Pasantes Especiales/Special Interns

These two young men helped us launch an internship program this year, and we are so proud of their work.  Justin and William are on the soccer team in Los Guido that is part of our SI-CR sports ministry.  They had both dropped out of high school, which is pretty common, but makes future job possibilities bleak.  Both of these guys had demonstrated leadership qualities, and at the beginning of 2013 we were in need of some extra help in our ministry sites.  Hence the idea to start a program to help young people finish high school (or go to trade school) while gaining valuable resume experience, give them an opportunity to be discipled, AND provide real help in our ministry sites. 

We weren't sure how it would go, but we're happy to report that it has been a good year. William and Justin have truly been a support and blessing to the sites they've been a part of, and we are all very grateful for their willingness to be guinea pigs.  Of the 4 young men who started the program in January they are the only two who finished the year.  William successfully completed a certificate program in basic electronics and Justin took a giant leap forward toward being a professional soccer player as he played regularly for a local second division team.  They  also served in our sports, social services, and micro business ministry sites.  They were a tremendous help!

As is usually the case, this program would not have been a success without God's faithful hand and many hours of hard work by our incredible co-workers.  All of our staff invested in some way in these two lives.  I (Jeff) enjoyed getting to know these two guys who are both filled with potential and have many challenges to overcome.  Throughout the year I had the privilege to laugh, cry, and pray with them.  We had several heart-to-heart conversations as we rode the roller coaster of life together, and as I tried to learn the balance between loving mentor and stern boss.  What a privilege it was to watch as both took significant steps forward in their faith journey.  In the midst of the business and the to-do lists, working with William and Justin was a reminder of why we do what we do.  They are two lives in the midst of transformation.  Yet a funny thing often happens when we seek to serve and see lives transformed, as God often does a work in our own lives.  As I sought to mentor and to teach I found myself being the student, as I learned much from these two young men.  Thank you William and Justin for being good teachers!