Who is the Hero in the Church-based ESL Story? (It's not CESLM.)
The Hero?
The churches are; the Body of Christ is.
Churches/the Body of Christ—society's leaders in welcoming and accepting internationals. How the Father-heart of God is pleased!
Churches/the Body of Christ—where people care enough to find the best ways to help the stranger, with English, with getting to know the culture, with an offer of spiritual resources.
Churches/the Body of Christ—where newcomers can find a friend; where we can learn from each other.
Churches/the Body of Christ—safe places to ask questions.
Churches/the Body of Christ—together demonstrating unity so the world will believe.
Churches/the Body of Christ—rising above racism, modelling Christ's kingdom culture.
Churches—practicing the unity now that one day we will enjoy around the throne.
CESLM comes alongside with training to help the Body credibly shine with God's love, as individually and collectively Christ-followers learn to genuinely value, help with language, and integrate the newcomer into the community.
CESLM opens doors--church doors. The community would really miss the church that demonstrates God's love to the stranger, the church that includes the newcomer, helping them feel loved and appreciated, the church that works for a cohesive society.
Yes, the Body of Christ is the Hero. We help it.
The prayer of Jesus found in John 17 gives us our three guiding principles:
- All we do must be for GOD'S GLORY, not for our own. God is the Great Initiator. The vision came from Him.
- The world must see the Body of Christ working together—different denominations, but ONE in Christ. See especially verses 11, 21, 23
- The motivation must be GOD's LOVE flowing through us. It is an avenue through which volunteers can demonstrate God's love (and be blessed).
So we ask:
- Is it for God's glory?
- Does it allow the world to see the Body of Christ as One?
- Is our motivation the unconditional love of God?