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- TeamUfa
- We are a team of people trying to reach people in Ufa and Bashkortostan in Russia. It is no small task and we want your support!
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Tuesday, June 29, 2010
English Language Conversation Groups part 2
3:50 AM | Posted by
TeamUfa
This is the second post regarding our ESL groups. It discusses our Bible discussion groups in Ufa as well as how we build relationships cross culturally.
As mentioned earlier, the ESL groups are very important for making the first contact with people out in public, as there are many people who desire to learn English, practice English, listen to native English speakers and to participate in discussions with native English speakers as well as other local English speakers. When inviting people to the English group, one of the first things they ask is "How much does it cost?" Everything in Russia costs in some way, so they are expecting a cost. We tell them that their time is the only cost. Since it is free, a lot of people are very suspicious at first, so they are very watchful of all we do. It takes some longer than others to begin to feel comfortable. One of the ways we try to make them feel more comfortable is by doing social activities with them so they see us as people in everyday life and not just at English group on a given night. We share the human side of things with our questions, discussions and topics.
As we practice our English, we do discuss all of the different kinds of idioms and terms that have Biblical roots. We do this very casually and non-threatening manner. We talk about their culture and some of their idioms and terms and they realize that many of their terms come from Scripture as well. We also announce at each English group that they are invited to attend our Bible discussion group on Sunday evening. We tell them that we discuss the Scriptures and only the Scriptures.
During the Bible discussions we want everyone who comes to feel safe in the group and not threatened by anything we do. One of the things we do to keep things casual is we sit in a circle around the living room. This makes everybody equal and keeps it from looking like anyone is teaching because we aren’t. Each Bible group time starts with a short prayer. We discuss the society and social issues during Biblical times from the Scripture and draw parallels to today. We discuss what is being said and ask questions have each person Something we don’t do is argue Scripture. Many people have never read the Bible and/or have only gone to church as a symbolic gesture. Many have been wounded by people in the church and are very wary of ‘church things’. We are trying to rebuild that lost trust.
We try to keep the discussions Bible based and use Scriptural references for all discussion topics and areas. We always refer back to the Scriptures when a question is asked. "Let's see what the Scriptures say about that topic." is one of our most used phrases. If we need more information or need deeper research, then we are honest and say we need to look at it further. They normally appreciate the honesty and it is one more way we can build their trust and have further contact with them.
We take careful aim at sharing the Gospel with our group and take every chance to look talk about what Christ did for us. For many people, if they have read the Scriptures at all, they have done it quickly and have not really taken the time to really think about what it is saying. We take our time and encourage questions and comments from people in the group. Having them share their thoughts, feelings and opinions is a great way to learn about them and they see that we care enough to listen and not just preach at them. We also try to talk about misconceptions, misunderstandings, and Scripture taken out of context. One thing we stress is the importance of knowing the WHOLE Scripture.
We share from Scriptures frequently that we are all loved by God and He wants to have a relationship with us and that we can have that relationship no matter what our past is or what we have done in the past. This is a very hard concept for many of them to understand or believe, as they have been taught that you must earn or deserve whatever you get. We encourage as much as possible in all avenues of their lives and let them know that they have value to other people and most importantly to God.
This Bible discussion group and the English conversation groups are really for one thing: to build relationships so we can share the Gospel with lost people. Having refreshments at the groups encourages people to hang around after the discussion has ended. It is during this time we get to have some good conversations with people, many of whom become friends with whom we hang out on a regular basis. We always encourage those who want to visit local churches. (we have a few that we point them toward) Also, we try to get some local believers to come to the groups and interact with the others. That way the group members can know someone in the christian community personally, then the local believer can talk with them about these spiritual things in their own language. Our ultimate goal is for these folks that come to our groups to be exposed to the Gospel, many times if possible.
As mentioned earlier, the ESL groups are very important for making the first contact with people out in public, as there are many people who desire to learn English, practice English, listen to native English speakers and to participate in discussions with native English speakers as well as other local English speakers. When inviting people to the English group, one of the first things they ask is "How much does it cost?" Everything in Russia costs in some way, so they are expecting a cost. We tell them that their time is the only cost. Since it is free, a lot of people are very suspicious at first, so they are very watchful of all we do. It takes some longer than others to begin to feel comfortable. One of the ways we try to make them feel more comfortable is by doing social activities with them so they see us as people in everyday life and not just at English group on a given night. We share the human side of things with our questions, discussions and topics.
