LIFElines Through Language Studies & Music

Lillie used her position as English professor at the university in Singapore to build relationships with her students.  The students admit that, at the beginning, they were only interested in learning English.  After all, mastering the English language would help them become more successful in their chosen careers.  So, they were hungry to learn English and learn it well.  But Lillie had more in mind than just teaching them English.  She made sure they were always welcome in her apartment.  Her door was always open for visits and "learning more English".  Lillie would use the Bible as the text for reading.  She took them to church and then held discussion sessions afterwards to see how much they had gleaned from the sermon.  This opened many doors for training hearts, not just minds, as they began to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.  And then there is the Handbell Choir.  Lillie had purchased and taken to Singapore, four octaves of handbells.  A group of about 15 became Lillie's music students as they learned how to ring the handbells.  The goal was for all to attend each practice and performance.  No excuses.  If you attended, learned the music, then Lillie promised a trip to the United States.  Not one person missed.  Not for family events, school or any other reason.  They were motivated by the idea of traveling to the States.  They became proficient at the bells, even though they had never had any formal music training.  Lillie color coded the music for them and directed them as they played.  They performed on TV in Singapore and many other venues.  And then, the big trip to the States became a realization.  They performed at many churches and were able to stay at homes of the church members in the States.  This gave them the opportunity to practice their English and, more importantly, testify to how they came to know Christ.   Eventually, all of the handbell choir members came to a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ, confessing Him as Lord.  Once again, the LIFEline had been cast.  Cast among students eager to learn....and learn they did.