EMBRACING GOD’S CALL: A Journey of Faith and Service

Entering the world of internships is an experience full of anticipation, progress, and the unexpected. I encountered amazing moments of faith, transformative experiences with children, and glimpses of God's presence at work as I began my second year as an intern, responding to God's call to immerse myself further in urban ministry.

RESPONDING TO GOD’S CALL.

““Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.””

— Jeremiah 17:7

Returning as an intern for a second year was not a decision I made lightly. I wanted time to figure out if this was indeed God's way for me. Through reflection, prayer, and frequent meetups with Elliot and Dorothy through the past year, I concluded that God was calling me to fully embrace urban ministry with children. This second year would allow me to delve further into the work and better prepare for my future role as an outreach worker. I took a confident stride forward, trusting in the Lord's guidance.

GOD’S WORK IN CHILDREN’S LIVES.

““And whoever welcomes one of such children in my name, welcomes me.”
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— Matthew 18:5

Seeing God's transformative power in the lives of children was a life-changing event for me during camp. Jay, one of the campers, came from a non-Christian family and originally questioned Jesus' existence. Jay participated in Bible lectures and conversations through our after-school program and Sonshine Day Camp. Jay's interest heightened as we discussed the story of Jesus and His resurrection. His receptivity to God's voice was clear when he described looking at clouds and wondering whether God was speaking to him through those formations. It served as a reminder that God's work in children's lives is wonderful and full of surprises.

FAITH DEVELOPMENT AND CHALLENGES.

““I can do all of this through Him, who gives me strength.” ”

— Philippians 4:13

Like Jay, my faith saw both growth and obstacles throughout my internship. Participating in urban ministry reminded me of my past, while exposing me to the realities of families affected by pockets of poverty today. My heart was struck with compassion when I met families and individuals struggling where they are and finding support in TCM’s free programs and encouragement from the Outreach Workers. As I realized the importance of TCM’s ministry, this experience challenged me to lean on God's power and rely on His guidance. When I put my trust in Him, I discovered that I could do more than I ever thought.

THE INFLUENCE OF BIBLE LESSONS ON PERSONAL LIFE.

““All Scripture is God-breathed, and it is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.””

— 2 Timothy 3:16

Teaching Bible stories and lessons to campers had a life-changing impact on me last year. I gained new insights and a greater grasp of God's Word as I prepared and shared these stories. The Scriptures, which were inspired by God, were used not only for teaching but also for personal growth, rebuke, correction, and training. The Bible's transformational power became clear as I dug into its timeless truths, teaching the children and me.

GOD’S COMFORT THROUGH WORSHIP.

““Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” ”

— 2 Corinthians 1:3–4

During the first day of camp, as I explained the purpose of worship to the children—some of them coming from non-Christian backgrounds—one child, who we’ll call Hope, shared an answer when asked why we worship. She said, "We worship God because He comforts us whenever we're sad.” Her response may have resonated in the hearts of those present because she so brilliantly stated one of the essences of Worship in a simple yet thoughtful manner. It reminded everyone in the room that God is the source of comfort in our trials, and that we can draw near to Him through worship, gaining solace and strength. Hope's response demonstrated the power of worship in connecting with God's calming presence.

Witnessing the genuine and pure faith of the children was one of the most uplifting aspects of camp. Despite their limited knowledge and understanding, they gladly and eagerly attempted to answer questions and participate in Worship and Bible discussions. Their childlike curiosity and openness mirrored the core of authentic Worship—coming to God with humility, gratitude, trust, and a simple desire to be in His presence. Their involvement and enjoyment during Worship served as a lovely reminder of the importance of childlike faith in our worship experiences.

WISDOM FROM A CHILD’S MOUTH

““Truly, truly, I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
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— Matthew 18:3

Some of the most important lessons I continue to receive comes directly from the children—their trust, innocence, and unvarnished outlook on life reminded me of the value of childlike faith. Their genuine astonishment and excitement to learn about God challenged me to approach my relationship with Him with the same wonder and eagerness. I witnessed a shift in my own faith journey as a result of their basic yet deep questions and observations.

