During six years of teaching English to refugees and immigrants in my hometown, I’ve noticed a pattern. My students are comfortable practicing English in the classroom, but they lack confidence to use their new language in everyday life. One day, it occurred to me language learners don’t need more worksheets or homework. They need English-speaking friends!
What a wonderful opportunity for us as believers to befriend the nations. We are equipped with the loving words of Christ on our tongues and His gentle Spirit in our hearts, and it is our responsibility to steward those gifts well.
You can find English language learners through other churches, nonprofits, or libraries in your area. These agencies can connect you to structured, regular meetings with students of the language.
If you do not have the capacity for a volunteer commitment right now, look for neighbors in your everyday routines. As you wait in line at the grocery store or peruse the same rack of clothing at the store, watch for every opportunity to engage and encourage someone.
Explore the diverse pockets of your town. Try new restaurants or visit local markets. As you step into these places, organic opportunities to learn your neighbors’ stories and experience their cultures will enrich your understanding of the nations.
In every encounter, honor the image of God by showing compassion when listening to difficult refugee and immigrant stories. Your neighbor’s English might be broken, so have patience to speak slowly and listen carefully. Be encouraging. Compliment often. Use words that fit their learning level. Your words will make an impact, but greater than that, the light of Christ within you will shine brightly and share hope.
Many folks assume they must be bilingual to communicate with refugee and immigrant neighbors. Although the language barrier is real, the Holy Spirit does not need an interpreter to communicate kindness. He can make much of a few, short words. As you step out in faith to befriend the nations, you demonstrate to the watching world that diversity is central to the Christian faith. Your children will watch you too. By your example, they will see we are called to live missionally, no matter where we are located on the map.
God has been faithful to bring the nations to us. Let us be faithful to meet them here.
About the Writer: Brianna Persinger, a 2017 Welch College graduate, interacts with more than a dozen cultures every day as she coordinates a literacy program for refugee youth at a small nonprofit in Nashville, Tennessee. To find non-English-speaking neighbors near your church, email questions@nafwb.org to get a B.L.E.S.S. profile.
