My name is Shari Stinnette. I am the new Lead Evangelist Trainer for Area A and have recently entered a new world in my faith walk. Our church, St. Paul Lutheran in Wichita Falls, started ESL (English as a second language) classes in September of this year. I’ve been an educator for 15 years, so I’m no stranger to lesson plans and crafting engaging instruction. However, my students have always been children, specifically children with intellectual disabilities. I was excited and a little nervous to teach a group of adults. I spent a lot of time poring over the teacher edition of our curriculum before that first meeting. I’d never taught a whole group of adults English before. Would this really work? How could I share the love of Jesus in this context? 

The room was full on the first day of class. I stepped to the front and gave everyone the biggest smile possible. I was determined that every student would feel welcomed and wanted for every class. The other volunteers from our congregation were also a little nervous, but everyone’s facial expressions and words indicated their excitement to have the ESL students at our church. The time just flew by. I couldn’t believe it when I saw it was time for class to end. The students were so appreciative and thanked us for teaching them. 

It’s mid-November, and I can’t express how much this group means to me. Despite the language barrier, we have laughed and learned, prayed, and grown closer as a group. I cherish the hugs and smiles. I appreciate how the students are always willing to help me as I try to learn Spanish words as I teach them English. We all get a good laugh at my pronunciation! Every class begins with a Bible verse and ends with prayer. We are all looking forward to our Christmas party in December, where we will participate in Las Posadas (actually, since we are only doing one, it will be La Posada) as we re-enact Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. 

I’m thankful and humbled for this opportunity to share the love of Jesus through serving a truly remarkable group of people. I have grown closer to the other volunteers who share this experience with me each week, and I await joyful anticipation to see what God will do next!

By Shari Stinnette
Lead Evangelist Trainer
Area A