A small group of MAF interns travels together to one of the ministry’s overseas bases. There, they spend four weeks being mentored in missionary aviation life and help with remote outreach opportunities.

Eric Kellerer, MAF’s Director of Waypoints says, “It’s really designed to begin thinking about a long-term calling.”

(Photo courtesy of Mission Aviation Fellowship)

Before MAF interns go to the mission field, they spend eight weeks preparing. “They join together with usually about 10 others that are going on this internship and they learn to [deal with] conflict,” says Kellerer.

“What do they do when they have interpersonal conflicts on the field? What will they do when they don’t know how to get food in a different language? We process through lots of different questions like that and they try to think ahead about what that will be like. Then we prepare them to actually go onto the field.”

On the mission field, a mentor couple walks alongside the interns as they learn the local language, culture, and challenges.

From there, Kellerer says, “We usually go out into some of the far reaches where Mission Aviation Fellowship flies on a regular basis, and these are to the most isolated people groups…. [But] instead of going by air, we go by foot or boat or bus or van or horseback, depending on the country. It’s not an easy journey.

“For example, on a recent trip to Lesotho, our interns hiked for eight hours into a village. At the end of that time, they spent two days ministering alongside of some pastors and some nurses that were working in the village in this remote area. Then after two days, an MAF airplane came into that landing strip and picked them up and took them back to the capitol.

(Photo courtesy of Mission Aviation Fellowship)

“Now the flight back was only about 35 minutes long. But the interns then will forever understand how important that tool of ministry the airplane is in that region. If we just flew in, they would be thinking, ‘Wow, this was a nice flight, very pretty, beautiful flight, very nice village.’ But they would not understand how remote and isolated those families are — and there are about 9,000 people that live within a two hour walk of that village.”

Interns also interact with local missionary families, see what life is like for spouses and children, and work with other ministries MAF partners with.

Ultimately, the Waypoints internship program was created to prepare potential missionaries in practical ways, dispel myths about missions work, and hopefully refine interns’ sense of calling from the Lord to become full-time missionaries.

“We looked at many of the reasons why people left the field early…and we said some of those are very legitimate, very noble reasons to come home to your home country,” says Kellerer. “But some of the reasons were really things that, if we had actually invested in their lives, we could help them to actually have longer terms of service there.”

If you’re interested in learning more about a Waypoints internship, contact MAF here!

“Is God inviting you to be part of this Great Commission in different cultures and different lands outside of your comfort zone?” Kellerer asks. “Is He inviting you into that experience to be sent?”

Header photo shows a view of Papua, Indonesia from the window of an MAF plane. (Photo courtesy of Mission Aviation Fellowship)

For many, this means putting plans on hold as they scramble for other options.

Jennifer Holloran with Wycliffe Bible Translators says with so much uncertainty in the job market, 2020 might be a great time to take a gap year. “I do think that there are more students out there thinking about internships, thinking about how to use a gap year, especially if they’re not as excited about taking some of their classes virtually. And so a gap year with an internship could be a great way to supplement their education, fulfill some of those requirements.”

Wycliffe USA offers a variety of internships domestically and abroad. Students or grads absorb real-world experiences while contributing to Bible translation. Programs can be tailored to individual needs or interests and often Wycliffe USA programs can count toward course credit.

Who Can Apply?

Internship applicants come from many different backgrounds. They can be students or graduates but need to be at least 18 years old or older.

Holloran emphasizes that while Wycliffe USA is uniquely focused on translation, these internships aren’t just for linguistics students. “The reality is we have internship needs across all sorts of different disciplines. And we’re really looking for people in IT and literacy, education, and of course, linguistics.

“I would encourage people even if they think, ‘Hmm, can Wycliffe use my skills? This kind of background?’ Please check us out because there’s a really good likelihood that we can.”

A Lifelong Impact

Internships usually last anywhere from 3 months to a year. However, the effects can last a lifetime, both for the intern and for the Church.

