The first day we came to Tahoe, Ryan, the program director gave each of us a journal and suggested that we write a goal for the summer. I wrote a prayer asking the Lord that this summer He would do a work in me, that my heart would be humble and eager to serve. Looking back, I’m able to see how He answered and sanctified me.
During our time at City Impact, I was honored to be in the kitchen cooking for those we were serving, and much of the time I spent doing dishes. There I met a man named Albert. Before Albert, I’d never met anyone more enthusiastic about doing the dishes in my life. Or enthusiastic at all. He essentially stole the sink from me, shooing me to do other duties and I couldn’t help but be in awe of this man who God used to do the dishes here in serving the residents of the Tenderloin in SF. God was teaching me so much about being content in any and all forms of ministry, and the different ways He’s working in the world here at Tahoe. Ministry can look so different, and the church is so vast and diverse to meet the unique needs when called. Missions aren’t only in a distant country but also in the roughest streets of San Francisco. From preaching sermons to sweeping floors. Being a missionary isn’t about where you are but who you are, and this call is daily. Serving at the church weekly, going to serve at various places, and doing kids camp opened my eyes to the need and God’s hand in all the brokenness.
However, God began to show me through His Word and His people the beauty and high calling of the Church as the “pillar and buttress of truth,” and how we are so diverse in order that we may build each other up in doing our part–each functioning differently but under one Head. It was Jesus’ prayer, and it soon became mine. Similarly, I saw the team at Tahoe Forest Church lead with sincere brotherly love, unity, and joy in the Lord,.
I’m so grateful for my time here this summer and all the trials, memories, and lessons I’ve learned from God through the program and the people here. I’ve been humbled by the close-knit community here with whom we learned to bear in love, and the hard-working laborers I was honored to work alongside. The opportunities and pace were perfect, and I’m so glad to look back and see the ways God’s grown us all, from spiritual maturity to service to deep relationships. I know I’ll always have a second home here in Tahoe and that I can always come back. For those desiring a summer internship program to challenge them and give them a loving space to grow in ministry skills, servant-leadership, and sincere fellowship, I would highly recommend Tahoe Church!