In March 2014, a community of believers from Good Shepherd, Elgin and other congregations gathered, with hearts moved by the Holy Spirit, to provide a service which would serve their community. As Lutherans in Elgin looked into their neighborhood, saw how it was changing, and, likewise, identified needs and tools with which they were already equipped, they began English as a Second Language classes for Spanish speakers.
A 2013-2017 United States government census revealed that 45.9% of the population in Elgin, the 8th largest city in Illinois, speaks a language other than English at home. Through their English as a Second Language classes, this community of believers met a need in their city, but more so, there was a space created for people’s greatest need to be met. As Pastor Jorge Mazariegos says, “the main purpose of the ESL classes is to connect with people in the community, so that they can hear about Jesus.”
Nearly five years later, the ESL program has grown into a satellite congregation with multiple programs. Vida y Fe (Life and Faith), Elgin is an active satellite congregation of Good Shepherd, Elgin. They have regular weekly worship services and serve their community through events such as their Posada in the winter, a marriage conference in the spring, their children’s Vacation Bible School in the summer, and their Food Festival in the fall. Vida y Fe is an active community, and it all began with the Lord’s prompting for them to begin an English as a Second Language program.
What it Looks Like
This year, Vida y Fe registered 60 adults for ESL classes and 30 children for the concurrent children’s program. The programs run for two hours every Tuesday and Thursday from September to May (roughly following the public school calendar).
Any adult, no matter his/her education level, is able to take the freely offered classes. Many English as a Second Language programs require students to be literate in their native language and have a certain level of educational background before they are able to enroll in the course; however, the team of volunteers and Pastor Mazariegos, who received a Bachelor’s degree in Education and was a school teacher in his home country of Guatemala, gladly welcome all students. Pastor Mazariegos says, “it’s not just to teach English; we’re here to love people. We take everyone: we say, ‘we’ll work with you!’” And they do.
Volunteers teach four courses including an introductory course which assists students who are developing their literacy skills and three sequential levels of English courses. Each year, Pastor Mazariegos hopes to add an additional level, so students can continue learning.
In order to provide parents the opportunity to learn English without the stress of finding childcare, volunteers provide a program which includes a Bible lesson, homework help, a craft, snacks, and time spent playing with friends. Children love the program so much that parents have reported their children “practically beg” them to go to class, so they can attend the children’s program.
How They Are In This Together
Pastor Mazariegos and his wife Karina, who faithfully serves as Vida y Fe’s office assistant, rejoiced again and again saying, “this program exists, because God is good and people in the community are kind.”
In the city which was once known as “the city of churches” due to its numerous steeples, the LCMS churches in Elgin work together to be the Church in and for the city which is now known as “the city in the suburbs.”
The leadership teams eagerly and intentionally teach their members that the church is not a separate entity from the community, but a significant part of it, and each member is able to share what they already have: the love of Jesus.
Whether they’re volunteering with children during ESL classes, spending time chatting with someone over coffee, or playing an instrument during a worship service, members at Vida y Fe, Elgin are working together. They love being a part of the community. As Pastor Mazariegos says, “we are learning and making mistakes, but most importantly, we are walking together. The Lord has the perfect time and place for His mission–it’s not our mission. This is a place God has prepared from eternity for us to care for each other, His house, and our families. It is the time of the Lord for us to be here.”