Around one and a half years ago we had our first family from Hong Kong come to church. Since then, our congregation has almost doubled with Hong Kongers. They have been a great blessing to us, and we are constantly thankful to God for them.
They have come to a local English-speaking church because they want to integrate into both UK life and UK church life and that attitude is fantastic because it means they are enthusiastic in being part of our church. We have responded with equal enthusiasm and have given them responsibilities in many different areas of church life and they have done absolutely brilliantly. They come with energy, hard work, humour, experience and an Eastern perspective on Christianity which has helped us to mature and grow in our understanding of God’s multicultural church. 
We have run a couple of Welcome Courses, and they have gone really well. On those courses we introduced them to the eccentricities of British people including giving them some Marmite on toast to sample, ha ha their poor shocked faces as they take a bite! And they have introduced us to amazing Hong Kong food; our bring and share lunches are no longer quiche-laden affairs, but full of new tastes and aromas.
This is a super-exciting time for us, we are loving having them with us and it is wonderful to get to know them. Language can be a barrier, but it isn’t too much of an issue because they are regularly mixing with Brits and so accelerating their English- speaking abilities. Plus, they can access our awesome Bridges English Language Classes! We prayed for many years for growth, and we always aspired to be a church for all nations. God has answered our prayers and we are mega-happy.
Talking of Bridges, Marina recently interviewed Aggie, a Hong Konger and believer, who has since joined the Bridges team in Reading. 
What’s your name and where are you from?
I’m Aggie from Hong Kong.
When and why did you come to Reading?
I came in mid-September in 2022. First, my best friend moved to Reading in 2021 and she loves the place. Thus, I came because I know I would love the place too. Another reason is Reading is not too far away from London. I believe there are more job opportunities.
What do you do?
I used to be an English teacher in a secondary school in HK and now exploring the possibilities of different job opportunities.
How did you find out about Bridges and also Argyle Community Church?
I joined a “Welcome course” organized by Argyle Community Church and then started joining the Sunday service held there. As for Bridges, it was introduced in both the Welcome course and Sunday service. That is how I got to know Bridges.
Why did it spark your interest to be involved at Bridges?
Despite being an English teacher in Hong Kong, I felt rather incompetent as my expertise seemed to be of no use in this English-speaking country! I wanted to serve the community but did not know what I could do. One Sunday, a brother mentioned “Bridges” in the service appealing for help and prayers. Suddenly, an idea struck me – maybe I could help. Yet, I kept the idea to myself as I still struggled if I was qualified enough to help. I asked God to give me a push if that was what He wanted me to do. At the end of the service that day, a sister who knows my background really came and asked me if I was interested in helping at Bridges. I believe God sent her as a messenger telling me what He wanted me to do. Therefore, I joined Bridges.
What have you enjoyed about being a helper at Bridges so far?
I enjoy helping at Bridges a lot because I can meet students from different parts of the world. I love chatting with them, listening to their stories, and learning about their cultures. I also enjoy learning with the students during the lessons, especially those about local culture. Sometimes I am just so intrigued when I hear stories about “pancake day” or “bonfire”.
Have you ever been involved in English teaching as a ministry of the church?
Not really.
What are your thoughts on this as a believer in Jesus?
I think helping at Bridges is a precious opportunity that God has given me to serve. I am grateful for His clear clue.
Interview by Marina Swainston-Harrison
Written for 2:19 Teach to Reach
May 2023