(Photo courtesy of Wycliffe USA)

Holloran recalls an intern named Sarah who had a profound experience with Wycliffe USA. Sarah interned with a translation team in Southeast Asia. She helped develop a set of flashcards for team members so they could better connect with the religious terms used in church services. She also used some of her own language skills to help review and revise a translation of Ephesians.

Holloran says, “It was a great experience for her; she got to do something that was meaningful and that’s going to last a lifetime, and she also got to build on her skills. For her, she shared with us that she’s never felt so directly connected to the actual translations; that it was a remarkably formative experience for her as she invested in the language and translation being discussed at the table that day.”

Join Translation Work

The uncertainty of COVID-19 means plans change almost daily for future events. Yet the call of the Church to go and make disciples remains the same. Wycliffe USA offers the unique opportunity to contribute to that Gospel call for all peoples by supporting translation work through internships.

(Photo courtesy of Wycliffe USA)

“I would encourage students really be thinking and asking the Lord, ‘How can God use me during this season, to be a blessing to others, and to use the skills that God is developing in me?'” Holloran says. “I think it’s a great opportunity for that.”

Consider putting your skills to work for the Gospel by joining Wycliffe USA on an internship program. Learn more about the internships and apply here.

Header photo courtesy of Tom Small on Flickr https://bit.ly/34UV091

(Photo courtesy of Jonathon Lipscombe)

“COVID-19 threw a little bit of a wrench in the works,” says Jonathon Lipscombe, an intern with AMG International. “From finding out at college that I had to go home to do online schooling, to shortly after [getting] word that the president of Guatemala locked down all the borders, which meant that my trip was canceled for the summer. That hit a little hard.”

Despite all of these changes, Lipscombe has still found ways to be positive through it all.

“Even though I am sad that I’m not going to be able to be in Guatemala this summer or not going to be anywhere else, I am still happy that I have this opportunity to be able to still do missions and still try to help highlight what the Lord is doing in Guatemala and around the world with AMG,” he says.

He has not let disruptions to his plans affect how he views this unique opportunity. “COVID-19 definitely has brought on some disappointment, but I feel like I’ve learned a lot through it,” he says. “God has been nothing but faithful in this time and has shown me how I can trust Him. God has really shown me how to take full advantage of the circumstances.”

Lipscombe is using this summer to learn more by working at a camera shop as their social media coordinator. “I’m absolutely loving it and it’s giving me fantastic experience that I’m now going to be able to take to the mission field. I’m learning a ton of stuff from the people I work with that I would never have been able to have the opportunity to get that knowledge elsewhere,” he says.

According to AMG’s website, interns work alongside staff and missionaries “to help accomplish AMG International’s mission of equipping and developing Christ-centered national leaders to become instruments of Gospel advancement and community transformation.” Lipscombe, who previously traveled with AMG to Guatemala in high school, will now be working as their media intern year-round.

(Photo courtesy of Jonathon Lipscombe)

“I really have a heart for the missions that AMG is doing and I really wanted to find a way that I could help and still be a part of it,” he says. “I really hope that this AMG internship is not something that necessarily has an end date, but as a stepping stone to one day going into full-time missions with AMG after college, working in Guatemala or wherever else the Lord sends me.”

Lipscombe views this internship as an opportunity to leave his mark on his community and potentially worldwide. Businesses have been implementing more of an online presence in the past few years, and this pandemic has, in a lot of ways, moved those plans along faster.

“I want to be able to build an online community for AMG. I really think that being able to provide this media and show this media to supporters is a good way to help highlight what God is doing and really give people the visual experience that they haven’t been able to see before and give an idea of where their support is actually going,” he says.

Lipscombe is still in the support raising process and could use prayer. He is looking for monthly supporters to “come alongside me and journey through this process with me. So just pray for the Lord’s provision on that,” he says.

“I’m very optimistic and very open to seeing what the Lord is going to reveal to me through this whole experience.”

