Meet the Interns: Jenni

Tell us about yourself… I grew up in Salisbury, a very small city near Southampton, and moved to Leeds four years ago to study Arabic at Leeds Uni. Now a graduate, I’m married to Tom, and am one of the interns here at St George’s.

“I heard God speak to me, telling me to come back to Him.”

How do you know Jesus? I grew up going to church on Sundays, but Christianity didn’t seem to have any impact on my life more than that. As soon as I could, I stopped going to church or having anything to do with religion. However, when I was 18, I heard God speak to me, telling me to come back to Him. In that moment, I knew that the God I had grown up hearing about at church when I was younger was real, and I needed to let Him take control of my life. I started going to church again, and began trying to live my life for God and with God.

What is your role at StG’s? I’m the Children’s Intern; I help with the things that happen at St George’s for kids aged 0-11, which includes the Sunday morning sessions, Play & Pray on Tuesdays, and also larger events like the Light Party.

“It blows me away every week the way that God is with us on Sunday mornings and meeting with His children!”

Where have you seen God at work? It blows me away every week the way that God is with us on Sunday mornings and meeting with His children! God has met our every need – we began this term with a very small team and God has, and continues, to build up the team and equip us all. We’ve also seen a big increase this last term in the number of kids coming to church each week, which is incredible!

It’s been a huge joy to see God at work in the kids here at St George’s, both in big and little ways. On Sunday mornings, I have the privilege to see children giving their all when they worship, kids wrestling with questions about God, kids who were previously too shy to get involved finding the confidence to join in.

In my own life, God has been helping me in working through the challenges that the internship has brought – showing me that I can have confidence that in His faithfulness and that He will provide everything I need.

What are your hopes for the Internship? I hope to get better at working with children, especially in terms of helping kids meet and know God. I also hope that I will come to know God better myself, and become more confident in telling people about Him.

How can St G’s pray for you? Firstly, that God would continue and grow what He’s doing amongst the kids at St G’s; that there would be more encounters of Him on a Sunday morning and their faith would grow deep roots. Secondly, for myself and Tom, guidance as we try and work out what to do next year!

Find out more about the St George’s Internship here.

Meet the Interns: Ken

Tell us about yourself… I’m from Leeds, I grew up in a Christian family and was brought up going to church; I was really blessed by this. I’ve been on a journey with God, and there have been many ups and downs. After graduating from Bradford University, I went out to the southern-most island in Japan, as part of a voluntary scheme to work in a hospital. In my second year in Japan, I moved to Tokyo and got heavily involved in an ever-growing church in Tokyo, and it was awesome to see God changing lives in Japan. Now, back here at St George’s, I feel that God is really working in me, building me up to step up in leadership. I’m in a new season and this year will hopefully be a great year of growth.

How do you know Jesus? My family and I attended another church in Leeds when I was younger but I was always in the minority as there wasn’t really much of a youth group, as a result, I didn’t have much of an opportunity to be encouraged by other young people, especially through a really tough time of bullying at high school.  I used to ask God “why are you letting this happen?” However, when I was 16, I went on a Christian Venture camp in Cornwall; I heard about what God had done for me, that he was my loving Father, that he loved me, and that he was proud of me. On the last night at camp, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. When I returned, I happened to go to St George’s for a one-off event; I looked at the service sheet which told me about Roots, which I thought I’d try out.  I did explore a few other churches too, but I found Roots at St George’s, to be my home.  The youth pastor at the time, Beth Tash, played a big part in my growth as a young Christian. With her as my cell leader, and with a few other young people my age, we formed a close Christian network, which has given me the courage to be who God made me to be.

What do you love about Leeds? I like that it’s a big city, but also that it’s small enough to know others well.  I love the vision of unity across this city with other churches and charities, and I love being involved in that.

Why have you chosen to do the Internship? The internship is all about equipping leaders for the future, whether that’s in ministry or other in other sectors. I’m here because I want to go to the next level, particularly in leadership, taking this rare opportunity to try out new things in a safe environment, with mentors who will allow you to take this step. I’m placed at St Luke’s Beeston, and my role involves helping with The Alpha Course, Kids Club, and Sunday Schools. I preached for the first time this term, which is something that I had prayed for the opportunity to do; it’s so great to have so many great leaders around me who are willing to give me these opportunities.

“It made me wonder whether I need to be more expectant of God to work in my day-to-day life.”

