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2002 PE Report stories

Congregations demonstrate weekly prayer yields results (December 30, 2001)

L.A. Dream Center, Angelus Temple make history, reach more with merge (December 16, 2001)

Rain, gang doesn't halt impact of newly formed congregation (December 9, 2001)

Women urged to minister hope at global gathering (November 25, 2001)

Volunteers meet needs at Pentagon cleanup (November 18, 2001)

Fear, uncertainty open window of opportunity for evangelism (November 11, 2001)

'Jump for Jesus' raises $40,000 for STL (October 21, 2001)

Widows, single mothers gain practical blessings (October 14, 2001)

Five new executive presbyters elected (September 30, 2001)

Credit card 'freedoms' tempt college students (September 16, 2001)

Fellowship, nation show ethnic makeup changes (August 26, 2001)

Congregations extend a hand, spread gospel after tropical storm (August 19, 2001)

Single-parent families find hope at camp (August 12, 2001)

KingdomBuy.com caught in middle of culture war (July 22, 2001)

Pentecostal World Conference looks toward future cooperation (July 13, 2001)

Crossover Community Church ministers to hip-hop culture (July 8, 2001)

Prison chaplain hooked on ministry (June 24, 2001)

National Singles team convenes, plans regional conferences (June 17, 2001)

Children's ministries take center stage (June 10, 2001)

U.S. Christians trek to Israel despite news reports of danger (May 27, 2001)

A/G ministries combat eating disorders (May 20, 2001)

Mobilizing laity leads to church growth (May 13, 2001)

Fellowship convenes conference for women (April 29, 2001)

14,547 'honored guests' attend Convoy of Hope outreach in Dallas (April 22, 2001)

Hollywood sends wrong signals on teen smoking (April 15, 2001)

Iowa community faces unique challenges (April 8, 2001)

Churches support ministries to lead youth out of lifestyle (March 25, 2001)

English lessons reach Chinese with gospel (March 18, 2001)

A/G church, police, schools partner for strong community (March 11, 2001)

Church uses 'human hunt' as evangelism tool for teens (February 25, 2001)

Ministering in the fast lane (February 18, 2001)

Abstinence education saves lives, futures (February 11, 2001)

Donated food helps Convoy of Hope extend hand around the world (January 21, 2001)

American Indian College students impact boarding school (January 14, 2001)

2000 News Digest stories

English lessons reach Chinese with gospel

(March 18, 2001)

When home missionaries Keith and Celeste Boudreaux moved to Houston in 1989, the city had a Chinese population of about 100,000. Today, that number is closer to 200,000. The Boudreauxs have been witnessing to their Asian neighbors with the gospel for 12 years by promoting a valuable service — English lessons.

Chinese students participate in an English class at Braeswood A/G.

"We have an incredible opportunity here in America to reach these people," Keith Boudreaux says. "I’ve had heart surgeons, cancer researchers, engineers and business people all attend our classes. These are influential men and women who may one day share their faith in their homeland."

With Celeste working full-time to support their ministry, Keith is currently developing a series of books to teach advanced English. He says numerous organizations offer beginning English courses. But by focusing on advanced English he is better able to highlight Christian concepts and it is easier to find volunteers to teach the classes. Students know up front that the courses are based on the Bible. The Boudreauxs advertise in a local Chinese newspaper, and several Assemblies of God churches hold the classes.

Braeswood Assembly of God is a long-standing partner with the Boudreauxs. Pastor Steve Banning says Braeswood’s "Teaching English by the Word" classes are an important part of the church’s ministry focus.

"Braeswood is an international church," Banning says. "We have approximately 50 nations represented in this church. The Chinese area near us has all its street signs in Chinese and English. We have had a great response to our classes."

Braeswood holds its English classes during one of the scheduled Christian education hours on Sunday morning, giving students the opportunity to also attend morning service and learn more about the gospel. While parents study English, their children receive day care in age-level Sunday school classes.

"We’re able to reach the entire family with the gospel," Banning says.

Students are also invited to church activities. The 2000 Christmas choir concert was well attended by class visitors.

Jordan Diep accepted Christ through the classes and is now sharing his faith with other Chinese.

"I met Jordan in 1996 when he responded to one of our ads," Keith says. "Through a series of miracles, God brought this Chinese orphan from Vietnam to the United States to study at a Houston university. Braeswood was having revival services at the time, and Jordan had a powerful encounter with God."

"Before I became a Christian," Diep says, "I wanted to study computer science. Now I want to be an evangelist. I thank the Lord for people like Keith and Pastor Banning."

The Boudreauxs are working with churches in other cities to establish English classes as an outreach. A six-week outreach in New York City with Bethel Chinese Assembly is scheduled for the summer. More information on the Boudreauxs’ ministry is available online at www.gettingtotheroot.com.

— Scott Harrup
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