Slideshow image

In God’s wisdom and kindness, many people from many nations are moving to Sydney in general and to Parramatta in particular. We long for each person to hear of and be transformed by the hope of the risen Christ.

One of the ways we connect with, love, and have opportunity to speak to people in our region is through our Easy English classes.

What is Easy English?

Easy English is a language course designed for people who have moved to Australia, who have a heart language other than English, and who want to strengthen their ability to communicate in English. There are a variety of class levels designed to meet each person where they are and help them improve from there. After each class there is time for students and teachers to share morning tea, followed by a Bible story taught at the level of each class.

Easy English is gospel focused.

Easy English is a great practical service to those who need help improving their ability to understand and navigate in an English-speaking country. But it is also more than this—it is gospel focused.

Fiona is the Easy English coordinator and her heart for this ministry is that it not only provides excellent English teaching but also is a place to “come and feel loved,” to “experience Christian community,” and to hear the news of the gospel with clarity. In other words, “we’re not just introducing students to the English language, we’re introducing them to Jesus.” And so, “if you have a heart for outreach in Parramatta, come along!”

And so, our team of volunteers are not only running a class or putting on a morning tea but are building relationships with their students and finding opportunities to love them like Jesus loves us. Not only this, but every week of the year the students hear something about Jesus through a simple Bible study.

To that end, the leaders work to create a warm, safe, welcoming environment where people are happy to come, meet new friends, learn, hear about Jesus, and be invited further into the St John’s community.

A story to celebrate

Here’s one Easy English story. This student is connected with St John’s through Easy English and came to our 9:30 congregation and Explore:

I began coming to the classes at St John’s because I had just arrived from Brazil and was interested in improving my English and meeting together with people to socialise as well as to learn about God’s word. I was looking for a church where I could feel welcome and supported—just like being part of a family. I am very grateful that I have found this at St John’s.

The time I have had at the Easy English class and especially the Bible lessons have taught me to be thankful for all the blessings that God provides in my life. The lessons have helped me to persevere and reminded me that God is always present with us. We just need to pay attention to the details and recognise that “life” is already God’s gift for us.

How can I support Easy English?

Here are a few ways you can support Easy English.

First, pray!

  • Pray for the Easy English team and for Fiona as she leads them, especially that they can teach clearly and love generously.

  • Pray for God to raise up more leaders and teachers.

  • Pray for the students—that they will learn well, experience the love of God through his people, and hear the gospel clearly.

Callan Pritchard
Associate Minister

 

Pray for our Easy English classes

Give thanks for the Easy English ministry and for the many volunteers who serve and build relationships with students. Ask God for more leaders and teachers to be raised up, and for the team to teach clearly and love generously. Ask God to enable the students to learn well, experience the love of God through his people, and hear the gospel with clarity.