Where have you seen God at work? One guy came to Alpha, he wasn’t a Christian at the time, and with a young daughter to support, he was really struggling financially.  We prayed for him, and a few weeks later he received a tax rebate which was the exact amount to cover the bills he needed to pay.  He was unemployed at that time too, but was offered an interview for a job the following week, and got the job the following week!  It was a privilege to see the joy of God in him, to witness that prayer is powerful, and it was also humbling to see that God shows up when we ask! It made me wonder whether I need to be more expectant of God to work in my day-to-day life.

I have also helped out with the ‘Introduction to Jesus Christ and The Bible’ course for International students.  This has been challenging, but I feel God has equipped me for the work.  This term we had a weekend away with this group in Chesterfield.  A guy who was baptised earlier this year, who is still in the early stages of faith, came on this weekend with his wife. He had been asking lots of questions for a while, but his wife seemed very guarded against wanting to know more about Christianity. Yet over the course of the weekend I saw her barriers come down; she was so much more open towards the end of the weekend, which was great to see.

“…To love more radically and become a godly leader that’s worth following.”

What can St G’s pray? Pray that we would be able to reach out to the diverse community in Holbeck and Beeston with the good news, through Alpha and other community groups, and pray for the skills and personnel for us to do this well.

As an intern group we’ve been reading a book by Bill Hybels called ‘Axiom: powerful leadership proverbs’ and his use of short, easy-to-remember phrases encouraged me to make up a vision for this year: ‘To love more radically and become a godly leader that’s worth following’. I want to live this out and actively seek opportunities to love people in Leeds and internationally, so please pray for boldness, wisdom and equipping.

Find out more about the St George’s Internship here.

July/14: Thank you

Point to give thanks for this month…

Our Church Prayer Gathering
150 people meeting with God!

The Harlows
Arrived and moved into their new home – they thank us for our welcome.

June Project
Thank God for protection and a great week of outreach to the community.

Archbishop of York visiting St Barnabas
A really encouraging visit; St Barnabas is well and truly launched.

Interns
We give thanks for their hard work this year, and pray for them as they move into new roles and opportunities.

 

Meet the interns: Cecilia

Tell us about yourself… I grew up in China and came to the UK for postgraduate study in 2012. I graduated from Leeds University in 2013. I am currently enjoying life in the UK, playing tennis, reading and painting on my days off.

How do you know Jesus? I started to pray without knowing God’s existence when I was 13. I did not go to church or meet any Christians before I came to the UK. I felt strongly touched the first time I visited St George’s; I felt God’s presence and the power of prayer which helped me to make the decision to follow Jesus.

What is your role at St G’s?
I am the International Students’ intern. There are a variety of activities going on in our Network with the help of lovely and devoted leaders. We put on big celebrations to introduce the gospel to faith seekers; study the bible on Fridays and Sundays; watch Christianity based movies on Wednesdays; go on retreat trips and much more. It’s such a privilege to see more internationals come to church, build a relationship with God and become one of our brothers and sisters.

“The International Network is not only a place for us to explore faith together, but also a place to support each other in life as family in this foreign land.”

Where have you seen God at work? Throughout the internship, God has humbled me and challenged me in loads of different ways. Moreover, it is very encouraging for me to realise that He never lets me walk on my own. Two of the students in our Network were baptised in December; this is strong evidence to prove God is real and at work!

What can St G’s pray? It is amazing to see international students come to church and engage in lots of activities. Please pray that God will bless our ministry and give us wisdom in how to serve him better. Pray also that we will see more fruit in this ministry, by his grace.

Find out more about the internship at St George’s here.

Meet the Interns: Emma

Emma is our Childrens’ intern.  She share’s reflections on her internship and stories of God at work.

“His ways are not my ways but they are always better.”

Tell us a bit about yourself… I grew up in Bolton and arrived at St George’s in 2009 as I started my English degree. As a student I was welcomed and supported by the community of St G’s and I have loved being an intern and getting more involved.

How do you know Jesus? I grew up in a loving Christian home so always knew a lot about God, but none of it ever made a difference to my everyday life. The summer before starting university I went on a Christian Ventures camp and something changed. It was no longer me at the centre of my life anymore – it was Jesus. Since then there have been many ups and downs but God’s faithfulness has always been constant.

What is your role? I get to love and teach some of the youngest members of our church. Our Network for 0-11’s, Explorers, meet in the Church Centre during the 10:30 Sunday service to discover who God is and have lots of fun. I am also involved with Play and Pray, our weekly mums and toddlers group.

“The children have really embraced the opportunity to go deeper and ask questions.”

