ESL MISSIONS OPPORTUNITY ON THE MEXICO/U.S. BORDER

Dryander Ministries seeks to advance the kingdom of God by means of publishing, educational, and charitable efforts. A major focus is the teaching of English as a second language, which creates a context in which informal yet powerful Christian witness and outreach can take place.

We are currently seeking one or more ESL teachers to teach in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico (near McAllen, Texas), in business and charitable venues.

The role of the ESL teacher will have both direct and indirect ministry components. Direct ministry will take place by equipping people with English skills that will help people to get better jobs, and by sharing the gospel with persons with whom the teacher has built a relationship of friendship and mutual respect. No less important, however, is the indirect form of ministry, by which the teacher will foster a relational learning environment in which the Christians among our Mexican students can build relationships with their fellow students leading to the sharing of the gospel and the discipleship of new believers. The teachers are thus to play what is primarily an adjunct role in support of the Mexican believers' ministries. It is a role by which we seek to make a difference for all eternity.

Persons of any age or marital status may apply.

DUTIES

* Teach ESL classes 2 – 5 hours a day, in companies, neighborhoods, churches, and/or other venues. Current classes are for adults, though we hope to add classes for children of various ages in the future.

* Conduct and promote our "language fiesta" events in which English speakers and Spanish speakers gather for food, fun, and mutual language practice.

* Participate in other ministry and educational activities (e.g., trips to the beach with youth, prison ministry, etc.)

* Spend daily time in private prayer and Bible reading.

* Pursue ongoing regular reading and team discussion of the principles of the Christian spiritual life, cross-cultural ministry, ministry to the poor, development economics, and related topics. See the Recommended Reading List below for examples of the sorts of materials that the team will use for this purpose.

* Pursue ongoing professional development as an ESL teacher, by means of assigned readings and mutual team mentoring. The Recommended Reading List below provides a small sample of the materials to be used for this purpose.

REQUIREMENTS

* Evangelical faith and spiritual maturity.

* A cheerful spirit. Joy in the Lord.

"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:8-9.

If you would like to know how you can receive eternal life through Jesus Christ, we invite you to explore that all-important matter here.

* Membership in good standing in an evangelical Christian church.

* Sound prayer and devotional life.

The applicant daily battles to put to death the flesh, resist the temptations, deceptions, and intimidation of the devil, and to remain pure in the midst of a corrupt world. The applicant daily seeks to gain a deeper grasp of God's holiness and of his great love for us in Jesus Christ, and thereby to become more and more conformed to the image of Christ.

* Evangelical doctrine.

The leadership of this project affirms the system of doctrine taught in such Reformed doctrinal standards as the Westminster Confession of Faith, the Westminster Larger Catechism, and the Three Forms of Unity. Applicants should be willing and able to work with persons of Reformed convictions, as well as with other evangelicals (e.g. Baptists, Pentecostals, and others).

* Committed to growing in a lifestyle of evangelism that involves verbal witness and loving deeds.

* A desire to serve people of all socioeconomic levels for the sake of Christ.

* Strong communication and interpersonal skills. A personable, friendly personality.

* A commitment to grow in cross-cultural skills and awareness.

* Cooperates as a team player.

* Committed to biblical principles of servanthood.

* English is the applicant's first language.

Exceptions may be made if very strong English skills can be demonstrated.

* A low-intermediate proficiency in Spanish or better, and a commitment to pursue increased Spanish proficiency.

* A solid grasp of English grammar and a strong general facility with language.

* High academic performance.

* A bachelor's degree.

* A high-quality TESL/TEFL certificate, or better.

If you do not have this already, this requirement may be met by completing a recommended reading plan plus taking the highly practical world-renowned month-long intensive training program that we recommend. The Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) is accredited by the University of Cambridge and is offered in over 200 approved locations (including Toronto, Houston, and San Francisco) in over 50 countries.

Other certificates may be considered, but they must be recognized or approved by our director, must involve at least 6 hours of teaching practice in which your teaching is observed and critiqued by a qualified teacher trainer, and must be conducted under the supervision and control of a university that is recognized in the field of TESOL training.

* Teaching gifts and exerience.

