He is My Brother

At the first English class we had about 40 students, several who did not know the Lord.  They were all eager to learn new phrases in English so with enthusiasm we began, LET'S SPEAK ENGLISH!

In a few weeks the only unchurched student was Arnold.  Arnold was my star student.  He learned quickly and often helped the other students. Paula, his wife attends our church with their children.  I had the privilege of praying with Paula on different occasions for the salvation of her husband. 

Week after week we worked on simple phrases, "He is a father.  She is a mother.  She is my sister.  He is my brother."

Each week I also included part of the gospel in our English class and the last two weeks was devoted to sharing the gospel message in English.

One week I was given a bi-lingual Bible to give to a student in the class.  I had no doubt that I wanted to give it to Arnold.  But, would he be interested in receiving it? Arnold was like a little boy on Christmas morning as he accepted the Bible!   Later Paula brought the Bible and asked me to write something in the flyleaf.  She told me that he was so excited to have this Bible in English and Spanish.

The class ended in November and I left Chile for the USA a few weeks later.  I often thought about Paula and Arnold and wondered how God would work. On my first Sunday back in Chile Paula approached me in church with a smile that lit up her entire face.  "There is so much to tell you!"  "Guess who is coming to Sunday school?"  "Guess who received the Lord?"

Yes, we can now look at Arnold and say, He is my brother, and rejoice that he is our brother in the Lord! Paula said that coming to the English classes helped soften his heart and allowed him to get to know many people in the church. 

- Vikki, Chile