The first task for a new missionary: learn the local language. Does that mean waiting for months or years before having a ministry? Not for Margo Marrow from Northern Ireland. As soon as she moved to Lima, Peru, she enrolled in Spanish classes at a language institute, and Peruvian students there began asking to practice English with her. “They were so eager to learn English that they were willing to do so in the context of English-language Bible studies,” Margo recalls. “I was overwhelmed by opportunities to share the Gospel.”

Margo has since returned to the UK, but others continue to follow her example. Pam Liu from the USA helped start an English conversation night for university students. She finds these events useful in building relationships with both Christians and non-Christians. “It’s a way,” she explains, “for Christian students to bring their friends into contact with the Gospel by means of a ministry that really benefits them.”

Why is English such an effective door opener? In a country where fewer than half of adults have stable jobs, English gives a competitive edge. Most university students, moreover, need English in order to do research on the Internet, and many professors assign English-language readings. In addition, some Peruvians simply want to be able to converse with English-speaking tourists or to understand popular songs on the radio. Whatever the motive, Peruvians of all ages and economic backgrounds desire to learn English.

This year SIM Peru received two short-term teams that worked alongside the Christian students to reach out on their campuses. SIM workers have been surprised by how open campus officials are to having English events, even when the Christian faith is boldly shared. The teams piloted several new programs which are now continuing, including conversation classes, English camps, and monthly English movie nights.

Go

SIM Peru welcomes short-term teams of native English speakers. Find out more

Pray

that university students will come to faith in Christ during these formative years.