Fear is Nothing When God is in Your Corner

Written by: Emely Castro

“So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

— Isaiah 41:10 

I started as a placement student back in January, I saw how God led me to Toronto City Mission. During my time in the school year, I was perfecting my skills in working with children and leading a team. I didn’t know where or what I would be doing after but that is when the opportunity of becoming an intern came up. In June, I felt God’s call for me to be a Summer intern. 

Even though I had the experience and time to work with some of the kids, I still felt an inner fear of not being able to do well as an intern. I was scared of becoming burnt out or not planning more exciting activities, nervous that I would do something wrong. I was afraid and began to worry, which soon led to me to overthink everything. Before I knew it, I was in my head questioning why God brought me here, I’m not perfect and I make mistakes. 

I asked myself “Why would God bring me here?” 

“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives. 
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

— John 14:27

We sometimes get into our heads and start creating answers to our questions, forgetting that God has a plan, he knows what’s best for us. Once we submit and surrender, we are then able to see the greater good He has planned for us. If I hadn’t let go of my fear and worries, I wouldn’t have been able to be a part of such a great mission. Being with these kids brings such a joy and blessing in my life and I am so happy to be able to be a part of their lives, showing them through my actions how God works. 

God has brought me here to help and serve others, however, he also brought me here for me to learn how to trust His process and His plan for me. God continues to show Himself through these kids and my team, I am so grateful to be a part of a mission that is greater than my fears, that is bigger than my worries and stronger than my doubts. 

If I listened to my thoughts and leaned on my doubts, I wouldn’t have been able to be here, fulfilling what God’s plan is for me. It’s alright to be scared but it’s important to give it to God and trust that He is in our corner always supporting us and rooting for us, because he loves us. 

God is with me and you. 

Trusting in the plan he has set for you

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
”

— Proverbs 3:5-6

When entering the second semester of my final year, I had no idea of what God had in store for me. 

I had to find a second placement and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to find one. This is where I found myself praying about what my next steps needed to be and asked God to put me where he needs me to be according to the plan he has in store for me. It was at that moment that I came across TCM. I knew I always wanted to work with youth and as I grow older having a relationship with God is very important to me, so finding an agency that aligned with my belief was a blessing bonus.

I knew coming to TCM was part of God's plan because of everything I feared/worried about such as; ‘how I was going to travel?’, ‘How far the location was?’ or ‘if the kids would like me?’

Isaiah 41:13 

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

All of my fears and worries were put to ease once I trusted that everything was going to work out. 

When I first entered TCM I was excited and nervous to meet all the kids. I felt somewhat as “the new kid” getting to know every name and each personality that came with those names, remembering faces to the names was hard at first but I’ve got it now! 

It’s been such a beautiful experience to be able to teach bible lessons, and arts and crafts, and help coach the kids when it comes to sports. It’s also been great helping to come up with solutions to issues that the team may face or that the kids may encounter. 

When I first came, I knew it would take some time for the kids to get used to me and for them to trust me. When some of the children found out I speak Spanish, it was a moment where I found some of the kids opening up to me and talking with me in Spanish. My parents came to Canada when they were teenagers so they always told me to help out those who may struggle with the language. So, I was happy to be able to help translate with those families that speak Spanish. Working with the children that sometimes have a hard time understanding/speaking English, has really been such a nice opportunity and has been appreciated by the team. Most importantly I’m glad to be able to show kindness that we learn through our faith on how to help others and be able to guide and teach, despite the language barrier. 

Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do,  and he will establish your plans.” When you let go and trust the process that God has for you, he will put you somewhere that needs you and somewhere that will help you grow closer to him. Which is why it always best to be kind and helpful because you never know why God has sent you somewhere. 

James 1:17

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,  who does not change like shifting shadows.”

The team here is amazing, I honestly think being here working with the kids, working in such a strong and supportive environment is truly a gift in my eyes. I work with Karen and Luke at the Jesse-Ketchum location. They have such a beautiful, calming, understanding approach with the children and with the people around them. It’s very reassuring to see that our voices as leaders don’t need to be raised. We get to see the kids enjoy their time here by enjoying the little things. It’s nice to see the respect the children have towards the leaders and vice versa. I’ve been enjoying my time spending with Karen and Luke as they are also very open to hearing what you have to say, caring, and supportive, they make sure that; placement students and volunteers feel that they are in a safe space when coming to work. The best part is that It’s not just them who are like this but the entire TCM team, which has been a wholesome experience. I couldn’t have asked for a better agency to complete my placement.

A little bit Before coming to TCM I’ve always relied on my own understanding and my own learning. I prayed to be used to help people with the skills I’ve been blessed with, I’m happy and look forward to seeing what else God has in store for me.