A New Community

Each week 40 immigrants meet with a Spotlight English Club (SEC) ministry team from the London City Mission to practice English, developing relationships that could lead them to discover spiritual truths of God’s Word.

Supported by a partnership of ministries, including Back to God Ministries International, the London SEC is one of 49 clubs begun in more than 21 countries.

Working in partnership with ReFrame Media (the English outreach of BTGMI) and Words of Hope, Spotlight ministry teams prepare simplified programs and SEC materials for internationals learning English.

Barbara Newsome (third from left) helps build a new community with a diverse group of immigrants.

Volunteer Barbara Newsome helped develop the London SEC that serves immigrants from 28 countries, including a large group of Pakistani Muslim women and an intergenerational family from Mongolia.

“The northwest area of London is a high immigrant area,” notes Newsome. She and her team of nine volunteers meet in small groups to help these immigrants read and practice learning English through the Spotlight audio recordings and printed transcripts. The club combines English classes for beginners along with listening and discussion for intermediate and advanced speakers.

“Through this, we build warm relationships with the participants, including offering to pray for specific needs as requested,” Newsome says.

Each month participants bring food for a potluck that reflects the range of cultures from which they come.

“The Spotlight English Clubs affirm the unique but thoroughly holistic approach of our ministry,” explains Robin Basselin, ReFrame Media’s senior Spotlight producer.

Spotlight team members have produced a new promotional video highlighting two SECs, the London club and one in Michigan.

If you would like information about how you might start a Spotlight English Club to serve the needs of immigrants in your community, contact Robin at rbasselin@crcna.org and ask for a copy of the SEC video.