Well, it is official! I have entered a new chapter of my life, and it still feels surreal.
As I sat in a service the day before my internship started, I remember taking in the feeling that this was my last time at CedarCreek not as an intern. When worship began, I heard the song “Worthy of It All” for the first time. As I listened to the lyrics, I was awestruck by the reminder that God chose me long before I ever knew what this year would hold (Ephesians 1:4-5). I believe it is no coincidence that I am here, and He has led me to this moment step by step.
In all honesty, I have experienced a mix of excitement, fear, and uncertainty throughout this journey. Looking back on the thoughts and emotions I have encountered, I can say with my whole heart that nothing can thwart God’s plan (Proverbs 19:21), no matter what I face.
Once the internship started, I immediately sensed genuine care from the people I interacted with, and that has only continued to grow. One of the first things that surprised me was how intentional everyone is. Every meeting, conversation, and decision has purpose behind it, with our church’s mission—to introduce people to Jesus and the life-changing adventure with Him—in mind.
I have had the privilege of being part of meetings within Groups and Outreach, as well as the Perrysburg Campus staff, and both experiences have given me a completely different perspective on what goes into ministry behind the scenes. Attending my first all-staff meeting, where staff members from all six campuses come together, was a highlight of my first month. We celebrated staff members, recognized how God is moving across our campuses, and worshipped together. When “Worthy of It All” began to play, I sensed God’s presence in such a personal way.
It felt like a full-circle moment. The last time I heard that song at CedarCreek, I was alone, anticipating what was ahead. This time, I was singing it alongside the people I will be doing life with for the next year. I don’t think I could have planned that moment myself!
I also had the opportunity to serve at baptisms at the Perrysburg Campus. As I stood greeting people entering the auditorium, I had a full view of the excitement taking place. What stood out to me most was the joy and passion on my supervisor Michael Orlando’s face as he celebrated with those taking the step to publicly declare their faith. Watching him and everyone in the room celebrate each baptism reminded me that ministry is ultimately about people taking their next step with Jesus.
We also recently wrapped up Serve Day, one of the biggest projects of the year where our church goes out to serve communities across all of our campuses. This was my first Serve Day, and I traveled to different projects throughout Toledo with Danielle Sidebottom; it was so much fun! I loved seeing the diversity of people who showed up to serve and the different needs our church was able to meet. It was encouraging to see so many people willingly give their time and energy to serve others and witness the heart for outreach within our church.
Along with all of these experiences, I have faced some personal struggles throughout these first few weeks. There have been moments when I have questioned whether I belong here, felt overwhelmed by everything I am learning, or wondered if I am doing enough. But being in this environment has given me eyes to see and ears to hear in ways I don’t think I would have noticed otherwise. I’m becoming more comfortable the more time I spend around people, and I’m learning how willing others are to help. Sometimes, all you have to do is ask! These small interactions have already played a role in shaping my character and the person I envision myself becoming.
Another life-giving part of the program has been our weekly class with the other interns. There are nine of us total, and being alongside others who are going through similar experiences has been such a relief. It reminds me that I am not alone in this adventure, and I look forward to continuing to grow alongside the other interns throughout this year.
Only a month in, God has already started teaching me so many lessons. From being reminded that we are better together and not meant to do life alone, to learning how to receive God’s grace while walking through humility, I am confident that He is with me every step of the way.
I don’t know everything this year will hold, and I know there will be both exciting and difficult moments ahead. But if I’ve learned one thing, it is that I don’t have to walk through this by myself. God has been faithful in bringing me to this place, and I am excited to see where He leads next. Whatever this year holds, He is worthy of all praise and glory!
Scripture References:
Ephesians 1:4–5 (NLT): “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.”
Proverbs 19:21 (NIV): “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Listen to "Worthy of It All" Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiT9KsaHyug&list=RDGiT9KsaHyug&start_radio=1