In January 2024, the Holy Spirit led some of the leaders of Immanuel Lutheran Church (ILC) in Puyallup, Washington to start a tutoring program to share God’s hope and love with the community. These folks wanted a tangible way to be the “hands and feet” of Jesus.
A team of six women started praying, dreaming, and planning, and a very comprehensive program was developed and has been abundantly blessed by God. The demographic data from LCEF and interviews with local principals confirmed that tutoring of reading and basic math facts for children in grades K-3 was a real need in the community. Based on this, the ILC Tutoring Program launched in September 2024 for the 2024-2025 School Year.
There are six elementary schools within 1.5 miles of ILC; these were the target schools to begin the program. Tutor recruiting began, and God provided quality tutors consisting of church members and members of the community. A planning team member visited each school and shared the program with principals, school counselors, and other school personnel. Families signed up through a website for the five sessions held during the school year (each session was five meetings). Families could sign their children up for a 4:30-5:30 p.m. tutoring time, which included a Spanish interpreter, or a 6-7 p.m. tutoring time. A free dinner was served to everyone from 5:30-6 p.m. A parent engagement opportunity was also offered from 6-7 p.m.
All tutoring happened in the sanctuary. Adults and children from other faiths and those with no faith-based history entered a Christian church and felt the love, joy, safety, and peace that God can give. Community was and continues to be built!
At the end of each five-week session, everyone celebrated the last 15 minutes of tutoring time by listening to stories read by special community members, including a school principal, police officer, local author, and others. Child care for younger siblings was provided. Parents even asked for summer packets for their children to help maintain the skills they have learned; these will be provided in June during an ice cream family game time gathering. A celebration in August will be held to reconnect with those in the ILC tutoring family and collect the packets.
Three-year goals were established at the start, and it was exciting to realize that God gave the ability and blessings to reach those goals in the first year. Fifty-three students were served – and this includes eight in childcare. The total number of tutors and volunteers was 22. ILC had seven volunteer guest readers, and they served 1400 meals. The program was funded by several generous donors from the congregation and Thrivent grants. Organizers had hoped for a larger Catalyst Grant, but did not receive these funds; however, the six women felt God was leading them to start this program, and He would provide. God did provide on so many levels.
The school personnel were thrilled with the full “wrap-around” program that was offered. Community and school advocates, counselors, and teachers shed tears of joy when they realized the support that was being offered to their students. One school counselor shared with us, “Thank you so much for all of your work with our students. We truly appreciate your time, love, and support. It is making a difference in the lives of our students.”
Parents could not believe that people would offer such a program for them. This is what several parents had to say:
“Thank you so much for offering this tutoring opportunity. My child has benefited greatly from the tutors’ time and efforts. His spelling has improved, and his self-confidence has soared. He now volunteers to read out loud in class.”
“Are you going to offer this program next year? We got started late, but can see the improvements and would love to be able to continue to attend so that my daughter can get to grade level.”
It became evident that older students need tutoring too. The program is planning to expand in the 2025-2026 school year, and leaders believe God will continue to provide.
Recently, Immanuel Lutheran Church merged with Our Savior Lutheran Church, and they look forward to having more volunteers join to love people, live like Jesus, and share God’s hope at the OSLC Immanuel Campus.
