By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

NORTH SHELBY—Moving to a new country and learning a new language can be difficult. Members of The Church at Brook Hills recognized this challenge and chose to offer a helping hand. This past fall, the church started a new English as a Second Language Ministry, providing free English classes to adults in the community.

The ministry kicked off in September 2015 with 37 registered students representing 13 different languages, Brook Hills local missions administrative assistant Hanna Taylor said.

“It was really just a heart to reach internationals in the city,” Taylor said of the inspiration behind the mission.

Free classes are held every Thursday night from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Each session starts with 30 minutes of fellowship time and dinner, then the group breaks into small classes to work closely with instructors for an hour.

“They get to spend time with each other and in their classes,” Taylor said, noting the group has bonded and “become family” over the past months.

This past semester, 10 teachers led the program’s five small classes. Students are given an assessment at the beginning of the program, then split into classes based on their English proficiency. Each class is led by one teacher and one assistant teacher, allowing individualized attention for each student, Taylor said.

There is no cost to join the program, and anyone interested is welcome to join at any point during the year, Taylor said. Free childcare for children up to fifth grade is available during class time.

For more information, visit Brookhills.org or call 313-7777.