Thailand (MNN) ― HCJB Global is partnering with Words of Hope and several other ministries to teach English in Thailand and share the Gospel message at the same time.
First, Thai people involved listen to Spotlight radio program, a 15-minute program in specialized English to make it easier to understand. After listening, the people are placed in listening and conversation groups and are given HCJB Global material to help them understand what they have heard and strengthen their English.
Janine Rembas with HCJB Global said these programs teaching English are vital because worldwide it is important to know English.
"If you are living in the United States, you don't recognize just how important it is to be able to speak in the world today. It's a global language," Rembas said. "And people around the world are studying it in high school, in university and in language institutes because even within their own countries it gives them a greater opportunity to be employed."
Not only is this program helping the people of Thailand learn English, but it is also exposing them to the message of the Gospel.
"The audio programs are not always overtly Christian, but the Christian values are woven within it. So in the conversation clubs, we are able to use the Christian values embedded in the stories to bring the conversation around to spiritual things," she said.
Thai people seem to be open to listening to any faith, though they might not embrace, but thus far they have been open to the message of Christ, even if none have made a decision for Christ.
"I cannot say that I know of anyone who has accepted Christ at this point, but I do know that there are spiritual conversations taking place, and that's where you start," Rembas said. "It gives us opportunities to let the Holy Spirit actually touch their hearts and minds."
Rembas said the Thai National Church has also picked up this material, and Thai Christians who know English as a second language are teaching it to other Thai non-believers.
While HCJB Global originally intended the material for individuals from age 15 to college and career age, the national church has also used it for children and also people with handicaps in the streets of Thailand.
"Those are just targets that we wouldn't normally think of, but that national Christians are using our material to actually reach out to those people," Rembas said.
One of the biggest challenges HCJB Global faces in Thailand is the nationals being able to understand them. Since their language is tonal and uses a different alphabet, often the people will not be able to understand an English speaker. However, they are likely to understand a native speaking English and saying the same thing.
Rembas asks for your prayer as they try to overcome this barrier. Also, "Pray for the Thai national church that they would have English-speaking volunteers that would be committed to the ministry and have a passion for building relationships with unbelievers."
If you would like to become a part of HCJB Global's ministry in Thailand or anywhere else in the world, visit their Web site.
