Beeches Road Baptist Chapel

International Ministry

Teaching English as a Second Language

The city of Birmingham and its surrounding communities are multi-national areas.  Nearly 17% of Birmingham’s population was born outside of the United Kingdom, creating a great demand for ESOL classes. Our TESOL certified teachers hold eight different English classes in various locations throughout the region including at the chapel, in libraries, community centres and women’s shelters. They have been able to choose their own curriculum and use the Bible as an aide to teaching English. This creates an opportunity to share the gospel with students from multiple religious and ethnic backgrounds.  Because of the classes, several ESOL students have also attended services and activities at the chapel. It has proved a great way to help our community and share the Gospel with people of many nations!

Missionary Opportunities

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, Somalia, Yemen, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, the Caribbean Islands, Morocco, Latvia, Poland, Spain and Egypt are just a few of the countries represented in the Birmingham area from which students have attended our ESOL classes. Many of these people live in their own ethnic communities throughout Birmingham. We have opportunities to enter these diverse areas to give out Gospel literature, have Bible studies and teach English classes using the Bible. Most of the people living in these communities have never heard the Gospel. We thank God that many we meet have been open to talk about Jesus Christ and the way of salvation!

Witnessing Opportunities

Our ESOL courses include English grammar, vocabulary, conversation, culture, reading, writing and more. But often, what our students learn the most from are the Bible lessons. With the Scripture’s vast treasury of vocabulary, grammar, proper sentence structure, etc., it proves an excellent tool in teaching English. As we study the Bible, we learn about what God says about Himself, life, death, eternity and salvation. Throughout the studies, students ask questions and seek to know more. As students learn and study English, their questions are able to be answered from the Bible.  

Shelter Classes

The door has been opened to teach English in some ladies’ shelters in the Birmingham area. Many of these ladies are from foreign countries and are preparing to begin new lives in the working world. Our English classes aide in the mastery of the English language which is necessary for such a task. Our teachers desire to help these ladies grow and succeed as they move forward in their lives. 

Locations and Times

Please pray for:

• Opportunities to share the Gospel
• Bible studies to be started
• Wisdom & discretion as we teach
• Labourers to work in the English classes
• Students to be saved and have a burden to reach their own people
• Open doors & favour with people
• Other churches to host English classes in their communities