As we practice our English, we do discuss all of the different kinds of idioms and terms that have Biblical roots. We do this very casually and non-threatening manner. We talk about their culture and some of their idioms and terms and they realize that many of their terms come from Scripture as well. We also announce at each English group that they are invited to attend our Bible discussion group on Sunday evening. We tell them that we discuss the Scriptures and only the Scriptures.
During the Bible discussions we want everyone who comes to feel safe in the group and not threatened by anything we do. One of the things we do to keep things casual is we sit in a circle around the living room. This makes everybody equal and keeps it from looking like anyone is teaching because we aren’t. Each Bible group time starts with a short prayer. We discuss the society and social issues during Biblical times from the Scripture and draw parallels to today. We discuss what is being said and ask questions have each person Something we don’t do is argue Scripture. Many people have never read the Bible and/or have only gone to church as a symbolic gesture. Many have been wounded by people in the church and are very wary of ‘church things’. We are trying to rebuild that lost trust.
We try to keep the discussions Bible based and use Scriptural references for all discussion topics and areas. We always refer back to the Scriptures when a question is asked. "Let's see what the Scriptures say about that topic." is one of our most used phrases. If we need more information or need deeper research, then we are honest and say we need to look at it further. They normally appreciate the honesty and it is one more way we can build their trust and have further contact with them.
We take careful aim at sharing the Gospel with our group and take every chance to look talk about what Christ did for us. For many people, if they have read the Scriptures at all, they have done it quickly and have not really taken the time to really think about what it is saying. We take our time and encourage questions and comments from people in the group. Having them share their thoughts, feelings and opinions is a great way to learn about them and they see that we care enough to listen and not just preach at them. We also try to talk about misconceptions, misunderstandings, and Scripture taken out of context. One thing we stress is the importance of knowing the WHOLE Scripture.
We share from Scriptures frequently that we are all loved by God and He wants to have a relationship with us and that we can have that relationship no matter what our past is or what we have done in the past. This is a very hard concept for many of them to understand or believe, as they have been taught that you must earn or deserve whatever you get. We encourage as much as possible in all avenues of their lives and let them know that they have value to other people and most importantly to God.
This Bible discussion group and the English conversation groups are really for one thing: to build relationships so we can share the Gospel with lost people. Having refreshments at the groups encourages people to hang around after the discussion has ended. It is during this time we get to have some good conversations with people, many of whom become friends with whom we hang out on a regular basis. We always encourage those who want to visit local churches. (we have a few that we point them toward) Also, we try to get some local believers to come to the groups and interact with the others. That way the group members can know someone in the christian community personally, then the local believer can talk with them about these spiritual things in their own language. Our ultimate goal is for these folks that come to our groups to be exposed to the Gospel, many times if possible.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Bible Translations Project
TeamUfa has a friend that is working on a Bible translation project translating the New Testament into Bashkir, one of the two official languages in Bashkortostan. Along the way she has had many unique experiences as she is out doing 'field testing'. That is the process they use to test their translation among common people. She will give a person a portion of translated text, let them read it and then she has questions to ask them to test their comprehension. If that person can't read then she will read it aloud, if they will let her. Field testing has given her a lot of opportunities to speak to people about the Gospel. Witnessing and this field testing seem to go hand-in-hand. She has shared with us one of her stories that happened as she was with her Muslim family members doing such testing.
I have been working with IBT for few years and during these years my parents were unhappy with me. Because they thought that I was working on translating a "Russian book" into Bashkir language and Bashkir people do not need it. Once I forgot a Bashkir draft of the Gospel of Luke at my parents' home. After a year or more I was back in the village and was doing field testing there. I was reading to my aunty Ephesians aloud and asking questions that I had prepared. During that my stepmother (who was around and doing her house work, but listening us) told me: "Oh, your father gave me almost the same thing. Some text about God. I think he took it from your room. He told me to read it." At first I even did not pay attention to her words, I was too busy with field testing. Then she told me another time. I was still busy. Then one more time and finally I asked her: "Mom, what are you talking about? Please could you show me? " It was the draft of Gospel of Luke, that I forgot! "Yes, Mom, father is right. You need to read it. It's good for both of you to read this text."
That is a bold step for an Islamic background believer. For her to suggest to her parents that they should read any part of the bible. Our friend is a faithful witness and takes many opportunities to share God's love with people. It is neat sometimes how God makes other opportunities for us. Yes, he even uses our forgetfulness! When confronted with the unexpected chances to witness, may we be ready to tell people the truth, in love. Remember 1 Peter 3:15, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,".
We would like to hear from you. What are some unusual/unexpected witnessing opportunities you have had in the past year?
