MINISTRY / An interview with a cross-cultural teacher
I interviewed Trudy Fischer so that I could zoom in on one aspect of our teaching through Grace Bible Institute (GBI - our online study structure). But first, a brief update on our work during this Spring season.
The education division of our ministry works primarily through the online institute to invite, gather and teach Chinese students all around the world. Pastor Bob Balza has served as our administrator for over five years, overseeing both the recruitment and training of our student body, which has increased recently to 175. He works with our Liaison Pastor to communicate with our sub-liaisons who, in turn, recruit students into our classes. He seeks and supports teachers for each new semester from a faculty of 18 WELS/ELS pastors, some who are serving in parishes, and some who are retired. He also manages our curriculum, which now includes nearly 40 bilingual courses.
Trudy’s connection
Over a span of seven years, Trudy has taught and interacted with a young lady in southern China. Most of this contact happens through digital mechanisms like email and video conferencing. In the past they have also corresponded through regular, hand-written mail. This relationship has been of substantial benefit for both women, as they regularly discuss life through the lens of Scripture with Trudy’s background as a cross-cultural teacher.
Her teacher’s heart
Motivated by such a positive, long-term relationship with a Chinese woman, Trudy has now become one of our deaconess faculty. She explained this to me, “Pastor Balza asked me to audit both the deaconess training class and the class on Christian parenting. As a teacher I told him that I’d love to hear what this part of GBI’s ministry is about. Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the weight of knowledge that he exhibits both biblically and pastorally. Internally I wondered if I was qualified to step into the role he was suggesting, but I took notes and observed how the students reacted to him. Even with the language difference, they listened well. They asked thoughtful questions. So, when he asked me to lead the class on Christian parenting, I felt a nudge from the Lord to simply try this other-worldly role. I know, through my prayers and my husband Bob’s support, that I’ll be OK. It truly makes me happy to help people understand God’s will for us as we lead our children and grandchildren in this life.”
Her confidence in God’s Word
One thing became very clear as we discussed the joy of sharing the gospel with these Chinese sisters in Christ. Trudy emphasized how when there were heightened emotions or difficult concerns, Pastor Balza would remind the class, “Let’s look at the Word of God. What the Holy Spirit says is the absolute truth. We can always count on it as the basis for our priorities and decisions. I want you to know that this is not my opinion, but the truth directly from our loving father in heaven.” Consider how many different viewpoints on marriage and raising children exist on social media and among our friends. But there are clear, fundamental behaviors outlined in the Bible. This is where Trudy points her students. “The forgiveness and love of Christ in the home (like it says in Colossians 3:12-21) creates a firm foundation for husbands and wives, moms and dads to build a family. A strong marriage is important to us as Christians. Christian parenting flows out of God’s commitment to us and, subsequently our commitment to each other.” God richly bless your investment of time and talent, Trudy!