Written by: Rafael Reyes
“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” - Leviticus 19:33
English Language Learners (ELL) Old Hickory provides English classes to Hispanic communities in Nashville, Tennessee.
First generation immigrants from various countries in Latin America participate in this program - some of those countries being Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador, Honduras and Venezuela.
The English Language Learning program is a subprogram of G.O.D. International’s Language in Action, and has been active since September 2018. This effort began as a response to the needs in an Hispanic community in Madison, TN after a summer kids camp (Camp Skillz Madison) organized by GOD Int'l. At the end of camp, the kids shared with our staff their parents' needs; to learn English. The little ones asked us if we could do something about it; and we did!
For 4 years we carried out the program in that apartment community’s clubhouse. Currently, we facilitate these classes at the GOD Int'l Headquarters. During the pandemic we provided online classes for over one year. Our participants’ enthusiasm to continue their learning journey did not stop, and that spirit motivated us to provide and facilitate remote classes. When we got back to in-person classes, it was because they requested the change. They were ready to interact with the staff and their fellow classmates.
Adult learners face many daily challenges that can interrupt their ability to attend, but they are committed to learning. Each cycle has 7 weeks of classes and one more to celebrate their efforts. The 8th week often consists of going out to a restaurant they have never tried or been to. However, we have also been blessed by their fantastic culinary skills! They would proudly bring a traditional meal to share with everyone. These are great times of laughter that, I have seen, build a bridge between the staff members and the students.
Program participants in 2023 attend classes at GOD Int’l headquarters, where program volunteers strive to facillitate a hospitable environment and culture in which they can learn.
I, Rafael Reyes, am the Hispanic Community Coordinator. I volunteer as a level 1 instructor with this program. Sara Giguere volunteers with the program as a Level 2 facilitator with some administrative responsibilities, and Willian Hernandez assists as an IT support and level 1 Instructor's Assistant. Natalie Musche is currently taking some time to finish some training related to being an ELL instructor, and has served with this program since 2018.
It has been a privilege to volunteer and serve in this capacity since the beginning of the program. My experiences as an immigrant have definitely shaped me in who I am. However, it is God's word that continues to give me the right perspective of what it means to be a human being and what is my responsibility towards those who found themselves in situations I have experienced.
"You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." - Deuteronomy 10:19 "Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers." - Romans 12:13
The Bible is very clear with regard to the just treatment of the immigrant. On many occasions God asked the people of Israel to remember their time in Egypt as strangers, foreigners and immigrants. Their time there was not easy. The systems there were not built to provide opportunities for them to thrive. Instead, foreigners lived under an oppressive regime.
Our Program creates an environment in which participants experience the hospitality they deserve.
Our Father asks us to welcome them, and that is what we do. The moment they enter the classroom, they are greeted with a smile. The classroom is structured in a way that supports their learning experience; the classes consider the fact that they are adults with life experiences and not kids; we make the material very practical; we facilitate activities that unite the differences from point of views, and create dialogue and provide opportunities for perspective taking. A safe environment is built in which they are welcome to freely participate without any judgment, understanding they are students and that their contribution, whether linguistically correct or not, creates an opportunity for growth!
“My joy, as a facilitator of the program, is always to see and experience those moments in which the students have the "ahhh" moment…”
when the information makes sense to them, when they come back to the classroom with a big smile on their faces sharing how a word or a phrase they learned last week made a huge difference in their day at work or in a situation they were in. When they feel confident to participate knowing that if they are wrong, it's ok, that they are safe, and of course, when for a moment, we all forget the daily stress almost at the end of the day and have some good laughs!
"This program (Language in Action) has helped me a lot at work, my son’s school, at every day’s activities; like when we go to the store or a place in which we need to interact with people in English. Also, it has been helping me learn how to write and read the English language correctly. I am very thankful for all those people who are supporting us and pushing us in one way or another so that we don’t give up and continue here - learning the language." - Maria (program participant, 2023) "I can tell you that I have been feeling great studying the language. I have come to these classes and it is not impossible - to come and learn. I am very thankful because I have learned a lot. And with that, I have been able to understand what my managers tell me at work thanks to these classes." - Carmen (program participant, 2023)
No doubt, Jesus was the "greatest welcomer" of all times! Those are some big sandals to fill in! I hope that we as a team providing this wonderful service will continue to apply those lessons from Jesus and be as welcoming as he was.
If you’d like to give in support of the Language in Action program, which serves communities of need all over Nashville, including this Hispanic community, visit the link below!
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