God Smiles on Delaware
By Beth Azarow, LIRS Project Associate for Mission Advancement

Fifteen minutes before the beginning of class, first-time English language students begin arriving at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, just minutes away from the ocean in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Volunteer mentors and teachers hustle to photocopy papers, enroll newcomers, and make sure everyone is comfortable and cared for. Others work busily in the kitchen to create a table full of delicious food. All classrooms are set up and ready for the evening.

As students and mentors gather every Tuesday and Thursday evening to discuss and learn the English language, relationships are created that extend beyond the confines of the classroom. The dedication, passion and energy of the volunteers set this ESL program apart from others. Within the church walls dreams are nurtured and creativity is encouraged. Vivian, a student in the advanced English class, desires to work in a hospital. Her mentors, Patti and Jim, have encouraged her to work hard and believe in herself. The church’s involvement in the lives of its ESL students, an open and genuine attitude, and a desire to see justice and peace present in a broken world makes Lutheran Church of Our Savior a true sanctuary for many.

In 2001 Lutheran Church of Our Savior received a Good Samaritan grant through LIRS and Wheat Ridge Ministries to begin this ESL ministry. Decreased funding has necessitated a suspension of the grant program which provided seed grants to congregations starting outreach ministries to newcomers. There is hope for restarting this valuable program in the future, and successes like Lutheran Church of Our Savior are a big reason for that hope.

While the congregation’s program was initially designed to accommodate between 20 and 60 students, 208 people representing over 20 nationalities are now enrolled. Students travel up to 30 miles to participate in twice-weekly sessions. The congregation provides childcare and frequently offers meals. Volunteers often meet with students outside of scheduled class times to assist with things such as transportation, appointments, and daily activities.

The success of this program can be attributed to a number of factors that share a common denominator: an attitude of welcome that exudes from the lives of the volunteer mentors, teachers and congregation members. One feels instantly welcomed and a part of the family upon entering. The ESL ministry engages the community while also providing a safe place to facilitate both learning English and forming relationships that help people integrate into American life. All involved in the process of creating and carrying out this ministry to the people of Rehoboth Beach can agree with confidence that “God is smiling on the program.”