Where have you seen God working? God has been doing some incredible things with the Explorers. This term we have been looking at the Journey to the Cross with our children ages 5-11. The children have really embraced the opportunity to go deeper and ask questions. The week we looked at the cross I could feel the presence of God in the calm and peace of the room when several children said they’d like to know God for themselves for the first time. On the response poster that asked “Why did Jesus die?” another child wrote “So that I can be God’s friend.” Read more about our children exploring Lent.

How can St G’s pray for you? Pray that God would abundantly bless children through the work of St G’s and help them put down roots in Him that will hold them steadily through their whole lives.Please also pray that I would always be getting involved with what God is doing rather than wanting Him to get involved with what I’m doing; His ways are not my ways but they are always better.

Find out about the Internship and discipleship training at St George’s, here. Read stories of other Interns, here.

Meet the Interns: Anna

Anna Smith, placement intern based at St Luke’s in South Leeds, shares stories of God at work in her area’s of ministry.

Tell us a bit about yourself… Having moved around the UK many times I came to Leeds to be part of the internship team after graduating from Durham Uni. I love any competitive sport, my TV was barely off during the Winter Olympics last month, and am slowly discovering how much I love the countryside, the peace and quiet.

“…learning that I often get it wrong and that His way is always best!”

How do you know Jesus? I was privileged to have been brought up in a supportive Christian home, so have always known about Jesus; but at the age of twelve I made a personal commitment to follow Him. Since then it has been a slow process for me to allow Him to have an effect on my everyday life; learning that I often get it wrong and that His way is always best!

What is your role? As a placement intern, I spend most of my time in, South Leeds, working and worshipping at St Luke’s Church. I am mainly focussed on youth and community work, but my time can vary massively from hour to hour. For example, over the last few weeks I have led a few assemblies in school, been taught how to make soup by an older member of our congregation, helped at Joseph musical rehearsals, organised a church lunch for internationals, been involved in community youth work, Kidz Klub (ages 5-11) and Space (ages 11-13), and have begun organising a community weekend in May! It is a privilege to be able to join in with such a variety of ministries in South Leeds and serve alongside, learn from, and live with, members of the community who have been here for years.

“God has been teaching me about the importance of long term investment in His people, His local church and His community.”

Where have you seen God at work, personally and in your ministry? I studied theology at university which enabled me to wrestle academically with the Bible and Christianity; I came into this year wanting to ‘practice’ much of what I had learnt. So far, working alongside individuals who have faithfully been serving in South Leeds for years, God has been teaching me about the importance of long term investment in His people, His local church and His community.

What can StG’s pray? Within my ministry, it has been amazing to see the growth that is continuing to take place at St Luke’s, especially within the children’s work and international community. So give thanks. Please pray that this growth is not purely numerical but that we would grow together deeper in our understanding and relationship with God.

Find out more about the Internship at StG’s and how to apply, click here.

Meet the Interns: Matt

Matt Malone: Youth Intern

Tell us a bit about yourself…
I grew up in London and came to Leeds in 2011 to start at the university. Coming to StG’s from quite a traditional church back at home was something of a culture shock for the first few weeks.

How do you know Jesus? I grew up attending church every week with my Mum. When I reached 11 I joined the youth group mainly as a social venture. It was through attending a Ventures summer camp at the age of 13 that I first made the conscious decision to commit my life to Jesus and spent the next few years going to  weekly bible studies and being mentored by my youth worker, allowing me to learn more about who God is and how that could practically influence the way I lived.

What is your role? I get to work with teenagers in our Youth Network Roots. We run 3 weekly groups; Friday nights, Sunday mornings and recently we’ve started a Wednesday evening group to cater for our 14-18s. I am also fortunate enough to be able to help out at a weekly homework club in Cottingley.

Where have you seen God working? God has been doing some amazing things at Roots and we’re seeing some real growth in our young people which is a massive encouragement! Just before Christmas, we started a new Wednesday evening group for our older teens allowing them to ask questions they may have and provide time to get into real depth in reading the bible. We’ve seen real growth in this area, particularly since the New Year started, and we currently have 5 young people meeting every week to read the bible together for an hour in a cafe in Horsforth.

We have also just finished our Roots ‘Weekend At Home’ which proved to be a massive encouragement. We saw the young people meeting with God in incredible ways and there was a real sense of community and fun building across the weekend.

