By: Brianna Persinger

During my 6 years of teaching English to refugees and immigrants in my hometown, I’ve noticed a pattern. My students are comfortable practicing English in our classroom, but they lack the confidence to use our lessons in their everyday lives.

One day it occurred to me that language learners do not need more worksheets or homework. They need English-speaking friends.

Church, this is our opportunity to befriend the nations. We are equipped with the loving words of Christ on our tongues and His gentle Spirit in our hearts. Now it is our responsibility to steward those gifts well.

You could look for volunteer opportunities at churches, nonprofits, or libraries in your area. Those agencies can connect you to structured or consistent meetings with English language learners.

If you do not have the capacity for a volunteer commitment right now, look for your neighbors in your everyday routines. As you wait in line at the grocery store together or peruse the same rack of cute dresses at the store, pay attention to the opportunity to encourage someone.

My favorite suggestion is to explore the diverse pockets of your town. Try new restaurants or visit local markets. As you step into these places, organic opportunities to learn about your neighbors’ stories and experience their culture will enrich your understanding of the nations.

In every opportunity, honor the image of God by showing compassion on the difficult refugee and immigrant story. Your neighbor’s English might be broken but have the patience to speak slowly and listen carefully. Be an encourager. Use words that fit their level. Your words will make an impact, but greater than that, the light of Christ within you will shine brightly and share hope.

A lot of folks assume they must be bilingual to communicate with our refugee and immigrant neighbors. Although the language barrier is real, the Holy Spirt does not need an interpreter to communicate kindness. He can make much of our few, short words.

As you step out in faith to befriend the nations, you will show the watching world that diversity is central to the Christian faith. Your daughter will watch you too. By your example, she will see that we are called to live missionally, no matter where we are located on the map.

God has been faithful to bring the nations to us. Let us be faithful to meet them here.

About the Author: Brianna Persinger, a 2017 Welch College graduate, interacts with over a dozen cultures every day as she coordinates a literacy program for refugee youth at a small nonprofit in Nashville, TN. She and her husband love exploring coffee shops, disc golf courses, and international restaurants. They are eagerly expecting their first child this summer.