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Upcoming Training Dates

TBA

The FriendSpeak Structure

1. Committed Christians in Bloomington who want to serve others, share their faith and make a difference in the lives of people for the glory of God.

2. International students, visiting scholars, and family members in Bloomington for 1-5 years who desire help with English-speaking, want an American friend and/or want to learn about American culture.

3. Conversation Partner materials and training provided by FriendSpeak, a ministry of Let's Start Talking, headquartered in Dallas, TX.

4. Administration and support provided by the NC3 FriendSpeak team. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our role is to equip workers and connect them with motivated readers for a rewarding conversation and friendship experience for the glory of God.

5. Our Motivation: Obedience to Jesus's commands to love our neighbor, help the stranger and share the Good News.  Also, to equip Christians to be "active in sharing their faith so that they may have a full understanding of every good thing they have in Christ." (Philemon 1:6)

Equipping the FS Worker

1. Conversation Partner Training: A self-directed, online, 2.5 hour instruction/evaluation video. The link is provided through the FriendSpeak headquarters website at a cost of $30.00* (*if cost is an issue, scholarships are available).

2. FriendSpeak Orientation:

• Meet with a FS team member to review and discuss the training, workbooks and expectations (approximately 1-hour).
• Sit in on a reading session to get a "feel" for what it's like (Optional).

3. Connect with reader: Receive reader information and contact reader for first meeting or attend reception for workers to meet readers (held prior to Fall Semester start).

Expectations 

What workers can expect from FS team members:

• We will pray specifically for you and your reader(s) each week.
• We are available to you 24/7 to answer questions.
• We will provide backup (i.e. if you are out-of town, need help with transportation or childcare).
• We will help with resources and materials.
• We will strive to provide timely communication, high-quality activities, relevant huddle meetings and to honor your time.

What the FS team expects from workers

• Timely communication if problems or questions arise (i.e. change in reader status, sickness, etc.).
• Filling out Friendship Journal (summary submitted every 6 weeks or so).
• Participation in FriendSpeak activities and huddle meetings.