Impact Stories
Perspective
As much as I try to deny it, I have a tendency to think I don’t need anyone, that total independence is strength. But if you know anything about camp, you know that it is anything but a solo mission. Each day requires teamwork, support from others, and a spirit sustained by God. Every summer, God teaches me something new about Himself or His mission, and this year, it seems to be this: You cannot do this on your own. And I’m not just talking about trips and lessons and camp days. I’m talking about life.
“We can try” has become a familiar refrain for me this summer– the unofficial motto at Orton Park’s inaugural youth camp. From nearly the first day of this internship, I’ve heard it from my supervising Outreach Worker, Mila, when bringing up every kind of idea to implement as we built our youth programs for the coming weeks. Just about every idea, from inductive Bible studies to filming a reality TV show at camp, has been met with the same optimistic yet cautious response, “we can try”. Little did I know it would bear a much deeper meaning.
After a great summer last year, I wanted to come back to see how the kids were doing. I was honoured to be part of their growth. Camp is a great place to make friends and enjoy God's gifts. One of the ways I best experience God’s love is through sports and games. My coaches and teammates have been kind to me, and I would like to extend that kindness to others.
As a returning intern, I’ve mainly focused on strengthening the relationships I’ve already built with the kids before this summer. Last summer, I had grown so much in my faith in such a short time. So much so that I came back for a second summer to see how God uses me this year.
On the bus ride home from our field trip, after a couple of stops, the leaders realized that we were going in the wrong direction. With a little bit of panic in our eyes, we abruptly brought the campers off the bus and started our trek to the closest bus stop. The area was busy with lots of construction sites surrounding us, but the change in plans and overstimulating environment didn't seem to cause any stress for the kids. I looked at them, and they just kept casually following us.
I entered this internship feeling nervous, unqualified, and filled with worries. I obsessed over the qualities I lacked as a leader, having never taught Bible stories to large groups of children, and compared myself to returning interns who appeared to have it all figured out. I was afraid of behaviour management, the kids not retaining anything from my Bible lessons, and failing to carry out God’s purpose in placing me at TCM.
As I wrap up my year-long internship and progress through summer, I am blessed to see the Lord encounter our campers in such real and unique ways. Through Bible stories, our children are sparked with curiosity that pushes them to seek God more. It is a blessing to see that our children don’t seek God because we make them, but because they truly want to in their hearts. A particular camper has touched my heart in her desire to know God in a deeper, more profound way.
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.
My name is Lukas, and I am a volunteer from Germany. I’m currently supporting Toronto City Mission’s Outreach Workers at three communities in Toronto: Don Valley Village, Jesse Ketchum, and Orton Park. My journey with TCM started around one year ago. At the time, I didn’t know anything about TCM. I was looking for something to do after I graduated from high school. A friend of mine told me about Liebenzell Mission in Germany, which later on connected me with TCM, bringing me to Toronto.
My desire is to discern God’s voice and seek to serve Him everywhere. Since my first mission trip to Guatemala in March of 2023, God has instilled in me a passion to serve Him. I saw poverty firsthand and wanted to combat it. After my first trip, I returned to serve in August of 2023 and March of 2024. Unfortunately, there was no opportunity to go back in March of 2025, and I was devastated. I felt as if God had closed a door and would never reopen it. Dorothy, our outreach coordinator, instead encouraged me to serve at Toronto City Mission during that March break.
I grew up without a relationship with my earthly father. For a long time, it didn’t feel like anything was missing. I had other men in my life who stepped into that role—father figures who provided guidance, support, and love. Because of them, my heart never felt empty.
When I reflect on keeping faith in God through hardship, the story of Job immediately comes to mind. He suffered so much, but he continued to have faith in God. Job shows us that we must endure hardships and still hold on to our faith. However, Job didn’t handle his hardship with a smile on his face. He suffered and was in pain and even questioned God.
My heart broke in 2023.
A fifth-grader confessed he felt “too dumb for school.” All the while, a third-grader shares her insecurity about not knowing how to read. It makes her dislike reading even more.
This encouraging promise offers reassurance and strength to those facing fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and challenges, assuring them of God's constant presence and support in any situation.
There is something heartwarming about watching kids reach a point in their lives where they step up as leaders in the world, or rather, their world.
I have a confession to make: I am a coward.
I still remember sitting in church back in high school, listening to missionaries share about the work they were doing around the world. They spoke with so much passion and conviction about the places God had called them to. It was inspiring.
That was one of the first times I wondered, “God, are you calling me to missions too?”
I was listening to a podcast earlier this season that spoke on the story of Peter walking on water. The host suggested that when Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, he may have tried to rely on his own strength to save himself instead of trusting Jesus to keep him afloat, suggesting that we start to sink the moment we try to fix our problems and neglect Jesus, the one we are to trust.
I always thought that being prideful was an overt expression of self-centeredness, arrogance and loud boasting about your own achievements. Yet God showed me that pride can also be found in silence, through deep-rooted stubbornness, self-reliance and unwillingness to ask for help.
I cannot fathom, for even a second, all that God manages on a daily basis. Helping with TCM’s Sonshine Day Camp program has been more than fulfilling. As a team, we strive to make the camp a reflection of Christ’s love for the children. Yet sometimes, I just feel insecure, as if I’m doing something wrong.
It’s been a joyous yet challenging experience working at Sonshine Day Camp. During my time here at TCM, God has been showing me the struggle of working with kids. From teaching Bible lessons to distracted kids to struggling to lead games and crafts, I have recognized many of my shortcomings due to my lack of experience. However, I am reminded of 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
With three years of volunteering at Jesse-Ketchum under my belt, I had mixed emotions when finally taking the chance to work as a summer intern. The idea of becoming a camp leader was exciting, but it was also intimidating to think about all the new responsibilities I’d have to take on.
As I started my first day at Sonshine Day Camp, I had preconceived notions of what a summer camp would be like. I had an idea of how the campers would act, what issues would arise, and most importantly, I thought I had nothing to learn. As someone who grew up in a church, I considered the camp as an opportunity for me to teach campers about God, but in reality, I would be the one learning more about my faith and being challenged by God.
Being granted the opportunity to serve as a summer intern for Sonshine Day Camp has been one of my greatest blessings this year. I started off the summer pretty nervous, as I didn’t know what to expect as a first-year summer intern, but I’ve never felt more overwhelmingly supported in my life by my fellow interns, TCM staff, and most importantly, God.
Growing up, I often found myself in my own bubble. Anxiety kept me in my comfort zone, and I’d rather choose silence over speaking up in a crowd. But being at TCM this summer has encouraged me to step out and let God work in and through me.
Sonshine Daycamp has been a blast. I came into it ready to take on new challenges and grow in faith, and I was not disappointed. I can be on the quieter side when in new places with new people, so doing activities alongside the kids has been a great way to grow.
My name is Jakob, and I’m a Liebenzell Missionary from Germany. I have been working with Toronto City Mission (TCM) since September 2025, and I will complete my service in July this year. This is my gap year after high school. Now you’re probably asking why I moved to Canada and specifically, why I’m working with TCM.