Thailand (MNN) — HCJB Global is partnering with Words of
Hope and several other ministries to teach English in Thailand and share the
Gospel message at the same time.
First, Thai people involved listen to Spotlight radio
program, a 15-minute program in specialized English to make it easier to
understand. After listening, the people are placed in listening and
conversation groups and are given HCJB Global material to help them understand
what they have heard and strengthen their English.
Janine Rembas with HCJB Global said these programs teaching
English are vital because worldwide it is important to know English.
"If you are living in the United States, you don't recognize
just how important it is to be able to speak in the world today. It's a global
language," Rembas said. "And people around the world are studying it in high
school, in university and in language institutes because even within their own
countries it gives them a greater opportunity to be employed."
Not only is this program helping the people of Thailand
learn English, but it is also exposing them to the message of the Gospel.
"The audio programs are not always overtly Christian, but
the Christian values are woven within it. So in the conversation clubs, we are
able to use the Christian values embedded in the stories to bring the
conversation around to spiritual things," she said.
Thai people seem to be open to listening to any faith,
though they might not embrace, but thus far they have been open to the message
of Christ, even if none have made a decision for Christ.
"I cannot say that I know of anyone who has accepted Christ
at this point, but I do know that there are spiritual conversations taking
place, and that's where you start," Rembas said. "It gives us opportunities to
let the Holy Spirit actually touch their hearts and minds."
Rembas said the Thai National Church has also picked up this
material, and Thai Christians who know English as a second language are
teaching it to other Thai non-believers.
While HCJB Global originally intended the material for
individuals from age 15 to college and career age, the national church has also
used it for children and also people with handicaps in the streets of Thailand.
"Those are just targets that we wouldn't normally think of,
but that national Christians are using our material to actually reach out to
those people," Rembas said.
One of the biggest challenges HCJB Global faces in Thailand
is the nationals being able to understand them. Since their language is tonal
and uses a different alphabet, often the people will not be able to
understand an English speaker. However, they are likely to understand a native speaking
English and saying the same thing.
Rembas asks for your prayer as they try to overcome
this barrier. Also, "Pray
for the Thai national church that they would have English-speaking volunteers
that would be committed to the ministry and have a passion for building
relationships with unbelievers."
If you would like to become a part of HCJB Global's ministry
in Thailand or anywhere else in the world, visit their Web site.
