Stories

Going into this summer, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do after graduating, and even closer to the summer, I was still hesitant about working at TCM for another summer. After working for multiple summers, I was looking for another opportunity to grow and considering serving at Orton Park again. Turns out it wasn’t where God wanted me this summer because all spots at Orton Park were filled up, but it also opened another opportunity for me to serve at Don Valley Village.

When I was thinking about what I wanted to do this summer, coming back to Toronto City Mission (TCM) felt like where God was leading me. I saw God’s confirmation when I decided to change my major into a field more focused on working with children. Last summer left a lasting impact on me because I left not only with fun memories with the interns and kids, but also with a changed heart.

During a small group discussion with the kids, I asked them the question, “What’s holding you back from believing in Jesus?”, and one of them answered me, “I keep on doing bad things. I know it’s bad, but I keep on doing it,” and that reply has stuck with me ever since. 

I never imagined myself serving in children’s ministry. Not until I had the opportunity to serve at Sonshine Day Camp. Although I grew up going to church and attending Bible camps, teaching Bible lessons to children was something that felt extremely far from my introverted persona. However, looking back, I can see that God has been using this internship to grow my faith and teach me to rely on Him rather than my own abilities.