THE BLESSINGS FLOW BOTH WAYS AT INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS
That’s a wrap for the 2025-26 school year! While kids are hanging up their backpacks, excited to begin the summer vacation, there is a group of adult learners who meet on Thursdays from 9-11:30am who are sad to have the school year come to a close, the English language learners at International Friends at First Baptist Church of Lake Jackson.
This year marked the 60th anniversary of International Friends. Wanda Eckenberger, the pastor’s wife at Second Baptist in Lake Jackson started International Friends in 1966. At 94, Wanda still prays for the students! Ten years ago, the mantle was passed to director Laura Samuel who welcomes adult English learners with open arms and a warm heart. Pastor Blaine St. Germain at First Baptist Church of Lake Jackson says, “The program is such an effective way to follow the ministry that Jesus set for us, to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the world! I love that First Baptist Lake Jackson takes this command seriously, and one way we fulfill that is through International Friends. It is such a joy to pull up (at the church) every Thursday morning and see 50+ of our international neighbors learning ESL and hearing the story of Jesus!”
International Friends is a faith-based program where teachers and support personnel volunteer their time, creative skills, and desire to be a blessing to their community. Anyone who is fluent in English, friendly and willing to share their Christian faith is welcome to volunteer. I began teaching at International Friends in 2021. As the Introduction to English teacher, I endeavor to provide a safe space for adults to learn and take risks, to engage them in meaningful learning opportunities, build community, and help boost their confidence. Becky, who teaches level one, puts it beautifully, “I love working with these ladies and gentlemen and seeing their progress and helping them to achieve their goals. It’s very rewarding. We also get to speak the truth about God’s love for them.” Roya is in her fourth year of teaching and says it’s her favorite volunteer work. Espy, a new volunteer, says helping “fills her soul up”. Susan shares how she was once a newcomer to the area and she loves that “people are finding community here. They come with friends and they meet new friends. Learning English enables them to engage more with the community.” Dora has taught Citizenship class for eight years and has witnessed 18 students become citizens.
It's important work that we do at International Friends. Our mission is to help adult students speak, listen, read and write while fostering cultural integration, empowerment, and proficiency so they can achieve their educational, social and career goals. As we empower our members to learn English, we are strengthening our community and creating cohesion. This year we had over forty students from 15 different countries attend classes. We hope, with the skills they have acquired, they will have a better chance of navigating everyday activities, helping their children be successful in school, getting a job, integrating, and overcoming feelings of isolation and alienation.
I asked the students what enjoy about the program. Here’s what they had to say: The teachers are loving and patient. They make me feel comfortable. I like the chance to meet and interact with peers. There is free childcare for my baby so I can attend class. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to study English and have a facilitator who puts their whole heart into teaching. I am no longer the same person I was; I have noticed my progress with the language, so I am deeply grateful to my teacher and everyone who has made this mission possible.
It’s an honor to be a part of this program for it is better to give than receive. While we teach and serve, we also benefit from the interaction and become more aware of others and their unique journey through life. As it says in Matthew 25:35, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” The blessings flow both ways. In Hebrews 13:2, the scripture advises, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” I don’t know if there were any angels attending my class this year, but it’s entirely possible! I have taught some lovely people at International Friends!
Published in The Facts newspaper Brazos Life on 5/26/26
