Is Language Learning Ministry? (blog post by Chris)

One of the great things about living in Thailand is that not many people speak English. What?! Does this make it harder for us to communicate? Most of the time. Does it mean we have to study more to learn the language? Definitely. But so far, we have enjoyed the challenges of learning Thai- even those times when we thought we were ordering noodles and got white rice instead.

Because English is valued but not always available, we find ourselves in a unique position to use teaching English as a tool to build relationships. Dave has built a relationship with a Buddhist man by meeting twice a week to practice English and Thai. He has really grown to look forward to these days when he can sit and talk with his new friend. Eric has also begun teaching English to several new believers from our church.

Every Monday I go to the local bar area where I, and several other missionaries, meet with bargirls to practice English. We are excited to build relationships with these women through something so simple for us. And on Saturdays, I meet with nearly thirty young people to practice English. All of these young people are Buddhist and it is a joy to be able to get to know each one of them.

Teaching English and even learning Thai are not the goals for us, they are the tools to help us build relationship with the people of Thailand who we are growing to love more and more each day.

Learning language on missions is a necessary challenge. However, it is not something we just need to do right now, so we can finally do some "real" ministry. Learning language IS ministry.

Comments

Preach the Gospel, Use Soccer if Necessary

Preach the Gospel, Use Soccer if Necessary Preach the Gospel, Use Soccer if Necessary Trinity Fitness is in Honduras! Our Honduras mission trip team. Preach the Gospel, Use Soccer if Necessary St. Franci...

The First Day of the Rest of Her Life

After seven nights in NICU, Gabriella is finally with us. Today is the first day of the rest of her life. To all who held us so tightly in prayer during this very difficult time, we want to express our extreme gratitude and appreciation. Thank you for standing with us in prayer, seeking God for health and healing for our newest child. Your prayers are powerful and effective, so don't stop. If you happen to be in the Maryland area, please feel free to contact us if you want to come see the newest missionary in the family.

There are times . . .

when I really miss being in the States. Right now in Maryland the weather is getting very cold, and there might be snow in the forecast. I miss the smells of winter and the cool crisp air. I also miss the first world comforts that I have taken for granted for so many years. In that regard, I miss how most first world countries are usually much cleaner. I also miss living and working in a temperature controlled environment, where I am hardly every sticky with sweat or humidity. Also the Filipino way of doing things is different--not necessarily better or worse, just different. I guess I will go through this all throughout my missionary career. While Iloilo is my home, I still feel like a foreigner. While I love my life here, I am still a citizen of two worlds, calling two VERY different places home.

anascomissions.org

Search This Blog