A Small Classroom,
A Big Impact in Auckland

In a small classroom at Pakuranga Chinese Baptist Church, adults are gaining confidence in English while being gently introduced to the hope of Scripture through Bible League’s Bible-based Literacy program.

Opening the door to literacy — and Scripture

On a Tuesday morning in Auckland, a row of “school students” sit ready to learn. But they’re not children. They’re adults — mostly Chinese women who’ve moved to New Zealand with their families, many juggling school drop-offs, work schedules, and the courage it takes to start again in a new country. They’ve come with a simple goal: to speak English with confidence. And they’re doing it in an unexpected way — through the Bible.

At Pakuranga Chinese Baptist Church, Senior Pastor Albert Tang has supported the Bible-based Literacy ministry as a practical way for the church to serve and connect with people in the local community. Through the church’s partnership with Bible League, the program provides a welcoming environment where participants can improve their English while being introduced to the hope found in God’s Word.

Cecilia, a believer and volunteer teacher at Pakuranga Chinese Baptist Church, knows the challenge well. “Most of them coming from China,” she explains. “They understand merely little English… Their English skills are varied, and not all of them attend the class regularly. So this is my challenge.” Yet week by week, something beautiful begins to grow: confidence. “They are courageous to read sentences aloud… answer simple questions,” Cecilia says.

Across the world, illiteracy traps adults and children in cycles of vulnerability — limiting education, restricting employment opportunities, and preventing people from reading God’s Word for themselves. Bible League’s Bible-based Literacy (BBL) program addresses this gap by helping people learn to read and write using Scripture, so literacy and spiritual discovery can grow side-by-side.

Bible League equips local church members and community leaders to run classes using the Easy-to-Read™ (ERV) Bible and Bible League’s study book, Firm Foundations — helping students progress toward reading Scripture, while also discovering the Gospel story of Jesus.

Why Cecilia teaches English using the Bible

Cecilia moved from Hong Kong in 1997 and, as a mother of two (now adults), she never expected to find herself teaching English.
It started when someone asked her to help in a community English class. But she quickly noticed the materials were difficult and not very structured. Then she was invited to take Bible-based Literacy teacher training — and that became the beginning of her service.

When asked why she chose to teach English using the Bible, Cecilia’s answer is simple: “I just want them to know God through the Bible stories in the textbook.” In each class, students practise English through structured lessons — and they also read a short Bible passage. It’s not forced. It’s offered. And for some, it sparks curiosity.

Many students arrive with very low English. “Some may read sentences, but didn’t understand it,” Cecilia says. One of the biggest barriers is confidence. “They have no confidence to speak English and are afraid of speaking wrong,” she explains.“They don’t know how to express themselves in English.” That’s why the small wins matter. Reading aloud. Answering a question. Speaking, even with mistakes. These are brave moments — especially when you’re far from home.

Bible-based Literacy helps students learn language skills — but it can also open a door to something deeper. Cecilia has already seen early signs of interest. “Some want to know more about Bible,” she says, “so they are joining our Bible reading session after class.” It’s a gentle next step: English practice that becomes Bible curiosity… and sometimes, Bible curiosity that becomes a desire to learn more.

A global program — now growing in New Zealand

Bible-based Literacy currently operates in 15 countries, reaching more than 20,900 with more than 60,000 Bibles and training resources distributed in 2025. With training for new teachers, and classes here in New Zealand, supporters have an opportunity to help more churches run the Bible-based Literacy program — providing books, training resources, and ongoing support so more people can learn to read and encounter God’s Word for themselves.

Teaching has also shaped Cecilia personally. “I realised that I need God to give me wisdom,” she says. “I know God loves his children, and he loves me also. When I am in troubles, he will help.” And when asked what she would like Bible League supporters to know, Cecilia points to the heart of it: “The Bible-based Literacy ministry will help people know about God.”

Please pray for Pastor Albert Tang, Cecilia and her students — that they would grow in confidence, keep attending, and encounter Jesus through His Word. And if you’re able, give to help expand Bible-based Literacy across New Zealand.

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