Hey guys!
It has officially been two months in the internship, and a lot has changed! The second month in Oregon has been fruitful and growing! The goal that Hannah and I have set for students numbers is getting closer. Our student night numbers have been the 3rd largest out of all campuses, which is fantastic to see from where we started! We are halfway to our goal of 80 students consistently attending. God has been using me as his hands and feet to pour weekly into the kids' lives!
Student Ministries has been a joyful new ride! This past week we did something that was never done before! We had thrown our homecoming at the Oregon Campus! This was an incredible story, where a senior from last year, Layla Kennedy, had brought the idea to our student team! Layla has consistently been poured into her leaders from high school, where her passion has now continued to pour into the next generation! This shows that middle and high school is a crucial stage of life where we need to pour into our generation so that they experience Jesus and continue once they graduate. This homecoming made a significant mark on the Oregon kids because most of our students are homeschooled and have never experienced one. This not only got the kids excited about going to church but also created an environment where learning about God is eager and fun! Tomorrow, I give my first live teaching on stage! The internship meetings and classes have grown me in significant ways to minister me into being able to teach and talk about Jesus.
Outside of student ministries, the internship and meeting people at the Oregon campus have been a joy! Specifically in the internship, we have recently read the book team player. This book has allowed me to analyze critical characteristics within myself of where I thrive and need to grow as a team player in student ministries. Working alongside other interns who are also growing in their leadership aspects has continued to be inspiring. We have had multiple guest speakers pour into us about our well-being to equip us to be the best leaders possible. Outside of the church walls, building relationships with students at Oregon has been a joy. I have had the pleasure of getting to know two students, Aubrey and Paige. They are students at TSA and have been pouring hours of their time into a musical of The Addams Family. After building relationships with these two sweet girls, I am excited to watch their musical on October 21, where one of them is the lead in the musical!
Thank you all for your prayers, financial support, and encouragement! Finically, the internship has occasionally been challenging, but those who support me allow me to do what I love, teaching these students about Jesus. I fully believe that God will continue to provide as I continue the rest of the months of my internship. In addition, your prayers and encouragement are equally as important to me. Praying for the path that God continues to unfold has been fantastic! Here is a picture of Layla Kennedy (previously mentioned) and me Setting up homecoming! More photos next month will be shown of the kids when the photographer processes them!