As I reflect on my internship experience, I am grateful for the opportunities for faith, connection, and transformation. Hope's response, coming from a non-Christian family, beautifully expressed the spirit of worship as seeking comfort in God's presence. The lines of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 struck a deep chord with me, reminding me that God is the ultimate source of solace in our trials. Observing the campers' innocent confidence and enthusiasm in their first worship experience also highlighted the need of approaching God with a humble and trusting heart.

Accepting the call to intern and serve has given me the opportunity to experience the power of worship, the beauty of childlike faith, and God's comfort. As I continue on this path of faith and service, I remember Proverbs 3:5-6, believing in the Lord's guidance and surrendering my understanding to His wisdom. May we all find refuge in God's calming presence and approach Him in worship with the amazement and trust of a child.

My Summer At Flemingdon Park

I returned for a second year because I felt like my work at Flemingdon Park was not finished. I really connected with all of the children last year, connected with the community and was able to share the gospel with them. I also feel that by doing that I helped open their capacity for God’s love.

When I came back this year some of the kids that were really not as engaged last year during bible or worship, are the most engaged of the whole group now. This really warmed my heart to see that I had a small part in their spiritual growth as they begin to seek God. Asking them questions this year they’re able to answer and I’m able to see the spiritual growth. I get to see how God works in their lives. Johnny used to not pay attention to the Bible, and now he’s retaining a lot more information this year. I’m able to recognize that he’s learning about the word. The impact might not be right now, but maybe in the future, they’ll be able to recognize it in their own words. We’re building their foundation for the future. 

I’m not going to lie though, this internship has been a little harder because it is a new group of children, which is common in the Flemingdon Park community, with families always moving out, which is great, but connecting with these new kids has been harder. There is a language barrier with a good bunch of the kids, and at the beginning, it was hard to really communicate with them at all, but as time has passed I feel as if I might finally start to be getting through to them a little bit and hopefully I’m able to share about the gospel with them as well. However, I am strengthened by the whole experience as every time I talk to the kids I’m retelling myself all the teachings and it gives me a spark again. Every day is a new day to learn something. Every day there’s a possible conversation that can happen. I do believe the 7 weeks of camp have an impact on them as humans. Watching the growth of kids like Johnny shows me how important it is to be with them every day. It means a lot to me. I’m working around the camp, still coming and taking this valuable time with them. There are still days I randomly get really, really, sick but you know.

Loving the Littles

““Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’””

— Matthew 19:14

I decided to return for the second time as a Summer Intern at Sonshine Day Camp, because of the relationships that I built in Flemingdon Park with the older bunch of students in my small group. Throughout last summer, I shared my love for worship music with them and had intentional conversations with them about the Gospel, and the lessons that we taught. 

This summer, in moving to the Jesse-Ketchum community and meeting a new camp of children, I set the goal for myself to stray out of my comfort zone with the older campers. I was determined to reach out to the younger children, affectionately dubbed the Littles by the staff at Jesse-Ketchum. At camp, I have found that as I spend increasingly more time with the youngest campers, God has supplied me with overflowing love and grace for them. 

Because I do not have any work experience or schooling in working with young children, last summer I was apprehensive about leading a small group consisting of only the campers from grades 1-3. I was uncertain how to communicate best with the young campers, and I wasn’t confident in being able to make a meaningful connection with them. I also knew that in the past, my patience was short with children in that age range, and I was afraid of being short-tempered and impatient with them. 

But this year, I’ve been more intentional in spending time in conversation with the Littles, eating lunch together, and gravitating towards them during our free time in the gym. I have also seen during our times of teaching the Bible, often the Littles take the lead in participating and answering questions that we ask. Seeing their genuine curiosity in what we are teaching has given me so much encouragement, and has filled me with so much joy. It has shown me that God will reveal Himself to each and every one of His children regardless of the stage of life that they are in. I have seen firsthand through just the first week of camp, that my role as an Intern this summer is to simply deliver to the young campers the Gospel message, and to show them the love that Jesus first showed us. While I may not see the fruits of the team’s labour right away, I can have faith in knowing that God is with the Littles and day by day He is changing them to be more like Him.

