When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan.
For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain.Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches,
I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.
I Corinthians: 2: 1-5 NLT
I can hardly contain my excitement as I dive into the new semester and kick off week one! Today is my very first class, and while I’ve got my lesson plan ready, I feel unsure about starting things. Those first few minutes are a big deal, and I want to make a positive first impression! From the beginning, I want to connect with my students and set a fun, welcoming tone. Let’s make this a fantastic experience together!
Taking attendance might not be the most exciting task, but it’s an essential part of our day! I like to approach each student with a friendly smile and introduce myself. Some greet me back with warmth, while others seem reserved and have stone faces. It’s all part of getting to know each other!
Once the roll call is complete, I lay out the rules and expectations of the class:
Speak English or be tossed out the window.
Nothing. No responses. Crickets chirping. Suddenly, a few student ask,
What does ‘tossed’ mean? How to spell?
Tossed, t.o.s.s.e.d….it means gently throw…Speak English or be tossed out the window.
Secondly, We will not be using this textbook.
I gently toss the textbook to my lectern.
Why?
Because it’s boring?
They laugh politely, followed by more crickets. So, I quickly and silently pray.
O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant. give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy.
I continue.
All I want you to do today is listen and try to comprehend…
Comprehend? How to spell?
c.o.m.p.r.e.h.e.n.d…comprehend means understand. I want you to try and comprehend this story I am about to share with you.
Thankfully, my 6’2” height holds their attention span. I walk back and forth in the front of the class to ensure all Chinese eyeballs are steadily on me. I grab a piece of chalk and say:
Today, I am going to tell you how I met my wife.
I write Ming Chu on the blackboard followed by a pregnant pause to let the words sink into their Mandarin/Cantonese thinking, English translating brains.
Crickets again. I am thinking: Do they understand English? Do they understand but are too shy to respond? Do they understand but not confident enough to respond in English? All the above?
And then the flood gates open.
Is she Chinese!? Wow!
Did you meet her in Guǎngzhōu?
Where is she from?
Do you have children?
How old is she?
How old are you?
Did she come to Peizheng with you?
Can we meet her?
You!?
How long have you been married?
Can she speak Cantonese?
Okay, God, thanks. Now what?
I will answer all your questions before the class is done, ok? First I want to share a story with you.
I decided to have fun by reenacting how I met my wife! To do this, I invited some students to join me and act out the scenes.
The story features my best friend and a delicious pastry.
How to spell ‘pastry’?
It’s spelled p-a-s-t-r-y! A pastry is a yummy sweet treat made from bread.
As I continue the story, we move through three different locations, with three other students taking on the role of Ming Chu. There are three questions and one very special marriage proposal. When the story gets to me on bended knee, the kids really get it!
The room is filled with laughter; some girls even gasp in surprise. My icebreaker works like a charm! They do a fantastic job summarizing the story back to me in English. It’s truly a memorable and fun experience, and the combination of spontaneity and a little divine intervention is perfect.
Okay, class! Now it’s your turn—ask me any questions you have!
I respond with humor and honesty, no matter the questions, even if they’re a bit awkward.
The question-and-answer session becomes the real icebreaker of our class, and together, we’re building a solid foundation for learning.
`
Thank you for understanding my anxieties even before I know them. Your grace illuminated my story, and I am truly blessed by Your Holy Spirit. You have shown up for me this week in remarkable ways. May the relationships that have been established with my students begin to flourish and grow.
