One of the greatest ways I have experienced God during my internship has been through the Bible teaching over the past two weeks. Going into the lessons, I hoped the kids would enjoy them, but I never expected to be so encouraged by their eagerness to learn. Seeing even the youngest campers listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and get excited about God's Word reminded me of Jesus' words in Matthew 19:14, "Let the little children come to me... for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Read MoreWhile reading a historical fiction The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar, about a young woman working in Queen Esther’s palace, a moment that truly stuck with me was when Esther speaks with the palace cook and physician about approaching someone in a position of high power. It was terrifying and nerve-racking, yet they still had to do it because they were positioned exactly where they needed to be. This reminded me of Mordecai's powerful words to Esther, “ Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape... and who knows but that you have come to your Royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13-14).
Read MoreHow could I feel nostalgic for an era I was never part of?
As I was looking through all the blog posts of staff and friends from Sonshine Day Camps in the past, I found many pleasant surprises. I recognized so many familiar faces. I did not realize that some of them were part of the original generation of Jesse Ketchum.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read More“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.
Read MoreAfter 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.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreOn 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.
Read MoreI 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.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreGoing 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.
Read MoreWhen 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.
Read MoreDuring 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.
Read MoreI 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.
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