The Word is a Gift for all... like schoolchildren in Asia

The Word is a gift for all – and yet many are denied. But perhaps there is a way...

In an Asian country far across the ocean, three young children gather around their computer. Soon their American English conversation teacher will join them in a videoconference, where they will improve their English skills by chatting about a variety of topics – including their assigned Bible lesson for the day.

The children are part of a Gospel outreach program devised by Rev. Jim Radloff, a retired Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod missionary and is part of a mission organization called 316NOW.

Because it’s illegal to openly evangelize in this country (country name omitted so Rev. Radloff ’s work isn’t threatened there), having private conversations via the Internet has proven to be an excellent way to introduce unbelieving children to Jesus Christ, as well as to strengthen the faith of young believers and their parents.

The classes are led by American volunteers. “Classes last for about an hour,” Rev. Radloff explained. “After an ice-breaker conversation, we move into the English portion of the lesson. For example, we might practice how, when we ask a question in English, our tone goes up at the end. Or we might practice pronouncing challenging words.”

“Then we move on to our Bible lesson for the day,” added Rev. Charlie Heup, another pastor who coordinates the Bible lessons. “If we’ve been learning about creation, for example, the teachers will ask, ‘What do you think about that, how God was able to make our whole world in six 24-hour days?’ So it’s an opportunity for the children not only to learn the facts, but the Holy Spirit uses those facts to strengthen their faith in the Savior.”

Rev. Radloff travels regularly to Asia to visit the program’s adult leaders (all Christians) who oversee the students. He is always sure to include LHF’s translations of the Small Catechism and A Child’s Garden of Bible Stories to give to the participants. But even more written materials are needed, and LHF is actively investigating the best ways to provide them.

“Last year, we had about 50 kids in 9 different cities participating,” Rev. Radloff said. “This year, without recruiting, our enrollment has increased to somewhere between 200 and 300 children. So now we really, really need American volunteers to help teach them!”

Rev. Radloff emphasized that no special skills are needed to be a 316NOW volunteer. Sunday school teachers or anyone with a heart for sharing the Gospel with children can be effective English conversation teachers. “I like to say that you can be a world missionary from your couch,” he said.

As Rev. Radloff looks to the future, he and his team are excited about mission possibilities opening up in other Asian atheist and Muslim countries where governments don’t allow the Gospel to be freely shared. “It’s like an invisible Sunday school,” he said.