Before Covid-19, Thursday nights at Maitland Pres is where a room full of adults gather for conversation. Half of those gathered are English language learners from all over the world. The other half are volunteers from the church and the community who offer their time to help the language students practice speaking in conversation. Students and volunteers talk together about real world topics like education and healthcare, develop the English language skills of learners, and participate in activities during the class. But underneath the language development, a community has formed.
Those gathered in the room cross the barriers of language, race and culture to form friendships and support one another. Conversations expand to share about families, past experiences and hopes for the future. In this, the Language Learning Center gives a glimpse into what it means to love one another the way Jesus loved us.