A former OneWay intern shares why she said "yes" to an internship — and eventually joined our staff full time!
You know those people who stand recruiting behind tables, trying to get you to sign up for something? I usually avoid them. My go-to strategy? Keep my head down or suddenly find something fascinating on the other side of the room.
That was my plan — until one fateful day during my sophomore year of college when I was walking through the cafeteria lobby and heard the words, “Do you want a free sticker?” Thinking this would be a simple exchange, I walked over. What I didn’t realize was that this small interaction would change the trajectory of my life forever.
I walked away with more than just a sticker. I left with a clear prompting from the Lord, which led me to Aurora, IL for an internship with those “booth people” — OneWay Ministries. What I thought would be just another summer turned into the most transformative season of my life. It was not just because of the discipleship, the community, or the hands-on ministry experience but because I left that summer with a dream I had never imagined before: I wanted to use my gifts for the Kingdom of God.
I went back to OneWay for a second internship, which confirmed these callings the Lord was stirring in my heart, and joined OneWay’s staff after graduating.
Now, nearly a year into my role as the U.S. Africa Advocate at OneWay, I get to use my gifts in communication to help reach the unreached. As I walk in the dream God placed on my heart after my first summer at OneWay, I am filled with such joy and excitement, recognizing that my work is a small piece of a greater mission, one that hastens the day when, “this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations…” (Matthew 24:14).
And now? When I’m not raising funds and prayers and partners to advance the Great Commission in Africa, ironically I find myself on the other side of the booth—sharing my experience and praying for a life-altering interaction, similar to my own, that will lead to dreams awakened, purposes realized and the Great Commission fulfilled.
I was just looking for a free sticker, but God had something much bigger in store. Maybe He has something bigger for you too. Take a step of faith—apply for an internship with OneWay!
