SOTC’s English as a Second Language Ministry

When the program resumes, the Shadow of the Cross English as a Second Language (ESL) ministry will offer opportunities for practicing English.

Progress Update – January 2023: The Shadow of the Cross’s International Friendship Center (IFC) will be conducting “Make, Take and Donate” sewing classes for ESL participants soon! The IFC will be offering sewing lessons to those interested in developing skills for future self-employment or seamstress jobs. All items will be made by all participants at same time. Some items will be personal and some will be for community servant projects. Our volunteer teachers are currently learning about the available projects.

Overview

Shadow of the Cross’s International Friendship Center works in partnership with POBLO and is managed by an SOTC committee that plans and agrees on SOTC outreach ministries to people of the nations. The IFC is aligned with POBLO’s mission to “meet the physical, social, and spiritual needs of Muslims and other refugees in the United States by sharing the love of Jesus in practical and culturally relevant ways.”

The IFC is for people interested in practicing reading and speaking English through the study of God’s Holy Word. Participants are encouraged to bring their personal Bible in their native language or a bilingual Bible. Participants are also encouraged to bring a paper that lists the books of the Bible in their native language so we can help you with matching them with English words. Participants practice pronunciation of the books of the Bible in English. Also, participants learn biblical vocabulary, pronunciation and the meaning of those words. An enriching opportunity for all is to hear one another as God’s Holy Word is spoken in various languages.

The dedicated SOTC IFC room for the ESL and cultural program will be used for hosting international and domestic food and social events because of its proximity to the kitchen. The educational purpose is to allow practice with following and receiving instruction using English language. In addition, the group will participate in Bible studies and smaller educational activities (games and workshops).

We plan to have a volunteer lead a class using a book that introduces American culture in a fun way. The books are already donated.

This opportunity is for those interested in fun, casual activities that allow opportunity to practice English. All persons from the community are welcome. Come regularly or whenever you can. Participants play table games, share information about their culture (food, art, recipes for cooking, etc). This is an informal occasion. The activities are in response to what is interesting to the participants.

Those who have been attending the SOTC ESL program value the cultural exchange and friendship. It worked very well for us. Our church ladies have been wonderful with attending the cultural exchange activities and making friends with the ladies. Snacks and beverages have been exchanged as well. We will provide the opportunity to learn about our faith as much as possible.