Kingdom Mindset

While studying business and economics, AJ (pictured left) used his summer break to intern at HP Pres. His decision to join our internship program stemmed from the intentionality of the interview process itself. He shares, “I realized that it gave me the best of both worlds. I could grow spiritually and learn how to work in an office atmosphere.” 

Throughout the summer, AJ and the other interns spent valuable time in study with one another, researching a new theological topic each week. The discussions that followed impacted him deeply, sharing “I understood how key it was to be around a Christian community. It was super impactful to be around the other staff and to have the space to talk through those deep topics.” 

At the start of the internship, each intern was encouraged to select an area of their life where they wanted to experience spiritual growth. AJ wanted a better understanding of prayer and was looking for meaningful ways to put it into practice. Through study and support from the staff and church leaders, he found that, by the end of the summer, his prayer life had become richer than it was at the start. He reflects, “I view prayer as more communicative after this summer. The constant encouragement and support were huge for my faith journey. I always left my days here feeling encouraged and refreshed.” 

Working with students, AJ felt equally impacted by their faith as his own journey. Whether it was meeting for coffee during the week or serving alongside the students on the mission trip to Belize, he looked for ways to connect with them about their walk with Jesus. He shares, “I’m proud of how I connected with the students. Just seeing those relationships form and following up with them after was a really important experience.” 

AJ is continuing his degree in business and economics, putting to use the skills he learned in an office environment while feeling equipped to live out his faith in God with confidence, no matter the setting. He shares, “I may not go into vocational ministry, but I plan to apply that kingdom mindset to everything I do.” 

Apply to be a summer intern at hppres.org/intern.