Expect the Unexpected

Toronto City Mission has helped me find my passion for being in the children's ministry, which led me to pursue a profession in teaching. I want to be able to guide young minds and encourage them in their walk with God while simultaneously strengthening mine. I am returning for a second year because I want to continue to build relationships with the children and families that I have connected with last summer. My heart still aches for the families that experience poverty, both financially and spiritually.

The past four and a half weeks of the internship has led me to encounter God in ways I never sought. To experience a connection with the staff and bond with one another, while also seeing my fellow colleagues join this internship with the intention of bringing God’s love into the lives of others. 

Thus far, my faith has been both challenged and strengthened. This year, I am returning to Flemingdon Park as a summer intern. I had enjoyed my experience last year and expected something similar for summer 2023; of having close to 30 campers registered, to lead a small group of 6 of the youngest, and have those children participate and be attentive during Bible time. But to expect this year to be THE EXACT SAME is unrealistic when we were given a new set of kids, a new staff team, and TLCs (Teens Leading in Communities). How could I expect to copy and paste my experience?

I walked into the first day of camp this year with this mindset, forgetting that what I had been praying for was a challenge that would push me to become a better teacher and connect with kids of various ages. And so...ask and you shall receive they say...God gave us a challenging first week and a half of camp, with many children who were English language learners and just overall experiencing exhaustion that I hadn't remembered undergoing last year. I felt ready for camp, yet when it started I felt unprepared. However, it is through leading my devotion on patience through 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 that I was reminded that our goal is to lead transformative lives by being a Christ-like model for the kids. I was taught to love when it's hard, to be patient when feelings of frustration and irritation arise, because as much as it is hard for us to love easily, God loves each one of us in a heartbeat and forgives us over and over again. But even more so, that to love God is to love His children, as

"love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance"

and I know that my service to God is to love each child unconditionally like God does and to keep my faith strong knowing that this work glorifies Him.

I feel loved knowing that there are people that support me during camp. They encourage me to stay strong and steadfast as I embark on a new adventure this summer with brand new experiences and a fresh mindset to expect the unexpected. I am reminded that I have a support system that is praying for me and the camp and through that, I know that my team can gain the strength that we need as we continue for the next 5 weeks.

A Season of Growth and Blessing

Going into this time of camp truly feels different going into it a second time as I can focus less on the planning aspects of the internship and focus on building connections with the kids, while also building habits and working on useful skills for myself. Returning was something I wanted to do after last year as it's a blessing to continue to serve the Jesse Ketchum, Stone Church community, and give back to the community I grew up in. Coming into camp, there were goals I had set for myself to work towards and with the help of my fellow interns and Outreach Workers, I have been able to work on them this summer.

Building better Devotional habits and working to become more active were some of the goals I had in mind going into summer. Through goal setting during training and talking with the other staff, I see God’s blessings as I continue to grow in my faith, and as a person. 

Being able to see God work through us and in the kids has also been a blessing. Seeing them grow from where some of them were throughout the school year in comparison to where they are now, in their journeys of faith is a blessing. Even seeing the kids who are coming to camp for the first time just becoming excited to listen to worship music or more engaged during bible lessons and small groups was such a heartwarming experience to see. Regardless if they were a part of the TCM program before this summer or not, I have been able to see small changes in all of them as camp continues and we get to know them a bit more. Whether planting seeds or helping them grow in other aspects of their lives, I can see God’s goodness and the work that is being done by Him through us. 

Through training and the start of camp, I am reminded once again of God’s grace and how we are called to trust his plans for us. I feel truly blessed in being able to work in my position where I have a team that supports, and even helps me in my own goals of personal and spiritual growth while being able to help the children grow as well. Seeing their progress has been uplifting, motivating and makes me want to continue to serve the community and in my own growth. Through these experiences of serving, I feel like I can help others grow while also bettering myself, and I thank Toronto City Mission for the opportunity to do so.