The Language of Love
Seeking a new life, they arrive with little. They are lonely and in desperate need. One of their most urgent needs is to learn English. Take a woman we’ll call "Ann." For her protection, we won’t even name the country she fled. She arrived legally, but desperately poor — and without a word of English. By God’s grace, she connected with one of our partner ministries devoted to teaching English to newcomers. But English classes are really only the "front door." Many of these newcomers have no food in their cupboards, and no clothing except what they’re wearing at the moment. This is Ann’s life. Into this mission field comes Jane, the founder of this English-teaching ministry. Jane also brings tangible help, often comprised of resources from Here’s Life Inner City. "You don’t go visit empty-handed," Jane says. Especially in the winter months, "they really need the blankets, hats, and socks in the Homeless Care Kits." Jane’s ministry has also delivered Boxes of Love at Thanksgiving — and saw more than 100 professions of faith through that effort! Jane had struggled to communicate with Ann, who is the only person from her language group in this area. After much searching, Jane found a written Gospel presentation in Ann’s language, and she brought it with her when she came to offer Homeless Care Kits. Ann read every page, weeping. When she was finished, she immediately prayed, opening her heart to Christ! And, it turned out that the three people in the next apartment spoke a language close enough to her own that Ann, with Jane’s help, was able to lead them to Christ as well! "Teaching English as a second language is wonderful," Jane says, "but practical, hands-on care that shows the love of Christ helps so much more.... The supplies from Here’s Life Inner City help us to present care and the Gospel together, and as a result, hundreds have come to know Christ." |
Previous Stories of Hope:
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Some people come into our country legally because of deadly oppression and unspeakable tragedy in their home areas.