This is something that I wanted to share for a long time already. I want to praise and thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to study a TESOL course. This course is a huge blessing to me because I did not just learn skills in teaching but it also gave me a chance to experience a change in my perspective in studying the English language and transform my attitude and outlook in life.
Before that, I was an insecure person and inconsistent. But over time, I have become stronger and more confident. I believed in myself and the people around me like my teachers who have journeyed with me and friends who are willing to help. I believed God used these people to prepare me to be the person that He wants me to be.
I used to be a perfectionist, so when I teach, I give my very best. I will do the latest techniques and methods. But because of that I was giving so much stress on my students and eventually to myself as well. TESOL has brought me new concepts of teaching: learning how to be a servant-teacher, how to do a proper presentation of the lessons, how to get to know the students by knowing how they learn, what are their expectations and struggles as well. Instead of giving up to pressure, I became more dependent and humble myself before the Lord. The Lord taught me that as a teacher my role is to extend more love and patience to every lesson I teach and to every student I have. It is not easy but I know this is part of His plan for me.
Difficulties and challenges are part of this faith journey in Jesus and there will be no transformation without these things.
Honestly, I struggled, especially in doing practice teaching. It was too much for me. I wanted to give up, but that day a question came to me “Why do we keep dreaming without realizing it?” and I did it. Thank God, He always comforts and encourages me like that moment. I also remember the uplifting words from my teacher that say, “You are very smart and grasp the lessons quickly”. After that, I was so happy and had a lot of fun that whole week.
Currently, I am managing and guiding two English classes. An English class at the church to teach values, connect, and create a community. Through that, I and my friends can make friends, get to know them, and share God slowly. It’s important to bring value to other people’s knowledge. Instead of sharing directly the gospel of God to them, we start from the smallest of concerns: ask them how they are, text or message them on Facebook, ask about their needs, and pray for them. I believe that success in witnessing is to begin sharing Christ with others with the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God. I shared God with a friend of mine who isn’t ready to believe in God yet, but I continue to connect and give my sincere interest with a purpose so she can believe, accept, experience God, and beautiful is our home in heaven.
Besides, I also take care of a group of 6 people in Binh Duong – a location near Ho Chi Minh. They are heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of learning English is quite high. During this time, I try to create the most suitable English lessons for them to support and encourage them. I also share with their leaders that “I want the things I create to be valuable to them and give them confidence and be more useful to their work and the church”.
When I passed the practical lessons, my friends and I were surprised. I don’t think I can. I can only explain that it is God who sustains and strengthens me. The current two English classes started right after I finished the actual lessons. I thank God immensely and all of you who have interceded for me.
In the future, I’m going to the university to improve my knowledge and my teaching skills. This will be easy for me if I open a language center in the future. The reason I want to pursue my studies in the university is that teaching is something I am passionate about, what our society needs, and a job that will help me add income for my family.
I think I will never stop learning. Studying while working is my way of renewing myself so that what I impart to my students is the right thing, always new and trendy.
In the new year of 2022, I will gather with my friends to improve my English class, review together our goals that have been achieved and what has not been achieved. This is a race against time because, besides our English class, other English classes are open. How to become attractive and create many benefits for learners in terms of knowledge as well as a safe environment for them. I also have the idea of charging tuition so that each student becomes more serious and fully present in the classroom. That tuition fee will be for offline activities like picnics through which we want them to become more open with us and be able to share the love of God that is within us. Finally, I would like to thank all of you whose names I do not know but who have helped and supported me. Thank you for your willingness to give. Through your generosity, I learned that I am blessed to be a blessing. As I pay it forward, when I share what I learned, I can be a channel of blessing for others to know Christ. I am certain that He is pleased with that. I urge you to continue to pray for me, pray for the people I connect with so that the greatest task will be fulfilled and that is to share Christ with every person. To God be all the glory.
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