Newcastle Salvos celebrates 20 years of English classes
Newcastle Salvos celebrates 20 years of English classes
28 September 2016
Students from the Newcastle Salvos' English language classes gather for the 20th anniversary celebration.
The Salvation Army's Newcastle Worship and Community Centre has celebrated the 20th anniversary of its conversational English classes, on 19 September.
The classes operate every Monday morning during school terms and are open to all people who want to improve their English language skills. Each week, the classes focus on a different theme and students participate in small and large group discussions, led by the teachers.
The ministry began in 1996 in what was then Hamilton Corps, with just six students. The classes now register more than 40 students per year. All the teachers are volunteers, and Bruce Harris, who began the classes, still leads the ministry as program coordinator.
Bruce Harris (right), Ann Foster and Ron Henkel have all been part of this ministry since its beginning 20 years ago.
“As disciples of Jesus, it is our privilege to welcome people and show them hospitality as he would have us do,” said Captain Stephen Oliver, Newcastle Worship and Community Centre Corps Officer.
“Our students come from many places - mainly from East Asia, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa. Not all, but some, have experienced situations we can hardly imagine.
"By helping people gain confidence in the English language we can assist them in taking their place in Australian society. It gives a practical outcome to our welcome.
"This ministry has helped so many people over the last 20 years and we pray that the Lord will continue to use it to demonstrate the values of his Kingdom."
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