Ministry Highlights: An Opportunity to Serve With One of Our Own
| Ministry Highlights | Amy Hirsch
Angie Jones has been a member at Mountain Brook Baptist Church since 1999. She serves as a Deacon and leads a women's growth group, and recently she's gotten involved in international missions by partnering with one of our own. In this post, Angie shares about her work with Anne Peyton Baker and the children at Casa Monte Plata.
So here I am sitting at my computer participating in a class on an island that is 1,500 miles away! As I sit there I see Anne Peyton Baker, a lifetime member of our church and someone who I’ve watched grow from an early age, carrying out God’s plan for her as a missionary. She is working behind the scenes to ensure that our English lesson for the day runs smoothly. The children are all smiles.
This summer, Anne Peyton sent out an email to see if anyone could help teach her kids ESL, English as a Second Language. I quickly replied and entered her world (virtually!) at Casa Monte Plata school in the Dominican Republic. In just two weeks her students have learned how to introduce themselves, the days of the week, months of the year, and family members. We have had the best time together.
You might ask how I got to this point. Years ago, I had the opportunity to learn Spanish with a friend from Colombia. As my ability grew so did our friendship. I became fascinated with learning another language and being exposed to another culture.
One day a professor at Samford and friend of mine asked if I’d like to teach ESL classes at night. I said, "Sure, but what is ESL?" We both embarked on this adventure and learned so much. With only a textbook, we created our curriculum. More importantly, this experience prepared me to say YES when the opportunity presented to work with Anne Peyton.
What I have realized from this experience is that everyone can have a part of God’s plan. You don’t have to be in another country to support missions…I was able to do it from my home.
I hope my story may serve to encourage anyone looking to involve themselves. Mountain Brook Baptist Church has so many opportunities for you to commit your time and share your God-given gifts.