Chua (right) dedicating Dr Grace Hsu’s book. The others are, from left, the Rev Philip Lim, MMS Area Director; Dr Grace Hsu; and Mr Khoo Oon Theam, National President of Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International.
– MMS picture.
THE CHINESE SAYING “Huo Dao Lao, Xue Dao Lao”, referring to lifelong learning, was aptly demonstrated at the launch of a new book, Teaching English as a Foreign Language, by Dr Grace Hsu Oon Bee, Chairman of the Methodist Missions Society’s (MMS) Education Committee. e book serves as a testimony of her extensive experience in the education fi eld, and over 20 years of service in the mission fi elds as an English language teacher in countries like China and Cambodia.
In line with her dedication to effective teaching and passion for missions, Dr Hsu requires that all those who purchase her book undergo the accompanying training session as well, which she will throw in for free.
The launch was attended by 80 participants and held at the Methodist Centre on Oct 29, 2011. e ages of the participants varied widely, from teenagers to retirees, but one thing in common was a desire for outreach through teaching. It was not only a demonstration of “Huo Dao Lao, Xue Dao Lao” but also of “Huo Dao Lao, Jiao Dao Lao”, or lifelong teaching, as embodied by Dr Hsu.
After a thanksgiving and dedication led by the Rev Lawrence Chua, MMS Executive Director, Dr Hsu shared her knowledge with the participants by conducting a walkthrough of the book and practical training examples. Her passion for teaching was evident from the way she engaged the group tirelessly for two whole hours, belying her 83 years, as she went through every chapter in the book and invited them to participate in actual demonstrations of the techniques.
Hence, it was no surprise that the participants gave resounding praise during the subsequent feedback session and called the book a must-read for anyone interested in teaching, missions or both. Even those who had neither teaching nor missions experience found its contents accessible.
The MMS Education Committee has scheduled the next book sale-cum-training session on Feb 7, from 7 pm to 9.30 pm. It will be held at the Methodist Centre. Please contact MMS or Ms Helen Tan at 6478-4819 for registration.
David Khew is the Assistant Director for Church Relations in the Methodist Missions Society.