WIS by ESL Team

Did you know that Zion Bishan conducts English lessons? English as a second language (ESL) is a programme run by women for women of all ages and cultures. It started in 2016. The ESL programme not only helps build English Language skills but also includes a time of worship and the opportunity for students to listen to Bible stories and learn about our triune God. Classes are conducted on Monday mornings. Each year ends with a celebratory concert with students showcasing some of their English skills.

This is what Teacher Jacqueline says about the programme: 

“The unique feature of the ESL community is how it is a melting-pot of cultures (We had eight nationalities in our class at one point!) yet also a consistent platform for ladies to practise their English and share personal stories. I am thankful indeed for how ESL lessons allow for a seamless transition between the teaching of the English Language and of the Word of God. A recent example was how we got our students to tell us about someone whom they looked up to, and how far they would go to meet and listen to him speak. We connected their sharing to the Bible passage where crowds flocked to John the Baptist who was pointing people to Jesus.”

Teacher Olive says: 

I joined ESL as a Teacher since its inception in 2016, and have been teaching Level 2 followed by Level 4 students over the course of these 8 years. The Lord has indeed sustained this ministry through so many challenges and transitions especially by rebuilding it after COVID. My greatest joy has been getting to know the students, learning from them about their life’s journey that brought them to ESL. 

One of my past students was a lady from China in her 30s who joined our class during COVID. She hoped to give her 5 year-old daughter a Singaporean education. As she opened up about what led her to join ESL, we as teachers did our best to support her with additional English resources that she would find useful and practical. This friendship eventually grew and gave us the opportunity to share about Jesus with her and to read the Bible with her. 

Such opportunities to step into my students’ world, listen to them and love them in small ways – even for just a season – has been a blessing and privilege.”

Here are some comments from the Level 5 students:

“At the beginning of this year, I learned from the internet about Zion Church and the ESL classes and then enrolled. After a whole year of classes, I know how fortunate I am to be guided by a capable teacher. My skills have greatly improved and I have learned how to compose different genres of writing.

Our Bible study teacher is also so passionate in class. She explains the Bible stories clearly and patiently and responds to any of our questions related to Christianity. We can always see her kindness and her love for God from her smiling face.

I truly appreciate and cherish the opportunity to study here and am thankful to all the teachers and the church staff. Thanks to God.” (Vivian from PRC)

“I joined the ESL class because I wanted to improve my speaking and writing skills. The class provided me several opportunities to practice, and I really feel my skills have improved.

One of the most helpful aspects of the class was writing on various topics. Our teacher always gave detailed corrections of my mistakes, which helped me improve my writing skills. Another valuable experience was when students took turns being ‘the teacher’. Although preparing for the presentation took a lot of time, it was a rare opportunity to speak English in front of a group and I found it very rewarding.

Additionally, I have the chance to learn about the Bible, which broadened my perspective and gave me a better understanding of Christian beliefs.” (Kanako from Japan)

The ESL classroom is where our ministry just begins. The initial connections made engender more areas of connectedness with person, home and heart. Someone said that the secret of ministry is that, “You bring the power of God, the truth of God and the presence of Jesus into the lives of other people and you watch it work.” This is the framework and motivation of the ESL volunteers.