How God is using Mary Brabson and the Learning Network of Boone County to build relationships and serve our community.
After nearly 26 years working in K–12 education, Mary Brabson was ready for retirement. But God had something else in mind.
Mary, who has attended Eagle Church for more than 30 years, remembers a conversation at her retirement party that changed everything. A fellow educator asked whether she had noticed the growing diversity in Boone County. Until that moment, Mary hadn't given it much thought.
But the question stayed with her.
Not long after retiring, Mary became ill with pneumonia, forcing her to slow down for several weeks. Looking back, she believes God used that season to prepare her for what was coming next.
As she recovered, Mary began researching the needs in her community and discovered a population of immigrant families she hadn't fully recognized before.
"My blinders just came off," she shared. "I saw things in a different view."
Although Mary had decades of experience in education, she had never worked in adult education. She began volunteering with English language programs around Indianapolis, learning everything she could. Still, starting a program of her own felt overwhelming. At 66, Mary wondered whether she had the energy to take on something so new.
Mary described the experience as stepping out of the boat in faith. Each time she questioned whether she had the experience or resources to move forward, God seemed to place another person in her path to encourage and support her.
"I just really feel God called me into this work," Mary shared. "Even though I kind of resisted."
And as Mary continued saying yes, she began to see God provide in unexpected ways.
A private donor offered initial funding, community organizations stepped in to help, and a fellow Christian educator became a mentor and close friend. Later, an unexpected connection led to a $5,000 gift that allowed Mary and her staff to attend a national adult education conference held in downtown Indianapolis in April 2026.
What began with a goal of 25–30 students quickly grew to 134 students as the program continued to expand.
Today, the Learning Network of Boone County offers English classes at Eagle Church and GED instruction at the Lebanon library. Students develop English language skills, strengthen workplace skills, learn about community resources, and build meaningful relationships along the way. Mary also hopes to expand into workforce development, creating opportunities for students to earn professional certifications and further their education.
But for Mary, the heart of this ministry goes far beyond education.
During class breaks, students from different countries and backgrounds gather to share food, conversations, and laughter. Mary described hearing all the different languages filling the room as a glimpse of what heaven might sound like.
And sometimes, those relationships open the door to something deeper.
One evening, Mary noticed a couple from Guatemala who seemed troubled. Through a translation app, she learned that the wife's sister was seriously ill back home. Mary asked if she could pray with them and, with the help of the translation app, was able to do so.
Later, after the woman's sister had passed away, Mary was able to give the couple a bilingual Bible with help from another Eagle Church member.
What began as an English class had become an opportunity to offer comfort, prayer, and the love of Christ.
"I just want the love of Christ to shine through me to them," Mary shared.
While the Learning Network does not teach Bible lessons as part of its English curriculum, Mary's faith shapes the way she welcomes and cares for every student. She wants people to know they are valued and accepted, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Mary also hopes to change how we see our neighbors. Many students have advanced degrees and professional experience in their home countries but face language barriers and other challenges that limit their opportunities here. Some are engineers, attorneys, and other highly educated professionals working jobs far outside their areas of expertise.
Through this journey, Mary's own faith has grown as she's witnessed God continually provide people, resources, and opportunities at just the right time.
Mary shared that she no longer prays for money the way she once did. Instead, she prays for wisdom, trusting that if God is calling her to this work, He will continue to provide.
And she has a message for the Eagle Church family.
"Yes, we have international mission fields that we need to fill. We need to do the Great Commission," Mary said. "But, ladies and gentlemen, our mission field is right outside our doors."
There are practical ways for Eagle's church family to get involved. The Learning Network needs volunteers who are willing to offer patience, encouragement, and individual attention to students learning English or working toward their GED. Mary emphasized that this work isn't always easy, but volunteers don't necessarily need a background in education. A willingness to show up, be patient, and care for others can make a meaningful difference.
Financial support is also needed as the program continues to grow, particularly to help cover staffing, educational resources, and food for students.
Small groups can also provide meals for English classes. Many students arrive straight from work, often hungry. Bringing dinner, helping serve, and staying to connect with students is a simple way to build meaningful relationships.
But Mary's encouragement goes beyond just volunteering. She challenges us to step outside our comfort zones, invite a family to dinner, and take the time to get to know someone whose background may be different from our own.
As Mary has discovered, saying yes to God can lead us to people and places we never expected. And sometimes, the mission field He's calling us to is a lot closer than we think.
Interested in learning more or getting involved? Visit The Learning Network of Boone County to explore opportunities to serve and support the program.
Ellie Bodnar
Communications & Office Administrator