Teaching English as Mission in Paraguay

by Alyssa Lugbill, Paraguay
22 October 2008




	Alyssa with her students

A key part of the vision and ministry of the church in Villarrica, Paraguay, the Centro Educativo Internacional (International Education Center), offers quality Christian education to the local children. One of its most unique features is that the English classes are taught by native speakers.

Alyssa Lugbill has been teaching at the school for the past two years. This year, she took on a new third grade class that “has been absolutely uncontrollable since preschool.” This is her experience:

Feeling like Maria on the way to the VonTrapp family mansion, I armed myself with prize boxes, cardboard crowns, classroom bucks, prayers, and several bottles of Tylenol PM. I charged into the school year with gusto. Seven months later, we’ve all learned a lot and enjoyed the process.

Of course, I’m delighted with my kids’ progress in English. But my favorite part is stopping whatever I’m doing to look into their eyes, smile, and communicate that they matter, and that I like them. I’m so thankful to affirm them and be a small part of God drawing them and their families to Himself.

Julian is one of my third graders. When he started school three years ago, nobody in his family followed Jesus. But Julian’s parents were really struck with the difference they saw in several of the administrators, teachers, kids, and parents that they met through the school. After lots of time of searching and asking questions, they became Christians! Since then, they have been discipled, become faithful members of the church, and lead several extended family members to the Lord!

English is a hot commodity. Therefore, one of our school’s claims to fame has been that English is always taught by native English speakers. So while I’m not directly teaching my students about Jesus, I feel very honored to be a part of the school’s mission to introduce lost families to him and form a generation of Paraguayan leaders characterized by integrity.

Pray

for the salvation and spiritual growth of the students and their families.
that the teachers at CEI would be examples of Christ’s love.
for God to call and send more English teachers and a General Director to the school.

Go

Alyssa will be returning to the USA at the end of 2008. Would you go and show Christ’s love to students in Villarica? Find out more

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