Header photo courtesy of Jonathon Lipscombe

Is this something you’re passionate about, too? Do you have a desire to share the love of Jesus with others? Are you a student? Then you might want to consider checking out Orphan’s Heart internship program.

Deanna Berkes of Orphan’s Heart says, “We’re looking for young individuals between the ages of 18 and about 29 to travel with us for an extended short-term mission during their summer time. So we have opportunities in Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Uganda, and Latvia this year. We’re really excited about that.”

(Photo and header photo courtesy of Orphan’s Heart)

The internships are about five weeks long. They require more leadership and responsibility than a typical short-term mission trip with Orphan’s Heart. Interns will also be the go-to people for mission trip participants who are there for a shorter period of time.

“They do get to do the typical regular duties of helping children and working hand-in-hand with our ministry partners,” Berkes says. “But sometimes there’s a little bit more to kind of add those tools to their tool belt that most people are looking for with an internship.”

A heart to serve the vulnerable

If you’re wondering if this internship could be a good fit for you, ask yourself if the following mission is something you are excited about.

“Our main goal, obviously, is to further the Kingdom and to share the Gospel in everything we do. We always want to help one more child. That’s Orphan’s Heart and the Florida Baptist’s overall mission is to assist one more child in everything that we do.”

What it looks like to assist a child is different depending on where you are. In Guatemala, for instance, you’ll be helping children facing malnutrition. In the Dominican Republic, however, you’ll be involved in community development. The other countries have their own specific focuses, too.

“The first step is going to be deciding where you want to go. And once you’ve made that decision and you’ve prayed about it, you’ll fill out your application,” Berkes says.

With the application, you’ll need three written recommendations and an explanation of why you think an internship with Orphan’s Heart is a good fit for you. Following the application, you’ll go through an interview process and, if found to be a good fit, training.

Berkes says it’s truly a great opportunity to make a real difference.

“For those who are considering internships—folks ask, ‘Why spend money to travel for such a short period of time when you can give that money and help out more?’ But I would say, internships are really about the relationship. ‘Why give?’ we would say. ‘Go!’”

Maybe you’re not ready to commit to the internship program just yet. Consider going on a short-term mission trip this summer to see what it’s all about. Berkes says many people who go on these trips have decided to come back for an internship. To learn more, click here.

And check back in with us in the new year and we’ll preview some of the trips coming up.

(Photo courtesy of Orphan’s Heart)

Alison Wilson of Orphan’s Heart says, “Orphan’s Heart typically works with orphans and vulnerable children at all of our ministry sites. We don’t mean for the name to be misleading, but often they’re considered a social orphan or a vulnerable child. So they may have at least one parent. That’s not a defining factor for the children we do or don’t work with. They don’t have to be a true double orphan for us to work with them.”

She explains that in Latvia, the orphanages are being phased out and the country relies more heavily on foster care programs. Many of the kids Orphan’s Heart works with in Latvia may have a parent, but their home life isn’t necessarily stable.

This summer program is a rare opportunity for children to enjoy summer camp. And better yet, they get to hear about Jesus — perhaps for the first time.

According to Orphan’s Heart, Latvia society struggles with things like drugs and alcohol. Along with sex-trafficking issues, Latvia houses one of the highest suicide rates in the world.

(Photo courtesy of Orphan’s Heart)

“In Latvia, it’s very much a secular culture. For a lot of these children, they’re living in meager home environments, and so otherwise they would never get to experience a camp environment. This is a great way for us to be able to build relationships with these children and share the Gospel with them, first and foremost.”

Wilson says the camp is similar to what we have in the United States. It’s a day camp with games and crafts and sports. A national partner works in-country so these camps are made available to the kids who need it most. They receive a healthy meal each day as they visit. There are multiple opportunities to build into these children’s lives. But the impact isn’t just made in one week.

