Reading has always been one of my favorite ways to spend time. I am sure I nearly drove my parents crazy with re-reading books multiple times and, consequently, frequent trips to the library. So when I discovered how poorly many Jamaicans read, it burdened my heart. Not only can they not enjoy a good Dickens novel, but more importantly, many are unable to read the Bible or understand the little they can read. This inability weighed upon me, so when a mother asked me to help her 11-year old son learn to read, I jumped at the opportunity.
Every Wednesday evening I drive up to Mt. Vernon, a small “bush” community, to teach a reading program for students in grades 2-7. RAD (Reading Advancement and Development) is intended to supplement their learning particularly in reading, writing and speaking in proper English with the goal that they will be able to read Scripture on their own. Each evening includes review games, a phonics lesson, a spelling competition, reading aloud in groups and alone, listening and reading comprehension, a Bible lesson, a craft, and a Bible memory verse. With so much packed into a few hours, the time flies, which leaves little room for picture-taking! (I'll work on it.)
Please pray for these students. They are so eager to learn and are starving for attention. God has been gracious in providing Christian grandmothers for many of these kids, but few if any worship Jesus as Lord and Savior. Pray that God will guide me as I share the good news with them and endeavor to teach them to read. It is an uphill battle in many respects, but God has proven Himself faithful, and we trust He will continue to do so in 2011.
Monday, January 3, 2011
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