Testimony by James Bowman
When I first heard about our ESL team at WEPC in 6th grade, I was eager to volunteer for the church. I was searching for a way to serve because I thought It would make me a better Christian by doing so. After four years of service, I have since learned better. Serving doesn’t make you a Christian. God calls you to serve when you become a Christian through the Holy Spirit. Through ESL, I have grown in my knowledge of God - I have learned more deeply that God is gracious and gives us more than we deserve.
In my freshman year of high school, I had track practice all throughout the winter and spring. My new school lasted from 9 a.m. to 3:55 p.m. Practice was from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. ESL starts at 6 p.m. This schedule meant I left my house at 8:30am and didn’t get back until 8:30pm. I never really got a break during the day. So as one might assume, I was quite tired when the time came for ESL, but my love for the kids I get to serve and those I serve alongside motivated me to keep coming. Although I was sore, tired, and hungry, I forgot all about it once I got to church. When I work at ESL Kids’ Club, I get to talk with the kids about school and what their days are like. Even though we’re not similar in age, we still share similar experiences - we can relate to each other through our shared experiences. I love getting to play in the gym with Vuso & the kids - they love soccer! I have enjoyed serving alongside the adult volunteers and growing in responsibility by caring for the kids together.
I am so thankful to be able to work with the WEPC ESL Kids Club Team!