North Georgia United Methodist - Multiplying Financial Resources for Mission and Ministry

Have you ever heard someone complain about being tired of school? Now imagine a classroom where students are eager to learn and teachers never grow weary of teaching. Envision a classroom where cultural barriers are broken down, lives are transformed and dreams of a brighter future really do come true.

Cornelia UMC and its sister congregation, Iglesia Metodista Unida de Cornelia, have been serving the growing Hispanic population in Cornelia, Georgia through its English as a Second Language and General Equivalency Degree classes since 2003. Jim Miner, a retired teacher and director of the ESL/GED Program, is the driving force behind this ministry whose mission is to change lives.

“Thanks to lots of assistance from the community, we’re helping our students learn English and obtain their GED in order to find better employment or go on to a secondary education program,” Jim said. “We’re instilling confidence in them and their ability to do things. We’re sharing Christ’s care.”

Fifty-six students, ranging in age from teens to senior citizens, are currently enrolled in three ESL classes and one GED class. While parents attend class Mondays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., volunteers work with their children.

Although this program has deeply impacted the lives of nearly 200 people, the lack of computer-based technology in the classrooms was an ongoing concern for the teachers.  “A grant from the North Georgia United Methodist Foundation was an answer to prayer,” Jim said. “We were able to purchase five computers and five printers.”

Students now have access to the Internet where they can work independently on their reading, language, math, science and social studies skills, send and receive e-mails and develop basic computer skills. “I am very grateful,” Jim said, “and my students are very grateful for the opportunities that have been given to them.”