Written by: Lydia Hon
My journey with Toronto City Mission started this January when a friend invited me to apply for the summer internship. Hearing about Sonshine Day Camp and the after-school programs from friends this past year made me curious about God's good work in this organization. I felt God calling me to try something new this year with children at the Jesse-Ketchum community. This opportunity has reminded me of the need to spread God’s love to those who don’t know Him.
I am already more than halfway through the internship with three more weeks of camp left! God has taught me the importance of staying rooted in His ways through the Holy Spirit. One of my favourite parts about this internship is having an opportunity to worship and pray to God alone every day at work. Starting the day with God helps me keep close to His side throughout the day as the team and I at Jesse Ketchum do our best to spread His love through what we say and what we do.
Although we do our best to be an example of God’s love, I am reminded we are not perfect leaders or humans. At the beginning of camp, I was unsure about how children and other team members would view me, so I placed pressure on myself to be the best summer intern I could be. Naturally, I realize I cannot accomplish this idea of a perfect camp leader and team member. I am learning to accept my failures and the times I show weakness. There are times at camp when I doubt my abilities to lead or to answer questions about life and God. God has taught me to come as I am, instead of coming to camp as the ideal summer intern. He has reminded me that He does not call the equipped, but He equips the called.
““For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.””
Two qualities I learned from the kids at Jesse-Ketchum are perseverance and kindness. There are times when they trip, fall, and get injured during physical games. Seeing them persevere through the pain and the hurt to the calm and peace is encouraging. They rest, then stand back up and play again with no fear. There are also times when they show kindness to each other. One child is going to grade 6 who is non-verbal and has autism. The kids support him when he accomplishes something and cheer him on. Even though he may be different, they treat him with the same kindness they treat each other. It is so inspiring to witness this kind of love from the children.
Every day I am in awe of these children, and even in the toughest moments, I am learning to show grace and love just like Jesus teaches us in the Sermon On the Mount. I want to cherish these moments from camp and I am encouraged to come as I am every day trusting that God will equip me.
““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.””