Internship Reflection

2019 bought a lot of changes for me - I began an Internship with Woodend Christian Camp while studying through Pathways Bible College. When I look back to what I was like at the beginning of 2019 before this internship, it amazes me to see the amount of growth that has happened. I was a naive 20 year old, had gotten used to showing that I was a good Christian on the outside, thinking that I knew a lot about the Bible, about myself, and about the world around me. I was so wrong! Over this year, I have faced many challenges, difficulties, successes and failures; yet I have no regrets.

When I was 14, I was introduced to the life of a kids camp leader. I fell in love with this new adventure, and looked forward to the holidays where I could have the opportunity to share God's love with some amazing kids in my area. This is what sparked an interest in wanting to know more about the way of camp life, and how to grow deeper into the Word in order to share it more efficiently. God opened this door, and my days as a Bible College student began. 

Getting my Diploma from former
Pathways College Principal,
Craig Barrow

This year started off pretty hard. I found it so easy to look at all the negatives around me, that it became harder and harder to find the right perspective and seek true joy. It seemed every little detail would not be the way it was meant to be. Camping was difficult, and I was not ready to face its challenges. Over the course of the year, I came to the realization that I was there for God's purposes, and not my own; and that I serve Him through everything - not just the up-the-front jobs with the schools that came through Woodend, but the behind-the scenes ones in the kitchen as well. It was probably around the beginning of Semester 2 where I began to notice a real shift in my behaviours and perspectives, and I began to genuinely enjoy working at the campsite. 

Finally, on December 6th, I graduated!! With a Diploma in Christian Studies...It was a windy road that lead me here, but I an grateful for the twists and turns along the road to success! Where I am today, has changed a lot since the beginning of the year. God has shaped me, moulded me, stretched me, and challenged me through many difficult and positive experiences into the person I am today. 

So, where to next? 

Well, one of the reasons I wanted to do an internship in NZ, was so that I could gain camping experience and Biblical knowledge so that I could take that and use what I've learnt in places overseas. At this stage, that is still a dream of mine, and I know that God will open the right door for me in the right time. In the meantime, I am working in Golden Bay till my younger sister's wedding in February.

Thanks for all your prayers and encouragement over this year!
Enjoy the rest of your week

Esther x

Class of 2019
Pathways College of Bible and Mission