spirit as per His promise. While many of the people come to us having never seen a Bible, we see evidences that many are seeking for Truth and in the case of the Chinese in particular, would like to learn about the God whom they have been told does not exist. 

Teaching - Not Preaching

We have decided not to preach in a traditional sense but to present the Word in a reading format and to allow the Spirit of God to use the Living Word. A foundation in the Word must be built. We are teaching, not preaching! We do, however, attempt to explain and share the Gospel from the reading each evening. We are not taking an apologetic approach. When questions arise we take them to verses that show what the Bible declares as the answer to the question.

We believe that we can help most by having students read related passages that answer their questions or are connected to the passage we are discussing. From this we elicit responses from the class. We want to be committed to teaching, not telling!

A Summary of the Strategy:

1. A number of us have taken a course in teaching English as a Second Language. A number of these courses are available online. 
2. We advertise free ESL classes but the vast majority of our students are brought by other students who are already in the classes. 
3. We begin with a light snack and social time. This starts at about 15 minutes before class. This is an important part of the work. 
4. Each person is given an inexpensive Bible on their first or second visit. 
5. Class sizes are best with a number not exceeding 6-7 as we are contacting them in a discussion format with the teacher sitting down. 
6. Each evening all classes do the same chapter but on Thursdays we do a different Bible book than Tuesday. The format may vary slightly depending on the teacher, but we begin with a handout for the class. We attempt to introduce first the vocabulary we will be meeting in the chapter. 
7. We then take turns reading 2-3 verses from the chapter. 
8. This is followed by discussion based on questions provided on the outline and on questions raised in the class. 
9. Having a memory verse that presents the Gospel clearly is very beneficial. The Memory Verse is primarily used as a means of clearly presenting and drilling a Gospel truth. It is difficult to memorize in a language that you are just learning but having each student read the verse aloud and then to try saying it is very valuable. Many students tell us that the Bible knowledge is more important to them than the English. 

In summary, there is a thirst for Truth in the hearts of many who come as students and as landed immigrants. There is also a desire to get as much help as possible with the language. We need a willingness to provide the ‘loaves and fishes’ and a confidence in the Living Word, in the gracious workings of the Holy Spirit, and in the truth that God ‘desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.' 1 Timothy 2:4

If you would like more information please contact Lloyd Cain, Matthew Cain or David Hull.