The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' missionary program is one of its most recognized characteristics. During disasters, missionaries are well known for coming out in force ready to cook food and help anyone in need. But service is not an activity reserved for natural disasters or catastrophes. For example, it is common for Latter-day Saint missionaries who are native English speakers to provide community service by teaching English conversation classes.
Richard and Jackie Groesbeck from Blacksburg, Virginia are serving as missionaries in Seoul. Dr. Richard Groesbeck spent many years both as an engineering research professor at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and working in Fortune 500 Companies.
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“I have enjoyed teaching in industry and academia for many years,” said Dr. Groesbeck. “However, some of the best teaching experiences of my life have been here, teaching English conversation in Seoul Korea.”
Mormon missionaries are not certified professional English teachers. However, many are native speakers of English. As a result, they can help students sharpen their pronunciation skills, read with natural voice inflection, and practice English conversation. The missionaries use lesson manuals with 48 lessons for each of three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Each lesson is centered around one topic and concludes with a values discussion related to that topic. “Our favorite part of the class is the final 15 minutes when we engage in values-based discussions about important topics such as honesty, service, families, and valuing diversity,” said the Groesbecks. “Not only are values-based discussions excellent for language development, but we also find ourselves connecting with students on a personal level.”
The Groesbecks have made many friends and view their teaching as an important part of their ministry. “Our years of professional work and teaching have served an important purpose; it has prepared us to serve others.”
Service is an activity Latter-day Saints (Mormons) view as intrinsic to their faith in Christ. Along with adherents of many other Christian faiths, members of the Church see all kinds of community service to others as a core Christian value.