“We’re trying to connect them with an evangelical Church so that even when we’re not there during the summer, they’ll have a Christian locally in their community that can help continue to work with them and hopefully lead them to Christ one day.”

How you can help children in Latvia

(Photo courtesy of Orphan’s Heart)

As they plan for the camps, Orphan’s Heart needs people who are interested in making a difference in Latvia. “We’re actually looking to send four interns this year to Latvia for four weeks to work to help us run this summer camp. There’ll be about 25 kids each week, so 100 kids overall for the month of June.”

Each week, they work with about kids aged eight to 12, and the ministry is truly transforming these young lives.

If you are interested in helping out, check it out, here. You have until February 1 to apply, so don’t wait!

In addition, there is a short-term mission trip coming up this summer. Click here to learn more.

Also, consider sponsoring a child through Orphan’s Heart. Sponsorship is available in a seven countries. Each sponsored child will have their specific needs met for only $35 a month.

This is what’s happening to kids in Russia who are now aging out of the country’s orphanages. Greg Mangione with SOAR International says, “Kids coming out of the orphanage system were very ill-equipped to live a normal life. They didn’t know how to cook; they didn’t know how to clean. They always had everything taken care of for them.”

(Photo courtesy Soar International)

To help ease the transition, for the second year in a row, SOAR is looking for summer interns to travel to Russia and help show these kids what life is about. The internship will last for six weeks, running from June 1 to July 19.

“Last year was our first opportunity. We had a student from Moody Bible do an internship with us with these orphans, teaching them everything from Bible to agriculture to cooking and sewing–iust all sorts of different life skills. But of course, discipleship and the Bible were the primary ones.”

Interns will be working with individuals in their mid-to-late teens. And besides having a chance to earn college credit and help others, this internship is a great opportunity to see what life is like in Russia and to grow as an individual.

As for qualifications, it all depends on the individual’s skills. Interns teach topics specific to them and their own skills. Basically, the internships is tailored to each intern based on their unique gifts.

If you’re interested, hurry up and get an application in for the chance to help change a life, maybe earn a college credit, and take part in an experience that’s sure to grow you!

But if travel isn’t an option, please pray that the needed interns will make their way to SOAR. Also pray for God’s provision for Russia’s aging orphans, SOAR, and the interns. And finally, pray for God’s Word to be known by these orphans, and for their lives to be His.

To learn more or apply for the internship, click here.

Or call, 1-888-388-7627 (SOAR).

SOAR International Ministries has their first-ever
intern joining them this summer in Russia.
(Photo courtesy of SOAR).

Russia (MNN) — As many college students have returned home from college, a few are taking on summer internships. Many will be joining organizations or businesses to gain experience in the business world. Some will join ministries to gain ministry experience.

SOAR International Ministries is excited about beginning their first internship program this summer.

How did it come about? SOAR’s Greg Mangione says, “As we were talking with different schools and attending missions conference they would ask, ‘What kind of internship opportunities do you have?'”

SOAR began looking into it. “We started talking with one of our partners in western Russia about the possibility of them being involved.”

SOAR has been working on the specifics for about a year. Mangione says, “Beginning June 9, we’ve got one intern from Moody who will be going over to Russia with us.”

SOAR International’s Greg and Vika Mangione.

“Benm” a Moody Bible Institute student, is heading there next month to help a church who has an orphan transition home outreach. “Once the orphan graduates, what’s left for them? The statics are basically crime and poverty. [When] they come out of the orphanage, they don’t know how to go grocery shopping, they don’t know how to cook and clean. They don’t know how to take care of themselves.”

What will Ben be doing? “Helping to train orphans who have graduated out of the orphanage, as this transition home helps them integrate into normal life and give them skills so that they can have a productive life, but then also mentor them spiritually.”

This particular transition home is seeing incredible results. “90% of them are born again Christians that are active in their church. Many have started families. Many have gone to college or universities and have gotten degrees or specialty education so they can be more productive in society.”

