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Foreign Language and Sunday School

I have always found teaching Sunday School to be a stretching experience for me. I can expect to spend a significant amount of time in commentaries, reading related articles, studying the Bible and such. But nothing prepares you for teaching SS in a foreign language.

First of all, to begin study, minimum, I will need:
  1. My English Bible (to read what I'm actually trying to teach)
  2. My Polish Bible (to check to see how to say things in Polish)
  3. My notebook (to jot down all my thoughts and ideas)
  4. My "Experiencing God's Peace" book that we are studying (Thank the Lord it's in English)
  5. My English-Polish dictionary volume (to look up many unfamiliar words)
  6. My Polish-English dictionary volume (to double-check to make sure the meaning is right)

Whew! All that before I can even begin. Did you ever realize that "Church" vocabulary is completely different than everyday vocabulary? Well, it is. There are many times just going to church is discouraging when you see how many words in the sermon are unfamiliar to your ears.

Well, just try preparing for Sunday School in Polish. It is a slow, agonizing struggle. It can take me a whole week to get all the words I need. And of course, once you find all the words, you need to get all your words into cohesive thoughts which might be dramatically different in gramatical structure. And don't try reading any awe-inspiring quotes or deep thoughts. They will go flat every time. Things just don't always translate well.

So, a shiver went through me when I suddenly remember on last night that I am scheduled to teach SS on Sunday (thank the Lord it wasn't Saturday night). I realized last night that I had a full days work today just to prepare (let alone my normal Saturday chores of making food for Sunday and pizza and doing laundry.) I do hope I'm prepared. It looks scary. Maybe we should have prayer time or share time like I did last month. :)

Do I hear volunteers for teaching next month?

Comments

Dorcas said…
This is the sort of thing that we Americans never think of when we wonder what a missionary does.
"Your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
7:52 AM
Anonymous said…
and i thought it was rough getting ready for my class every week. I will count my blessings and pray for you and no I will not volunteer!
6:20 PM
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