I have been working with IBT for few years and during these years my parents were unhappy with me. Because they thought that I was working on translating a "Russian book" into Bashkir language and Bashkir people do not need it. Once I forgot a Bashkir draft of the Gospel of Luke at my parents' home. After a year or more I was back in the village and was doing field testing there. I was reading to my aunty Ephesians aloud and asking questions that I had prepared. During that my stepmother (who was around and doing her house work, but listening us) told me: "Oh, your father gave me almost the same thing. Some text about God. I think he took it from your room. He told me to read it." At first I even did not pay attention to her words, I was too busy with field testing. Then she told me another time. I was still busy. Then one more time and finally I asked her: "Mom, what are you talking about? Please could you show me? " It was the draft of Gospel of Luke, that I forgot! "Yes, Mom, father is right. You need to read it. It's good for both of you to read this text."
That is a bold step for an Islamic background believer. For her to suggest to her parents that they should read any part of the bible. Our friend is a faithful witness and takes many opportunities to share God's love with people. It is neat sometimes how God makes other opportunities for us. Yes, he even uses our forgetfulness! When confronted with the unexpected chances to witness, may we be ready to tell people the truth, in love. Remember 1 Peter 3:15, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,".
We would like to hear from you. What are some unusual/unexpected witnessing opportunities you have had in the past year?
Friday, June 11, 2010
American Football in Ufa
Several days ago we had our first meeting of guys who wanted to learn to play American style football. We met at the Oil University in the northern part of Ufa on a windy day and rain threatened to end our activities quickly! However, the rain held off and we were able to enjoy ourselves for a couple of hours. We had Victor, a former football coach, along to give the guys some real coaching. Only four locals were able to come, due to exams at the universities, but I think as we continue this through the summer and into the fall interest will build and more guys will show. We were grateful for this chance to meet some guys from Ufa and to start new relationships with them. Here are a few pictures from our day. As you can see we had a great time!
Monday, June 7, 2010
English Language Conversation Groups
There are a lot of directions you can go when starting an English discussion group. The limit is your imagination! Here are some ideas that seem to have worked for us as we have had English discussion groups for three years. We are constantly reviewing our ideas, strategies and discussion ideas and topics. Input from the people who come is very important. It is important to remember that this is NOT English class. The person who starts the English group is a facilitator for discussion on a wide range of topics. This post will talk about the process of holding these English groups and the new friends we can make and relationships we can build. This post will be in two parts.
1. If you have people interested in practicing their English, you have an immediate group to begin with. Just set a date and time each week and then make adjustments as the group develops and you learn more about what days and times work best for the group.
2. We started with a beginners group, an intermediate group and an advanced group. We had the beginner group meet on one night of the week at 7pm in two separate rooms and the intermediate group and advanced group meeting on another night, the intermediate starting at 5pm and the advanced starting at 7pm. We started out with the groups meeting separately but found that many of them blended into the different groups on their own. So, we decided to combine the intermediate group and the advanced group together as most were coming to both. This approach seems to work well as we have found that many intermediate people want to hear advanced people talk and their level of English improves very quickly. We have some people who come to as many groups as they can. Now, we have one group meeting at 6pm and we go to 7:30pm. This gives the group time to socialize before they go home. It also allows time for discussions with people who want to share on a more personal level without them having to stay too late.
3. We have topics selected in general but also want topics which are of interest to the group. Current news, historical events, experiences and anything else that will encourage speaking and sharing of thoughts. We don’t talk about politics. We will discuss political processes, but we will not discuss political views. As you know that sort of thing can be inflammatory. We also ask the group what they would like to speak about or if they have any comments or observations that they would like to share.
4. The group enjoys learning English idioms and we have a lot of fun with that. We can select an idea like the weather and discuss weather related terms. Discuss authors (Have some ready to discuss beforehand). Historical terms and events. The comparisons and differences in growing up in different cultures. Popular music, classical, rock and roll, especially from the early days of rock and roll. Naming some of the groups and giving some history of those groups.
5. We are looking for any avenue to discuss English, speak English, practice English, etc, etc. How many music artists can you name? What are common terms in building and construction. Medical terms and what do they mean? The list is endless and the possibilities are too numerous to mention.
6. Use native speakers as translators so the people will not be afraid to say something in their own language to get an idea across. Then, once translated, put that thought and idea into natural English so everyone can hear it. Very seldom do we correct anyone's English. We let them speak. If they get stuck, we ask them to say it in their native language and then we have someone translate it and go on with the discussion. We then will repeat what was said in our more natural English so everyone can hear the English.
