Jeremy and Nguyen first connected at English Corner. The E.C. term grew out of a phenomenon long ago in urban China. When locals discovered spots either in a city center or on a school campus where the English language could be heard and practiced without formality. The Winfreys (Ken and Karen) launched English Corner at our local university. They stewarded it year after year, Wednesday nights, seeing droves of students (mostly new and mostly shy on their first visits) flourish in both English skills and cultural relationships.
“Could I introduce you to a collection of popular readings? A lot of people in our culture have grown to enjoy them through the years. A British professor who taught at both Cambridge and Oxford Universities produced the series.
“They are fantasy stories and the writings pull a lot of narratives together in a seven-volume adventure series.”
With this, Jeremy, a gentle soul and committed volunteer, set the stage for conversational practice for Nguyen for months to come. Nguyen, a family man (wife and young son), though inundated with doctoral studies, was keen for staying engaged.
In due time through the course of their readings, the alluring draw of a centerpiece figure in the readings – a fierce but benevolent lion presented in allegory – captured the student’s imagination. Discussions linking meaningful principles featured in the fictional narratives with a range of Biblical truths gave rise to further heart stirrings. Nguyen soon yielded over – heart and soul, body and mind. Embracing a sure faith issuing out of the life and work of Jesus Nguyen crossed the threshold of belief and never looked back.
Shortly his wife followed suit. The glow of salvation beamed bright over their young lives. The Nguyen household were enveloped and nurtured in a community of love comprised of local area Jesus-followers of varied denominational stripes.
These were times of growing, of anchoring the soul secure – ahead of gathering storms.
©2024 Jerry Lout *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis
And this is why I keep telling writers to ‘keep writing. CS Lewis probably had no idea that one day, his work would lead to salvation for a couple of international students. Your words are important, too, Jerry. Keep writing.
Ever grateful for the encouragements from your pen. Thank you, Rebecca
An interesting side bar to this story. A matter of days after this couple arrived at the University, a sweet lady took them a bag of groceries. Never having received such a gift, the student asked why bring us a gift. This lady’s response was that the love of Jesus compelled her to do this. It had a profound effect on this couple, for eternity. Ken
Thank you, Ken, for this significant piece of the journey.