August is Literary Emphasis Month. When Jesus wanted to emphasize a subject, He would tell a story people could relate to. So let me tell you a story.

Every story has a beginning with a hero and a goal to be sought. Ours tells of a dedicated woman named Pat Choi who had a dream about starting free literacy classes where immigrants from around the world could come, no questions asked, and learn to speak, read and write English. Our story tells of our church leadership who saw an opportunity for outreach ministry and said, "Yes, let them come here." So English As a Second Language (ESL) classes started at SFBC.

Every story has a middle and a plot wherein interesting characters perform interesting deeds. Our ESL ministry has committed volunteers who serve as board members, planners, teachers, and prayer warriors, provide refreshments, and music and other services. They bring life histories and various talents into the mix of personalities and cultures as they give countless hours to the diverse students. Our plot reflects the working of the Holy Spirit as year after year He lovingly weaves together the lives of all these people for His glory.

Our story is still being written, so it has no ending, but what would a story be without a crisis? Every year the call goes out for more volunteers for the ever-growing school population. Will there be enough to serve the students God brings to us?

If you've read the story this far, maybe the Lord is leading you to join the literacy team and become part of the story. A training workshop will be provided for those interested in teaching. No special abilities are necessary, but joy in interacting with others and spreading the love of Jesus is essential. This is a volunteer project anyone can do. All it takes is love for others and a commitment to teach once a week. Classes range from Survivor (students who do not know one word of English) to Advanced (students who want to refine their English grammar or accent) classes are taught Monday mornings at 10:00 am and Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:30 to 9 pm. And remember, the ministry needs volunteers to offer refreshments and music for the 30-minute break period.

So that's a small part of the story of ESL at SFBC. To learn more, call Pat Choi at 593-3933.

The English As a Second Language (ESL) ministry is sponsored by the Seminole First Baptist Church and is the result of answered prayer and hard work.