After building strong relationships in local schools and Spanish-speaking communities, Joel Eguiluz recognized a significant challenge: for many Hispanic adults, access to English as a Second Language (ESL) classes was limited. Eguiluz serves as pastor of The Heights Español congregation at The Heights Baptist Church in Chesterfield. Although Pastor Joel felt called to respond, he was unsure how to begin. He had never been involved in ESL ministry and had never imagined leading or teaching in one. But God was already at work. The Heights, which had offered ESL classes before the pandemic, relaunched its ESL ministry.
Former ESL teachers and new volunteers were mobilized and trained to lead various levels of English instruction. Pastor Joel was quickly encouraged as leaders began forming loving relationships with students. Volunteers were intentional in praying for students and sharing Scripture, which led to Gospel conversations. Students were invited to meals and special events outside of class, creating more opportunities to build trust and community.
One student, a self-proclaimed atheist, was invited to a volunteer’s home and later to a women’s event at the church. The Gospel was shared, and the relationship continued to grow. Though still seeking, the student now acknowledges that something is missing in her life after tangibly experiencing the love of God.
The successful relaunch of ESL classes grew to 65 students in the spring. Rather than taking a summer break, Pastor Joel, his wife Sara, and other volunteers launched two unique summer language classes. Intermediate and advanced ESL students joined English-speaking church members in “Spanglish” classes—weekly gatherings where participants learned and practiced each other’s languages. The setting was structured yet informal, allowing friendships to form quickly and easily. With about 80% of ESL students unchurched, the classes provided many opportunities to share the love of Christ, personal testimonies, and the Gospel.
The second summer class, “Café Con Leche Club,” was designed for English-speaking members of the church who wanted to learn conversational Spanish for mission trips and workplace use. Teacher Nancy Wiezer customized lessons using feedback from The Heights’ mission teams to Nicaragua, helping future teams be better prepared to serve in Spanish-speaking countries.
Pastor Joel is excited about the future of the ESL ministry at The Heights. Gospel seeds have been planted and watered, and he looks forward to the fruit of salvation that the Lord will provide. When asked how he would encourage a church even slightly interested in starting an ESL ministry, he says, “Just step out in faith and do it!”
Resource: For more information and scheduling of a Basic ESL Training Workshop, contact SBCV Missions Team at missions@sbcv.org.