Many who have gone through the program are now giving back and mentoring those who are involved today.

Ben will also help at a summer English camp offered through the church.

Support SOAR with your best gift today.

(Photo courtesy of SOAR)

Russia (MNN) — Are you looking for college internship credits? How about a really cool summer mission trip?

If you answered “yes” to either or both of those questions, then you need to connect with SOAR International Ministries!

They’re putting together a two-month mission trip to Russia that can also count for college credits. Interns and team members will be coming alongside local ministry partners to meet practical needs and share the Gospel.

Who, and what, is SOAR?

Service & Outreach Alaska to Russia (SOAR) located in Kenai, Alaska, is an international Christian mission dedicated to service and outreach in Russia. They share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Russia’s people through short-term mission teams and humanitarian aid.

SOAR’s evangelistic outreaches include Christmas and Easter projects, Bible camps, and ongoing work with churches in Abkhazia. Learn more about SOAR projects here.

Why should I go?

(Photo courtesy of SOAR)

SOAR’s trips aren’t just about fulfilling course requirements — they let you experience ministry in Russia first-hand. If God is calling you to make a difference in the lives of orphans or other needy Russian children, this is an easy way to “live out” your calling.

This summer’s trip, which is planned to run from June 9 to August 3, will begin in Ryazan, Russia. Participants will spend 6 weeks living alongside orphans in a “transition home” — a place where kids learn how to live independently outside the orphanage.

Interns/short-term missionaries will be working alongside the team at this transition home in various projects and orphanage ministry. They’ll be helping teach life skills, as well as Bible and discipleship content.

SOAR’s summer trip will conclude with a 10-day English camp in Moscow. Read about last year’s summer outreach here.

Joining SOAR’s 2-month mission trip will cost approximately $3600 USD, which includes transportation costs, in-country expenses, and visas. The 10-day English camp will cost $2,500 USD.

Interested? You can find a telephone number and e-mail address on SOAR’s profile page. If you’re looking to get college credits, ask for Joanna when you contact SOAR.

(Photo courtesy Mission Aviation Fellowship)

USA(MNN) — Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) has received a $66,800 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to fund an internship program at the organization’s Nampa headquarters.

MAF is a unique Christian ministry that uses airplanes, technology, and training to reach the world’s most isolated people. With a fleet of 52 light aircraft, MAF provides services to some 600 churches, relief groups, medical personal, development agencies, and others, allowing them to work in remote and difficult parts of the globe.

“We are grateful to the Murdock Charitable Trust for this exciting gift,” said Barbara Bowman, MAF’s vice president for ministry advancement. “The grant is allowing MAF to provide paid internships and mentoring to college students interested in the nonprofit sector. This gives them a chance to explore career options while developing valuable skills.”

MAF has already hired two student interns from Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) and is currently recruiting for a maintenance specialist intern who desires experience in aircraft maintenance. A job description and application form are available on the MAF website.

(Courtesy Mission Aviation Fellowship)

Tyler Dooghan is excited about his audio-visual internship. Dooghan graduated from NNU last month and has been editing videos and shooting footage for MAF.

“I’ve been learning a lot more about the technical side of things and developing some much-needed skills,” said Dooghan. “This is a real career booster for me, whether I end up with a job at MAF or somewhere else.”

Based in Nampa, MAF is part of the global family of mission aviation organizations comprised of MAF Canada, MAF International, and several affiliate organizations in Latin America. Recent MAF work includes assisting with vaccination campaigns in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, supporting relief efforts in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan, and enabling the work of churches, evangelists, and Bible translators across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The organization employs 180 staff in the Treasure Valley.

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust seeks to enrich the quality of life in the Pacific Northwest by providing grants and enrichment programs to non-profit organizations that seek to strengthen the region’s educational, spiritual, and cultural base in creative and sustainable ways. The trust is based in Vancouver, WA. Learn more at www.murdock-trust.org.