What Our Students Learn

Mike Brue • Elder
October 22, 2026

2 Minute Read

English As A Second Language (ESL) classes are more than just boring grammar and spelling. These past few weeks, two of our teachers, Lauren and Donna, helped our students recognize different vowel sounds. Those different sounds lets them recognize different words and say those words correctly. Many English words can sound like each other, especially to a new English learner. “That” and “Hat” can be difficult to understand when we Americans slur our words.

Plus, we talked about words that sound alike but mean very different things. Think about the words to, two, and too. Try “ate” and “eight.” The list goes on.

We also have to help our students understand different dialects. Columbus residents come from all over the nation and the world. There are many different ways you can hear a sentence. For example, “Fish in the creek,” can become “Feesh in the crick.” It’s all where you come from. It took me (Mike) years to stop saying “worsh” instead of wash.

Miguelina helps our students with their questions. She is a good encourager. Last Monday she helped our students understand luck, lucky, and some business terms. She helps them make their questions. Our other staff can then answer the right question.

And our students bring questions about what they hear at work or in the store. How would you describe what “pretty good” means and “The boss wants me to keep him in the loop.”

We have 2 levels of English classes, Beginner and More Advanced. We use a conversation style way of teaching. That helps our students learn English for their jobs, shopping at stores, and getting around Columbus. In Part 2 next week, we’ll share what this can mean for all of us.

Our classes meet on Monday at 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Lawson House. If you know someone who could benefit from learning English, they can text Mike Brue at 740-398-7835.

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From this Author: Mike Brue
Currently Reading
October 22, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
What Our Students Learn
English As A Second Language (ESL) classes are more than just boring grammar and spelling. These past few weeks, two of our teachers, Lauren and Donna, helped our students recognize different vowel sounds. Those different sounds lets them recognize different words and say those words correctly. Many English words can sound like each other, especially to a new English learner. “That” and “Hat” can be difficult to understand when we Americans slur our words. Plus, we talked about words that sound alike but mean very different things. Think about the words to, two, and too. Try “ate” and “eight.” The list goes on. We also have to help our students understand different dialects. Columbus residents come from all over the nation and the world. There are many different ways you can hear a sentence. For example, “Fish in the creek,” can become “Feesh in the crick.” It’s all where you come from. It took me (Mike) years to stop saying “worsh” instead of wash. Miguelina helps our students with their questions. She is a good encourager. Last Monday she helped our students understand luck, lucky, and some business terms. She helps them make their questions. Our other staff can then answer the right question. And our students bring questions about what they hear at work or in the store. How would you describe what “pretty good” means and “The boss wants me to keep him in the loop.” We have 2 levels of English classes, Beginner and More Advanced. We use a conversation style way of teaching. That helps our students learn English for their jobs, shopping at stores, and getting around Columbus. In Part 2 next week, we’ll share what this can mean for all of us. Our classes meet on Monday at 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Lawson House. If you know someone who could benefit from learning English, they can text Mike Brue at 740-398-7835.

Mike Brue

Elder

October 8, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
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October 2, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
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September 18, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
ESL @ CWC
English As A Second Language (ESL) classes have begun. Our classes meet on Monday at 6:30 PM at the Lawson House. If you are interested in learning more about how you can help teach, text Mike Brue We have 2 levels of English classes, Beginner and More Advanced. We use a conversation style way of teaching. That helps our students learn English for their jobs, shopping at stores, and getting around Columbus. ESL is an easy way to reach out to immigrants. It’s one way we can share Christ’s love for people from different cultures. It’s simple and non-threatening. Last week we started with 5 students. We have room for more. 🌍P.S. Pay attention to announcements about our upcoming missions events. You don’t want to miss them.

Mike Brue

Elder