We are currently looking for persons with at least two years of teaching experience (not necessarily ESL teaching). This requirement can be met by having taught in public or private schools, a pastoral context, or other venues where the applicant's teaching gifts were recognized.

* Commitment to high standards of professionalism in English teaching and to an ongoing process of professional development involving reading and mutual team mentoring.

While some organizations tend to emphasize one or the other, we are seriously committed to Christian outreach AND professionalism in teaching.

* Willingness to let the Mexican Christians with whom we will be working to be in the ministry "limelight," as it were, and to play a supportive, adjunct role.

* Attitude that "majors on the majors, and minors on the minors," in questions of doctrine and ministry priorities. One example of a "minor" is one's understanding of the nature and length of the days described in Genesis 1. One may have strong convictions on this matter and yet be able and willing to cooperate with persons who hold other views. An indispensable "major," however, would be affirming humanity's historical fall from grace, and the need of every human being of salvation through faith in Christ, as revealed in the divinely inspired and completely trustworthy and authoritative Scriptures. Debates over politics, "theonomy," spiritual gifts, and numerous other issues may have their place, but they can become crippling distractions and sources of division if we don't put them in perspective.

* A pioneering spirit that is capable of working in a foreign country in a very small, startup project that is seeking to expand. Psychologically speaking, working in such an environment may be thrilling for some while emotionally uncomfortable for others. Where your sense of security lies is a very important question to ask as you consider this opportunity.

OTHER DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS

The following characteristics are desirable though not required:

* A long-term plan and sense of vocational calling to be a pastor, evangelist, missionary, or other kind of Christian communicator. If you are a seminary student and need to do an internship, this would be outstanding preparation for future pastoral and/or missions work.

* Experience with campus ministries such as InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, The Navigators, Reformed University Fellowship, etc.

* Experience in cross-cultural ministry, e.g. international student ministries.

* Experience in ministry to the urban poor.

* Experience in a Spanish-speaking country, e.g., in a language study abroad program in which students live with local families. (If you would like to do this, we would be happy to recommend a program.)

* Familiarity with books on the Recommended Reading List and/or comparable works.

* A degree in English language and literature.

* An M.A. degree in TESOL.

LOCATION AND LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

The ESL teaching and ministry activities will take place in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, and/or in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Living space can be arranged, at least temporarily, at minimal cost for a single male or married couple in a team member's home. The teacher can also rent a dwelling, or be placed in a Mexican home. The latter option would be an opportunity to improve Spanish skills while building a friendship with a local family and helping the family members to practice English.

Both the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico are among the fastest growing areas of their respective countries. The local economy is driven by the vibrant "maquiladora" industry. Maquiladoras are companies that engage in assembly or manufacturing on the Mexican side of the border and have offices and/or warehouses on the U.S. side. McAllen, TX enjoys a low cost of living and a vigorous retail sector fueled by Mexican shoppers who come from all over Mexico to shop. The Rio Grande Valley attracts bird watchers from all over the world. Beaches on the Gulf coast are 1.5 hours away. The bustling Mexican mountain metropolis of Monterrey, Nuevo León is 2.5 hours away. Beautiful ecotourism sites in the mountains and coast lines of Tamaulipas are 4 to 6 hours away. San Antonio, TX is 4 hours away.

Every fall and winter, the population on the U.S. side roughly doubles due to the influx of Winter Texans, retired seniors who come down to escape the colder climes of their hometowns in the northern U.S. and Canada. We have enjoyed the participation of a number of illustrious seniors in our "language fiesta" events.

Reynosa is a city of hope, and not uncommonly disappointment, to the hundreds of thousands of Mexicans who have moved here from other parts of Mexico. The majority of its current population comes from other states in Mexico, especially Veracruz. Studying English is seen by many as a ticket to the better future they have come here to seek. Our goal is not only to teach English, but also to lead individuals and families to Jesus, who is the true and eternal life.

REMUNERATION

The salary, ranging from $1,500 to $3,750, will vary according to experience and qualifications and the number of teaching hours. (Teaching in the charitable venues MIGHT require raising at least some of your support. Contact us for details.) All in all, we believe that the remuneration, and the ability to save up money, compares quite favorably with that of other popular ESL opportunities such as China and Japan.

