This summer, WoodsEdge is privileged to have three Missions & Mobilization interns on our team. With so many events taking place over the next few months, these interns will be a huge help in our day-to-day ministry, and we pray that their spiritual development will be even more profound. Get to know the stories of two of our Bring Hope interns:
Arabella Perez
Hey! My name is Arabella. I am a rising senior in high school and the youngest, and only girl, in my family with three older brothers. I grew up in a Christian home and have known about the Lord my whole life, but I would say I did not truly begin living for him until the summer after 8th grade.
Growing up, I thought church was simply a place you attended on Sundays and Wednesdays to learn about Jesus and hear how much he loves people. As I got older, I began to realize that Jesus desires much more than that. He wants a daily personal relationship with us and invites us to walk with him every day.
As I became more involved in WoodsEdge Student Ministry, I found a strong, Christ-centered community. The summer after 8th grade, I was invited to participate in Backyard Bible Club. These were two outreach opportunities where we helped lead VBS-style programs for children in local neighborhoods and apartment communities.
When I received the invitation, I almost said no. I did not feel equipped, and honestly, I had no idea what I was signing up for. Looking back, I realize that that was fear speaking. After thinking about it and feeling a pressing on my heart, I said yes, and that decision changed my life.
I went into those two weeks with no expectations, but during that time I experienced God's love in a way I never had before. I saw children from difficult backgrounds experience joy. I watched lives be impacted by the gospel. There were incredible highs and difficult challenges, but through it all, the Lord met me faithfully.
That summer became a turning point in my faith. My love for Jesus grew, and for the first time, I did not want to simply know about him. I wanted to live for him and walk with him.
Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to serve on my first out-of-country mission trip in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where I witnessed children receive the love of Jesus who had difficult life circumstances. Despite their circumstances, they didn't stop praising Jesus. I am still so touched by all that I witnessed, and I can't wait to go back later this summer. The Lord is doing incredible things right here in our backyard, while also sending people to the nations to share his love!
Today, I am ready to say yes wherever he leads. I am excited for all that he has for me through this internship and eager to learn, grow, and see him work in new ways.
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." -2 Corinthians 12:9
Emily Smith
Hi, my name is Emily, and I am so excited to be a Missions Intern this summer. I am currently a junior at Liberty University and am studying business with a minor in Spanish. Growing up, I moved overseas a lot for my dad's work, which exposed me to developing countries, deep history, and culture unlike my own in the U.S. While moving to different countries allowed me to experience so many new things and travel to spectacular places, it also made it hard to form deep connections. Constantly changing schools and new settings meant I adapted quickly and made friends fast but also lacked deep connections. I was willing to be bolder and try new things because I went through my life with a short-term perspective.
With such a large cultural exposure at an early age, I had to constantly widen my awareness and understanding of how new cultures and societies work. This led to a love of learning about the new and different on a global scale and a wanderlust for adventures in unknown places.
This past semester I was blessed with the experience of studying abroad in Quito, Ecuador with a Christian program, alongside 21 other students from across America. Living daily life in a country where the average family lives off of $400 a week was truly eye-opening. It was a privilege to be able to wrestle with what it looks like to live generously and be outspoken about my faith in a setting where communication is limited due to language barriers and different culture norms.
Through all these experiences I have been exposed to diverse ways of living and the desperation of so many people around the world. God has put the desire on my heart to learn and live alongside those who are suffering; whether that is through a career in ministry or through an administrative career, living life on mission in every role is what's important. I am so excited to see what the Lord has in store for me and all the amazing ministries I will be able to learn about.
"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged" -Deuteronomy 12:9
We are excited and expectant for the work that Arabella and Emily will do this summer. If you see them around campus, be sure to introduce yourself, find out what they've been learning, and ask how you can pray for them!