what is the
LANGUAGE
It’s the question we’re most often asked, and a sterile defini-
tion may be: An informal gathering in a friendly environment
where native English speakers meet non-native guests to
help them practice their conversational English. But Lan-
guage Café isn’t sterile, it’s an Ephesians 2:10 opportunity!
“For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do
good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ours is the work of hospitality to the foreigner who dwells
among us.
Language Café began with Natalie Uecker’s vision that grew
from experiences she had in Spain. Natalie asked us to start
and lead the Café, and in April of 2017 we started meeting
at Arnie’s on Leonard with a handful of volunteers (and no
guests)!
As the weeks passed we welcomed students from Japan,
Argentina, Guatemala, Italy and Venezuela; and refugees
from Iran and Afghanistan. We have since been blessed with
friends from Korea, Syria, Iraq, Italy, Burma, China, Puer-
to Rico and Saudi Arabia. Our volunteers quickly help our
Christian, Buddhist, Muslim and atheist guests feel at ease,
and in the process develop friendships.
Volunteers say they love meeting and getting to know a wide
variety of people and feeling like they can help someone feel
more at ease in our cul