Being an intern in the youth department is completely life changing. I have the privilege of working “behind-the-scenes” and up front with the requirements of running a youth ministry, down to the small details. There is no better way to learn how to do something and what it takes than to do it hands on and have direct experience. I have seen many amazing things happen in the students at IM Student Ministries. I have seen the students who before might be considered the “hard”, careless students become the sweetest, most hungry, students. One specifically that has impacted me and I will always remember is one of my young girls who was always very “hard” and much closed; always sitting in the back, would not even let you hug her, etc. She is now always coming to us for hugs, always the FIRST one up front to worship, and is pressing in! It is amazing to see how simply loving on a student, believing in them, and not giving up on them can make such an impact. Each and every service we hold on Wednesday night is life changing. Seeing students get touched and changed by the power and presence of God is indescribable. There is no price that could ever be placed on seeing young people’s hearts healed, lives changed, and completely impacted. I would not trade seeing these things take place for anything. Serving full-time to help to prepare for services is all completely rewarded when you get to see the things that take place in and through the services in the young people’s lives.

–Rachael