I Don't Speak English

  A 6th grade boy was sitting in the middle of the classroom, and groups of students talked with one another all around him while he sat alone. No one seemed to notice him, but the look in his eyes told me that he was searching for someone to pay attention. I made eye contact and said “how are you doing today?” 

I am a substitute teacher, so I teach in a different classroom every day. I meet kids from all walks of life, from many different backgrounds. I love them all (even if they give me grief some days), but this sweet 6th grader stood out to me in a special way, and I knew I needed to talk to him. 

“How are you doing today?”

“I don’t speak English.”

“Ok, usted habla español?” 

Immediately, his eyes lit up and his smile took over his whole face. I knew I had just made his day because he finally had someone to talk to. He opened up instantly, and this quiet 6th grader became the most talkative in the class. With the language barrier broken, we talked together for over 10 minutes, and I translated for him and the other kids because, of course, they wanted to know what we were talking about. 

This kid had just moved to the United States from Mexico about three months ago. He was in a new country, a new school, and a completely new language. I saw myself in him. I understood how he felt because I was once that kid. I’ve been the new kid who didn’t speak the native language of the country I lived in. I’ve been the kid who is sitting in the room unable to speak with the other kids because I simply didn’t know how. And because I’ve been there before, I was able to bridge the gap a little bit for this sweet boy and his fellow 6th graders. 

I don’t tell you this story to make you think that you need to learn Spanish (although you definitely should because it’s a great language). I tell you this story because there are many people in the United States just like this kid—people who don’t speak English but who are searching for friends and community. You pass these people in the grocery stores, at the gas station, in the restaurants, and perhaps even in your neighborhood. 

These people may speak a different language, but God created them. He loves them just like He loves you, and Jesus came to save them just like He came to save you. When Jesus told us to make disciples of all nations, that includes those right next to us who don’t speak our language or share our culture. You may not be able to speak Spanish or whatever their language is, but you can show kindness in other ways.

Invite them to your house

Offer to help them with their English

Ask them to teach you some of their language

Say hello and smile when you see them

Encourage your children to speak to the kids at school who everyone else is ignoring

invite them to your church and save them a seat next to you

This sweet 6th grader needed someone to pay attention. He needed someone to notice him. There are many international people just like him in our communities, so I challenge you, open your eyes and pay attention. God loves all people of all nations, and He calls His church to do the same. 

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20