Full Circle

Working an internship at the church where he grew up wasn’t something Joseph had planned for his second summer in college, but it turned out to play a vital role in developing his faith. Growing up, Joseph’s family was connected to HP Pres through their work as missionaries in Costa Rica. After receiving a care package from the HP Pres college ministry, he decided it would be fun to work with kids and wanted to “pay it forward” to the church who helped support his family in the mission field all those years.

When the summer of 2025 began, Joseph was brought on staff as one of the interns for the 5th & 6th grade ministry. The interns helped to plan and facilitate ministry events and were encouraged to reflect on how their own experience could help kids with their faith. Joseph shares that through the internship, “I’ve grown more as a leader rather than being a follower.”

While assisting with the kids and families ministry, interns were also involved in a weekly Bible study. Each meeting, they were encouraged to discuss deep topics about our faith, swap ideas, and push each other to think critically. Joseph shares, “I’ve seen a lot of spiritual development in myself. I feel like I’m not the same person as who applied for the internship.”

Joseph came into the internship with experience in how the church operates, but his time on staff helped developed a confidence in his ability to lead with his faith. He shares, “I didn’t think it would change my viewpoint, but it did. I feel a lot more prepared to take on leadership roles now.”

Young adults who are college-age are often experiencing a new level of freedom. They are figuring out what they believe and their role in the world. It can be overwhelming, exciting, and scary at times. The internship at HP Pres helps them f ind confidence in their faith by challenging them to look at it from all angles.

You can apply to be a summer intern by visiting hppres.org/internship.