Church opens doors to immigrants
BELTSVILLE - When members of Emmanuel UMC launched an English as a Second Language (ESL) program in September, they did not anticipate the overwhelming response they would receive from the immigrant community. Fifty-four students registered to take the once-a-week English classes.
'This big endeavor is born out of our Christian call and duty to show love and hospitality to our new neighbors, 'said the Rev. Daniel Mejia.
Most of the 20 volunteers had no experience with ESL ministries, 'which makes this ministry and its budding fruits even more amazing,' Mejia said.
'Two things became very clear to us,' he said. 'First, there is a great need in our community for English lessons,' and second, '(We) need to expand to more students and more nights.'
For information on starting an ESL ministry or to share experiences, contact Mejia at .
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