“What’s the difference between ‘will’ and ‘will’?” asked Glauco, one of our students in the intensive Conversational English for Missions course.  We were learning the Lord’s Prayer in English and had just practiced the phrase, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  (In case you are wondering, one refers to ‘desire’ and the other is a modal indicating future tense.  What a crazy language we speak!) 

These students are preparing to serve as missionaries in Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America, often in multicultural ministry teams.  Every missionary must learn the language of the people with whom they serve.  Consequently, the cross cultural training program includes an intensive English module that not only enables our students to speak English, but also sharpens their skills in how to learn any language – Arabic, Spanish, Tetum, Swahili, French or Wolof.

We were blessed to read the evaluations of our students and thought you might enjoy them as well. 

* I arrived here not knowing anything [about English], and today after 30 days I can express many things.  I won’t die of hunger!  Elza

* I was overcome with emotion that day when, for the first time, I understood the [devotional] message in English without a translator!  I was able to understand every word, and I cried for joy!  Yara

* This time was important not only because we learned a new language, but because of the manner in which you chose to instruct us:  with dedication and preparation, with excellence, and above all with the love of God. Thank you for investing in my life.  Denilson

* The volunteers are loving people who left behind a mountain of things – family, church, work – to come and work with us.  … God sent them to bless us, and we also blessed them.  Wagner and Cida

We thank God for the volunteers that came this year to help: Emma (AZ), Dave and Carol (IL), and Sharon and Anna (NE). Please pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen and empower JAMI’s new missionaries in training as they prepare to share the good news of Jesus around the world.  We’re so grateful that you are walking with us on this journey.  Together, we are making a difference in God’s mission in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America! 

Pela graça do Senhor, [by the Lord’s grace]

Ann, Bruce, and Asa
Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil