English as a Second Language (ESL)

Above: Sean teaching a group of beginner English students.

Tonight we started our second “semester” of teaching English classes with a local ministry here in our neighborhood. Lindsey and I are teaching a class of 20 or so Costa Ricans in the basics of conversational English. The classes run for 2 hours every Wednesday night for 10 weeks. Usually Lindsey teaches the first hour, and then Sean teaches the second hour. This semester we have our interns here to help us, and with the additional manpower we are able to split up into small groups to facilitate more conversation and interaction.

Above: Lindsey teaching basic introductions during the first hour of class.

One of the great things about English classes is that they are quite a draw in the local community. The ministry doesn’t do much advertising, and yet upwards of 75 people showed up the first night. It is a great opportunity to not only help people to learn English, which in some cases can improve their way of life, but also to build relationships in the local community. We have made friends through these classes, some of whom have ministered to us in return.

The English classes are also a time for the local missionaries to present the gospel and share the love of God with the students. We cherish these moments as it is our desire to share this same love with Costa Ricans, and eventually with Hondurans as well.