One of the great joys I have experienced in the past few years has been being able to be a volunteer in the E-Learning Friendship English Conversation Program through the Awakening Lives to World Missions (ALWM) organization.  This is a small web-based English conversation ministry for nurses and medical professionals in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 

I had the pleasure of meeting with two nurses during the year and a half that I participated in the program.  I met with my assigned nurses once a week via Zoom/Messenger (or whatever web-based application worked!) for about an hour.  Initially we chatted about a variety of topics that allowed us to get to know each other better, but we soon moved to topics that were relevant to each of them including basic nursing terms in English.  Volunteers (both the Vietnamese nurses and English speaking volunteers) agree to participate in a session which usually lasts about 10 to 12 weeks.  

The program is currently looking for volunteers who will invest an hour a week to build a cross cultural relationship and friendship with a Vietnamese nurse/medical professional while sharing the love of Christ as the Lord provides an opportunity.  A background in ESL is not required; the most important requirement for volunteers is to love people.


The next session this year will start on October 17 and last until mid-December.  The nurses are really encouraged by the volunteer visits because, as health care professionals all over the world,  they too are facing fatigue and increased pressure as a result of the COVID situation in Vietnam.   

For more information and application information please contact the EFEC Coordinator at EFECCoordinator@alwn.org.  I would also be happy to answer any questions you may have about my experience as a volunteer in the program.  You may contact me at DFS 815.842.4393 or denise@douglassfinancial.com