As a new Christian in 1977, I volunteered to be a friend to an international in my church's Friendship International program in Galveston. I was given a reader and told to help my Vietnamese grandmother friend learn English. With no training and no curriculum, but with a heart for missions and a love for internationals, I did my best to communicate with her and help her learn a little English.

Over the years since that shaky start, I participated in a few trainings and sporadically taught ESL before beginning a career as a licensed counselor. Upon my retirement, my passion to reach internationals with the love of Christ through ESL ministry was rekindled. I started a Friendship International ministry at First Baptist Church Round Rock four years ago, a component of which was ESL classes. Two years ago, I started an evening ESL program at First Baptist in order to reach those who worked and who were unable to come to a daytime program. Last year we offered a Citizenship class and will see three students become citizens this month. I would like to see us offer a basic literacy class in the fall--it will depend on our having a volunteer to teach it.

During this time, I have had a number of trainings, most of which were conducted by Robin Feistel, Training Coordinator and Consultant for Literacy Connexus. I became a trainer of teachers as well. She has mentored me and has now released me to do a training this August without her being present. I will be assisted by two other trainers from Central Texas.

At our church we offer these classes in the name of Jesus. We have seen Him work in amazing ways in the lives of our students and volunteers. God has brought the mission field to our doorstep, and all we have to do is reach out to the internationals in our community. Literacy missions is a wonderful tool to accomplish this. I have been blessed to be a part of God's work through ESL and Citizenship.

Beth Avery

First Baptist Church Round Rock