WHO WE ARE

The director of Dryander Ministries is Steven Johnson. A native of Oklahoma, Mr. Johnson has a B.A. in finance (Oklahoma State University) and an M.A. in theology (Westminster Theological Seminary in California). Mr. Johnson has been involved in second language education since 1998. He has designed and run a language study abroad program in affiliation with Oklahoma City University, and has taught ESL in the U.S. and Mexico. The ESL program of Dryander Ministries seeks to integrate highly professional language teaching with Christian ministry, in collaboration with churches in Reynosa and south Texas.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To pursue this opportunity, please begin by emailing your C.V. to esl@dryander.com. Subsequent steps, if your C.V. is satisfactory, will include filling out an application that we will send you and scheduling a telephone interview.

RECOMMENDED READING LIST

The following list is far from exhaustive. Feel free to suggest other titles to add to the list.

CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Sermons by Tim Keller, http://www.redeemer3.com/store.
The Heidelberg Catechism.
The Westminster Confession of Faith.
The Westminster Larger Catechism.
The Fight, John White.
Knowing God, J.I. Packer.
Grow Your Christian Life, InterVarsity Press.
The Saints' Everlasting Rest, Richard Baxter.
The Enemy Within: Straight Talk About the Power and Defeat of Sin, Kris Lundgaard.
Indwelling Sin in Believers, John Owen.
The Mortification of Sin, John Owen.
Transforming Grace, Jerry Bridges.
The Autobiography of George Mueller .
Memoirs and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne .
The Commentaries of John Calvin, John Calvin.
Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin.
The Reformed Pastor, Richard Baxter.
George Whitefield: The Life and Times of the Great Evangelist of the Eighteenth Century, Arnold A. Dallimore.

EVANGELISM, DISCIPLESHIP, AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING

Powerful Evangelism for the Powerless, C. John Miller.
Tell the Truth: The Whole Gospel to the Whole Person by Whole People, Will Metzger.
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, J.I. Packer.
BASICS: Wholistic Discipleship for New Believers, Bob Moffitt, http://www.harvestfoundation.org.
Leadership Development Training Program, Levels I and II, Bob Moffitt, http://www.harvestfoundation.org.

CHURCH PLANTING

"The Centrality of the Gospel," Tim Keller, http://www.redeemer2.com/resources/papers/centrality.pdf.
"The Missional Church," Tim Keller, http://www.redeemer2.com/resources/papers/missional.pdf.
Church Planting Manual, Tim Keller and Allen Thompson.
Coaching Urban Church Planters Manual, Allen Thompson.

REACHING THE URBAN POOR

Truth and Social Reform, Vishal Mangalwadi.
The Legacy of William Carey, Vishal and Ruth Mangalwadi.
Evangelism: Doing Justice and Preaching Grace, Harvie M. Conn.
Let Justice Roll Down, John M. Perkins.
With Justice For All, John M. Perkins.
Restorers of Hope: Reaching the Poor in Your Community with Church-Based Ministries That Work, Amy L. Sherman.
Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road, Timothy J. Keller.
Cities: Missions' New Frontier, Roger S. Greenway, Timothy M. Monsma.
Cry of the Urban Poor, Viv Grigg.
Companion to the Poor, Viv Grigg.
Urban Minisry: The Kingdom, the City, and the People of God, Harvie M. Conn, Manuel Ortiz.
Discipling Nations: The Power of Truth to Transform Cultures, Darrow L. Miller.
The Other Path, Hernando de Soto (a non-evangelical author's illuminating study of the economics of urban shantytowns in Lima, Peru).

ESL TEACHING METHODS

Learning Teaching, Jim Scrivener.
Practical English Usage, Michael Swan.
The ELT Grammar Book: A Teacher-Friendly Reference Guide, Richard Firsten and Patricia Killian.
Teaching Pronunciation: A Reference for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Marianne Celce-Murcia et al.
Teaching Tenses: Ideas for presenting and practising tenses in English, Rosemary Aitken.
The Minimax Teacher: Minimise teacher input and maximise student output, Jon Taylor.
Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching, Jack C. Richards and Theodore S. Rodgers.