Impact Intern Spotlight: Emily Coleman



Emily Coleman is a 17 year old from Fort Worth, Texas.
She enjoys photography, ice cream, and spending time with
friends. Emily loves her parents and family dearly.

 

Hills and Valleys

 

This is my second year participating in this internship, and if I'm being completely honest, I couldn't give you a specific reason on why I returned. While I had so much fun on the internship last year, it was also full of difficulties. It was the longest I had ever been away from home, there were a lot of new struggles that I encountered, and spiritually I was running dry because of how much I was constantly pouring into others. Although I struggled with those things, doing this internship got me completely out of my previous comfort zone, and I deeply appreciate that.

 

This year on the internship surely hasn't been what I expected, but I have learned a lot. I have learned that you are there to serve no matter what and I have learned to solely rely on the strength of God each and every day. There will be expectations put on you, but the faster you come to realize that your ultimate purpose on this earth, no matter what job or career you have, is to glorify God and serve His people. You might have to be up at midnight cleaning bathrooms while everyone else is sleeping, you will encounter people you don't agree with, and you will have times where you don't know if you can keep going, physically, mentally, and spiritually. But it is in those times that I have come to the throne and relied on God's strength to get me through every day. At the end of the day you have to remember why you do what you do (1 Corinthians 10:31). No matter who fails you  or who lets you down, God is steadfast in his love and grace, and he will never fail you. You have to remember the whole picture— that this is a team and you are here to lead people to Christ in whatever capacity that is. If that means smelling like canteen for a week straight, then so be it. Service is about filling needs, not doing what you like.

My experience has for sure has its ups and downs. I have learned the differences between myself and others, and I've seen firsthand that not everyone will get along, and that's okay! I have fallen in love with the ministry aspect of this internship— seeing the smiles on the kids' faces after you pray with them, leading them in crazy dances, and ultimately being their role model. Thinking about the amount of children that I have helped bring to Christ this summer amazes me and is incredibly humbling.

 

Had Christ not radically changed me the past few years I would be so comfortable, but I would not be in His will for my life. When I moved to Texas I could not imagine what was in store for me. The past two and a half years have brought two trips to Brazil, a trip to Guatemala, and two summers spent serving children and leaders. God has put me in a position to be able to experience so much more than some people get to experience in their whole life— and I'm only seventeen! If I hadn't moved to Texas I would be so comfortable in what I knew that I would be missing out on what God has for my life, and it's extremely humbling that He trusts me enough to serve His people.