The foundation of my motivation for ministry is the Gospel and the Great Commission. I want to share the good news with whomever, and wherever God has placed me in life. After completing a summer internship with Toronto City Mission in 2022, God has truly opened my heart to the Flemingdon community. That summer experience had a positive impact on my relationship with God, as it reminded me of His goodness.
In the midst of my worries, anxieties, chaos, and sadness, God graciously blessed me by revealing His providence over me, the rest of the team, and the community of Flemingdon. I learned how to build loving relationships with the children, youth, and their families, which encouraged me to continue living missionally in Toronto. I felt God's call to return and faithfully serve His people in the Flemingdon community as His obedient servant.
““for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.””
In theory, I knew how great it would be to have a returning summer intern serve the children and families in Flemingdon Park. I understood the significance of having a familiar face and a sense of consistency in their lives, especially during uncertain circumstances. However, what I did not anticipate was the impact it would have on my own life. As I returned for another year as a summer intern at Flemingdon, I have been truly blessed to witness the remarkable growth of the children I was introduced to last year at camp.
One example is how one child was new to Canada and was unable to communicate his feelings to us whenever something upset him. He often stormed off by himself and would never express his emotions. By the end of camp last year, he was able to express and bring his frustrations to us whenever he was upset, as we worked on self-regulation with him. His mother expressed her gratitude for how he was able to better regulate his emotions at home because of what he had learned at our camp. This year, as he returned, his English improved so much that he greeted me on the first day of camp with a big smile and yelled my name. I am overjoyed to have witnessed him building relationships with other campers, having fun at camp, and overall coming out of his shell by expressing his emotions more. He can now share his joys and frustrations with us, and I am thankful to the Lord for giving me the opportunity to walk alongside this little boy.
Another example is another child who could not speak English at our camp last year because his family had immigrated from Afghanistan. I often wondered if he gained anything from our camp, but he certainly had a lot of fun with us. This year, as he has returned, his English has also improved significantly! In fact, he has been very engaged during Bible time and often answers my questions :) It is truly encouraging to watch his curiosity about the word of Jesus Christ grow. May God continue to nurture that curiosity in his heart.
These examples remind me of how God is at work. It is all His doing, and I'm so grateful that the children and families have welcomed me back. As I write this, my journey as a second-year summer intern has just begun, so I am excited to see how God works in my life, among the team, and in the Flemingdon community.
““To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.””
