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I am inspired by the many mission opportunities that RBC makes available to those who are willing to go abroad with the gospel. But for those of us who are not able to participate in an overseas mission trip, may I suggest to you that there is an alternative right here at home?

As most of you know, we have the world at our doorstep through the English as a Second Language program, International Connection. But since I like to give all of my teachers the summer off, we do not hold classes from mid-May to September. That is a long time for our students to be drifting without regular English interaction. It may be hard to imagine, but for some of our students, their time in class here is the only time that they speak English consistently throughout their week. It is more comfortable for them to speak in their first languages at home, in their neighborhoods, and even in their workplaces.

That’s where our Conversation Partners program fills in the gap. If you can manage to hold a conversation in English for an hour once a week for six weeks or more, I ask that you pay attention! I have a list of more than a dozen women (only women this time) in our program who would love to meet you. No lesson plans are required, just a willingness to meet with your international person once a week or every other week to speak English.  The emphasis is on building a relationship, not teaching grammar! I suggest a public place such as Starbucks, the library or a park where you can carry on a conversation. This will be the seventh year that we have implemented this program and some of my students have made long-term friends with RBC attendees through this simple method. If you have the desire for cross-cultural ministry, this could be the opportunity for you without the jet-lag.

I’ll be holding an Orientation session on Tuesday evening, May 21, and on May 28 you will be paired with your new international friend!

Please contact me, Susan Morinaga (susanmorinaga@restonbible.org), if you have any questions or would like to volunteer for this unique opportunity.