A team of volunteer tutors at Mitcham Baptist Church (MBC) is creating a welcoming environment where people from different cultural backgrounds can learn English, build friendships and explore faith. Coordinating this ministry is former teacher Anne Dixon, who received a Victoria Day Award this year in recognition of 10 years of dedicated service.
Each week, a dozen tutors spend two hours helping people of Chinese heritage practice everyday English, gain a deeper understanding of Australian culture and connect with locals. After an all-in teaching session and morning tea, classmates practice what they have learned in small groups before enjoying lunch provided by members of MBC’s Chinese congregation.
One class participant said she was grateful for those who gave their time to run the classes. “I can feel the love and care we have for each other. Through our tutors’ kindness, patience and love, I can feel God’s love for us. I have also made good friends with my classmates. We learn together, help each other and care for each other.”
The award was presented by Shadow Minister for Environment, Nick McGowan, for Anne’s efforts in coordinating volunteers, lesson plans, worksheets, morning tea, outings and guest speakers.
“It was a total shock to receive an award,” Anne said. “I wondered why they would single me out. It’s a big team effort! We get as much blessing as the people who attend the classes. We’ve developed lots of wonderful relationships with people in the community. Through my career as a teacher, God has given me the skills to serve people in this way and show them His love.”
The friendships and connections formed through these classes are just as important as the language skills being developed. As Anne explains, participants appreciate having people they can turn to with questions about things they encounter in everyday Australian life. The classes also provide opportunities for conversations about faith, with participants invited to stay afterwards for a faith-exploration class in Mandarin run by Richard Li, MBC’s Pastor to the Chinese Congregation.
“Faith often comes up as a natural part of our conversations,” Anne said. “Over the years, this has been a wonderful pathway for introducing people to Christ. We have seen quite a few people join the church and many get baptised – that’s always very encouraging.”
The ministry started with four participants after founder Hugh McCartney asked a neighbour if she would like to learn English. “Hugh and I were both teachers, so he invited me to help,” Anne shared. “We had 4 people at the first class and it has now grown to 30, mostly from outside the church. We haven’t advertised but it has grown through word of mouth, as God has brought people along.”
For the volunteers, the classes are also an opportunity to care for others and build lasting friendships. “Many of our volunteers have retired from paid work, and they enjoy finding new ways to continue their involvement in the community. The only real qualification they need is to be prepared to have a chat!”
What began as a simple invitation to a neighbour has become a place of welcome, friendship and faith exploration for many people in the community, demonstrating how God can work through everyday conversations and relationships to make a lasting difference.