7. Always check to make sure everyone is keeping up. Ask if their is anyone who needs you to repeat what was said or translated. We also have a native speaker share in their language what was said in English if needed for more understanding. We want everyone involved as much as possible. Keep it light and fun. Remind the group to ask questions. Repeat as often as necessary. Get feedback as much as you can.
8. Try to have some personal concepts included in the discussion with words like faith, trust, hope, charity, sympathy, empathy, love, parenting, relationships, etc.
9. Do not stay on one topic for the whole time. Have two or three or more quick topics to cover. You always want to keep their attention and find ways to encourage involvement of everyone.
10. Ask a lot of questions that will encourage answers that are more than “yes” or “no”. Keep the questions simple but with a purpose.
11. We always want people to enjoy themselves and have a positive experience so they not only will come back, but bring their friends as well. We have many people who may not come for several weeks for various reasons and we try to encourage them to not worry about how long they have been absent. The most important thing is that they are with us when they can be.
12. The purpose of the groups are to build trust and friendships that will grow into more relationship building that will allow the sharing of personal thoughts and personal experiences at a higher level. We want them to feel a part of our lives and also feel that we are a part of their lives.
1. If you have people interested in practicing their English, you have an immediate group to begin with. Just set a date and time each week and then make adjustments as the group develops and you learn more about what days and times work best for the group.
2. We started with a beginners group, an intermediate group and an advanced group. We had the beginner group meet on one night of the week at 7pm in two separate rooms and the intermediate group and advanced group meeting on another night, the intermediate starting at 5pm and the advanced starting at 7pm. We started out with the groups meeting separately but found that many of them blended into the different groups on their own. So, we decided to combine the intermediate group and the advanced group together as most were coming to both. This approach seems to work well as we have found that many intermediate people want to hear advanced people talk and their level of English improves very quickly. We have some people who come to as many groups as they can. Now, we have one group meeting at 6pm and we go to 7:30pm. This gives the group time to socialize before they go home. It also allows time for discussions with people who want to share on a more personal level without them having to stay too late.
3. We have topics selected in general but also want topics which are of interest to the group. Current news, historical events, experiences and anything else that will encourage speaking and sharing of thoughts. We don’t talk about politics. We will discuss political processes, but we will not discuss political views. As you know that sort of thing can be inflammatory. We also ask the group what they would like to speak about or if they have any comments or observations that they would like to share.
4. The group enjoys learning English idioms and we have a lot of fun with that. We can select an idea like the weather and discuss weather related terms. Discuss authors (Have some ready to discuss beforehand). Historical terms and events. The comparisons and differences in growing up in different cultures. Popular music, classical, rock and roll, especially from the early days of rock and roll. Naming some of the groups and giving some history of those groups.
5. We are looking for any avenue to discuss English, speak English, practice English, etc, etc. How many music artists can you name? What are common terms in building and construction. Medical terms and what do they mean? The list is endless and the possibilities are too numerous to mention.
6. Use native speakers as translators so the people will not be afraid to say something in their own language to get an idea across. Then, once translated, put that thought and idea into natural English so everyone can hear it. Very seldom do we correct anyone's English. We let them speak. If they get stuck, we ask them to say it in their native language and then we have someone translate it and go on with the discussion. We then will repeat what was said in our more natural English so everyone can hear the English.
7. Always check to make sure everyone is keeping up. Ask if their is anyone who needs you to repeat what was said or translated. We also have a native speaker share in their language what was said in English if needed for more understanding. We want everyone involved as much as possible. Keep it light and fun. Remind the group to ask questions. Repeat as often as necessary. Get feedback as much as you can.
8. Try to have some personal concepts included in the discussion with words like faith, trust, hope, charity, sympathy, empathy, love, parenting, relationships, etc.
9. Do not stay on one topic for the whole time. Have two or three or more quick topics to cover. You always want to keep their attention and find ways to encourage involvement of everyone.
10. Ask a lot of questions that will encourage answers that are more than “yes” or “no”. Keep the questions simple but with a purpose.
11. We always want people to enjoy themselves and have a positive experience so they not only will come back, but bring their friends as well. We have many people who may not come for several weeks for various reasons and we try to encourage them to not worry about how long they have been absent. The most important thing is that they are with us when they can be.
12. The purpose of the groups are to build trust and friendships that will grow into more relationship building that will allow the sharing of personal thoughts and personal experiences at a higher level. We want them to feel a part of our lives and also feel that we are a part of their lives.
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