the "new" interns

Our current interns are already more than halfway through their internship!  We have really loved getting to know this great group.  It is the largest group we have ever had and they are a lot of fun.  They arrived at the end of the August, spent two weeks in language school, are investing in their host families, working in the office, and have traveled to Honduras and Panama on project trips.  All seven of them, plus another young woman serving here in Atenas, join us for Bible study every Wednesday night.  We are doing character studies on people of faith in the Bible and are developing a working definition of faith based on the examples of the people listed in Hebrews 11.  It's been a great study so far!

During their orientation week, we had an encouraging night of fellowship when we got to hear all of their testimonies.  Some photos of that night will help you "meet" our interns:

L to R: Andrew, Aaron, me, Cindy (EMI staff), and Julietta

 

Interns Camia and Lena are the two girls on the right

 

L to R: Interns Matt, Cheri and Andrew with EMI staff

 

Something that has really struck me about this group of interns is their excitement and willingness to serve.  Last week, we had them over for dinner before Bible study and they were all quick to jump in and help me finish up the preparation for the meal.  They were very appreciative of a break from rice and beans for a good all-American meal of grilled hamburgers, chips and guacamole, green beans, and pumpkin cake.  I'm not sure my food has ever been so complimented! 

 

We really love sharing life with our interns and are so thankful that one of Dan's roles here is to coordinate the intern program.  It is always exciting to see God working in the hearts of the interns, drawing them closer to Himself and using their time in a cross-cultural setting to teach them in new ways.  It's going to be hard to say good-bye to this group in December!



Good-bye, interns!

(This post is about two months too late, but I feel like I can't move on with the blog without acknowledging last term's interns!)

At the end of July, we said good-bye to the interns who had been with us since mid-January.  Brad, Esther, Kevin, and Allison worked in the office with Dan, traveled to Ecuador and Honduras on project trips, lived with Costa Rican host families, worshiped in local, Spanish-speaking churches, and shared life with us here in Atenas.  We got to know them pretty well as they were in our home every Wednesday night for an inductive Bible study on the book of Hebrews.  Dan and I always learn so much from our times of leading this study with the interns!



Dan and I got to know Brad and Esther the best because they attended our church here and we mentored them during their time with us.  Mentoring involves meeting together weekly for accountability, prayer, and studying a specific topic together.  Brad and Dan focused on evangelism, while Esther and I studied Biblical womanhood.

Pastor Yeremy saying good-bye to Esther and Brad on their last Sunday at our church

 

After spending so much time with a group of interns, it is always sad to say good-bye.  We pray for them as they return to "normal" life in the States, where Esther has started grad school and the others are finding jobs in their fields.  It is always exciting to hear about what kinds of ministries interns get involved with in the States, and we are looking forward to staying in touch with these four special people!

the interns with some EMI staff families and tico friends

 

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy

because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,

being confident in this,

that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion,

until the day of Christ Jesus.

 

Philippians 1:4-6