OpenWORD Project

The OpenWORD Co-ordinator shares the vision of this ministry which aims to both explain and show the gospel, to those whose first language is not English.

OpenWORD is an exciting outreach project based in West Yorkshire. For four years, we have been offering Bible and English classes to people who speak English as an additional language. Our vision is that people from different nations would come to know God’s love and His saving power.

The project began in March 2005 with a class one afternoon a week. In October 2005, we were able to increase the number of classes, and since OpenWORD began we have run four Summer Schools. In January 2009, a weekly Bible and English group for mums and their young children was established. Friday afternoons are dedicated to ‘Open Door’, a drop-in which involves social activities, pastoral support and English conversation practice. About 60 people enjoy attending this each week.

Since OpenWORD began, we have welcomed almost 400 people from different countries and spiritual backgrounds. Many of our students are refugees and people seeking asylum, but some are economic migrants and international students. A number of our students are beginners in the English language, whilst others are more proficient. Through teaching the Bible in simple English, we long to point to Jesus so that people are saved and discipled.

We are excited about those who have made commitments to follow Jesus, and have continued to grow in Him.  It has also been a blessing to see people’s confidence grow in using the English language.

OpenWORD classes are supported by members of different local fellowships. The lessons are highly interactive and include fun learning activities as well as study and discussion of a passage or theme from the Bible. Topics covered so far have included: ‘The Covenant Names of God’, ‘Prayer’, ‘The Parables of Jesus’, ‘The Holy Spirit and the Early Church’, and ‘Questions in the Gospels’, amongst others.

We have a vision to encourage and support other people undertaking similar projects. This involves producing lesson plans and learning resources in order to equip churches and individuals in other localities. We are also linked with an individual who is using the OpenWORD teaching materials overseas.

Student testimonies:

• “Before, I did not understand about Jesus. Now I understand.” (Student from Asia)
• This man chose to follow Christ, testifying that ‘Jesus is the way, the truth and the life’. He was then baptised at his local fellowship.
• After looking at the Christmas story in class, one student clearly stated that beforehand he didn’t believe. However, he said that now he believes that Jesus is God’s Son.
• During one lesson on the topic of Pentecost, when 10 different nations were represented in the class, the learners really enjoyed discussing the Bible passage in mixed-language groups. One Asian student said, “This class is like Jerusalem. People from all different countries are here. God has a plan for us.”
• One African student joined the class with a heart problem that she had had since childhood. She was prayed for after class one day, and when she returned to the hospital the cardiologist gave her the ‘all clear’.
• One former student brought a friend along to join the class. He said “this is where I started”. He explained that the class had helped him improve his English, and he was now studying several subjects at the college. We have also received positive feedback from the local Job Centre about the work that we do at the centre where the classes are held.
• One man asked for some literature in his language. He was given a booklet full of Gospel extracts and stories of present-day refugees. As he read his language, his face lit up and he gasped with excitement. He then asked for a Bible in his language.

OpenWord Co-ordinator, Summer 2009. 
For more information about OpenWORD's vision to work with others undertaking similar projects, please visit www.open-word.org