Teaching and Reaching Young People for Christ

Thailand YFC has utilising Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, or TESOL, as a way to build new relationships with young people in Thailand and introduce these young people to Jesus Christ. This has proven to be very successful in both building new relationships and reaching young people for Christ.

So successful, in fact, that Thailand YFC expanded this ministry in 2003. A new fifth floor has been added to their building in Bangkok-designed specifically for TESOL and building relationships with young people. In addition, Thailand is recruiting native English speakers to join the TESOL team in both short-term and long-term teaching ministry roles.

About Thailand and Thailand YFC

Freedom of religion is guaranteed in the constitution. Thailand has over 60 Million inhabitants with 10 Million living in Bangkok. Over 90% of the population would classify themselves as Buddhist with Christians making up just over 1.5%.

Thailand YFC works both in Christian training and Outreach. YFC works directly with over 2000 churches providing training materials and mobilising youth evangelism from three centres. Half of the staff focuses on outreach through person-to-person evangelism and mass outreach. The TESOL program is one part of the mass outreach strategy.

The Opportunity

Native English speaking teachers are needed in both long-term and short-term roles. Persons without TESOL or ESL training will go through an intensive 2-week training program upon arrival to Bangkok. Teachers will work under the direction of the TESOL Program Director of Thailand YFC. English classes will be conducted regularly in the YFC TESOL Centre located on the fifth floor of Thailand YFC's offices.

YFC is looking to fill teaching positions starting now! Additional teachers will be added over time.

How is YFC's English Teaching Different?

Learning English is in very high demand among people all across the world, especially with young people and in Asia. Teaching English can be a great opportunity to present the Gospel. However, many ESL programs bring in the students, but do not make a long-term difference in the lives of the students. In contrast, we are seeing a real difference in the young people involved in YFC's TESOL program. Why?

We believe one important reason is because our TESOL efforts are an extension of an existing, thriving person-to-person ministry of Thailand YFC. Thailand YFC trains churches in person-to-person evangelism, runs large annual youth evangelism training conferences, and has full-time staff working with young people. Because of this, TESOL programs are done in collaboration with the ministry staff of YFC so that as the young people come to learn English, they can establish and develop strong long-term relationships with well-trained Thai YFC staff and volunteers.

The Thailand YFC office in Bangkok is located adjacent to a 20,000-student university. So, there is no shortage of young people. TESOL provides a way for YFC to build relationships with these students while offering a much needed and desired skill, English.

What Others Have Shared During their Time in Thailand

...Yesterday, we went to a Thai church. Someone translated into English for me, this helps as it is hard to go places and not understand what they are saying! After church they have Sunday School; this way more people can come if they hold the classes after the service. These are devoted Christian people. I can't understand their language sometimes, but I can see their faith through their actions. They are sincerely following Christ, and have a burning desire for the other people in Thailand to find Him! You should hear them during praise and worship! It was amazing the other day when they sang: "Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing. Power and Majesty, Praise to the King...." I could sing along in English and it touched my heart to know our God is big enough to hear us praise Him from all parts of the world! It is amazing to be a part of His' Love and plan for Thailand! Jessica Geren, USA

.I have been teaching evening English classes for high school and university students and we developed good relationships with all of the students that we were able to see every day. Thailand YFC hosted a "Thank You Party" for us teachers. We had over 30 non-Christians come to the event and they were able to hear the gospel for the first time. The YFC staff led the students in playing games and singing songs, then they presented the gospel in a slide show, and we shared a short testimony. Lastly, the YFC staff broke all of the students up into small groups to share more of the gospel with them using in Thai. Through all of their efforts and the grace of God, nine students accepted Christ! We were so thrilled at the response... Somer Wahlers, USA

.I will start out with a praise. The first praise is also a prayer request. One of our students accepted Christ a week and a half ago!! This was both very exciting and encouraging for me. The student's name is Aey. She is a very sweet girl. If you could please pray for her, that this would be a decision that she would stick with. For the first couple of years it is very hard for a Thai person to remain a Christian because everyone around them is telling them to be Buddhist. So, many new Christians end up going back to Buddhism. Please pray that she would continue to visit YFC and the church for Biblical teaching and that she would grow in her relationship with God. Denice Thiessen, USA

For More Details and Expressions of Interest

United States Contact
Ms. Megan Lake
c/o YFC World Outreach
PO Box 4555
Englewood, CO 80155
USA
303-843-6033
Email: mlake@yfc.net

Asia Pacific Contact
Mr. Scott Cougill
YFC Asia Pacific
Email: info@yfcasiapacific.org