The weekend ended with the 10.30 gathering led by the young people of Roots. They loved the opportunity to serve their wider church family and it was a huge encouragement to see our them step up successfully to the challenge of leading the morning congregation in worship and prayer.

How can St G’s pray for you? It would be great to see the whole church praying for continued growth in Roots and further opportunities to allow our young people the space to really encounter God and have that affecting their daily lives.

Personally, I’m just very thankful at the moment for all that God has been doing in providing opportunities for me to explore new things and challenging me by taking me out of my comfort zone. I would love to see more of that!

Find out about St George’s Internship and how to apply here.

Meet the Interns: Hannah Sansome

Hannah Sansome: Intern for St Augustine’s Church, Wrangthorn

Tell us a bit about yourself… In August I moved to Leeds from Cambridge, where I studied at university for 3 years.  I grew up on a farm so moving to a big city like Leeds has been a bit of a change!

“It’s incredible to see such a variety of people from all walks of life united by Jesus…”

How do you know Jesus? I grew up going to my local village church, but for the first 18 years of my life this was not much more than just a routine, and any faith I had didn’t really affect my life. As I got older, I increasingly struggled to see how Christian ‘rules’ were relevant or made sense, but at the same time I was sure that there must be more to Christianity than this. A friend invited me to a Christian Ventures Camp in the summer before university and there I understood for the first time what Jesus has done for me and realised that Christianity is about a relationship with Him. I decided to give my life to Jesus and went off to university determined to live for Him.

“God is someone ‘who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…’ ”

What is your role at StG’s? I’m part of the team at St Augustine’s, Wrangthorn, working with Joanna, Jimmy and Paul. I am involved in all sorts of things, and each week looks different.  I’ve done things like creating; Christmas leaflets to deliver round the parish; visiting people at home; leading services; selling cakes with the Brownies (Girl Guides); leading an Alpha table at St George’s; preaching sermons; meeting and mentoring students; and generally building relationships with people in the congregation, particularly the 18-30 year olds.

“I am understanding more and more what it means for Jesus to be a true and living hope, and learning to pray with more conviction than ever, ‘Your kingdom come’.”

Where have you seen God working? There’s a verse in the Bible which describes God as someone “who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Eph 3.20). I’ve found that God’s been exceeding my expectations in so many ways. I’m excited by the community that is forming amongst the 18-30s age group at St Augustine’s, and by how alive the church feels. There is such a buzz to the social time over tea and coffee after the service! It’s incredible to see such a variety of people from all walks of life united by Jesus, whether that be sharing communion in a regular church service, or coming together to use our various gifts and give sacrificially to reach out to and bless our community. I’ve also seen God at work in people and situations around me; I’ve become so much more aware of brokenness, but I am understanding more and more what it means for Jesus to be a true and living hope, and learning to pray with more conviction than ever, ‘Your kingdom come’.

How can St G’s pray for you? I would love you to join me in praying that St Augustine’s would be a place of light, hope and life, where people encounter Jesus and experience His love and welcome. Since God is a God who can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, please would you pray for an increase in faith, and the courage to pray big prayers. Pray that I would be following God’s lead and that I would always be ready to obey – His will be done.

Find out more about the Internship at St George’s on our website.

Meet the Interns: Ben

Ben Lees: Worship and Youth Intern

Tell us a bit about yourself… I’m 22 years old and I was born and raised in Nottingham. I’ve spent the past year living in London and working for a church called Holy Trinity Church, Clapham whilst also training with Worship Central to be a worship pastor.

How do you know Jesus? I grew up going to church every week with my family and gained foundations for my faith there, but as a 12 year old in a church with no other children my own age, I found it quite boring. I stopped attending church for two years until a friend invited me along to his church’s Friday night youth group and I loved it. After 2 years of going to this youth group, we were in Blackpool running the youth work for the Easter People conference, a guest speaker had come in to minister to us. After he had spoken, he put some music on and told us to just read the words on the screen and not to sing. During this time God revealed himself to me in ways I couldn’t explain and I
just knew that this was the truth. Ever since then I’ve been walking with Jesus,
trying to keep him centered in everything I do and allowing myself to be lead wherever the spirit leads.

What is your role at StG’s? My role at St George’s is the Worship and Youth intern. This involves leading worship at various services, doing admin work for the worship team, running a cell group in the Roots youth group on Sunday mornings and also overseeing the Roots youth worship band.

Where have you seen God working? Since starting here in September, it’s been great getting to know the youth worship band members, trying to grow them and bringing out their different gifts and skills. God’s really been working through them and its been a privilege to be a part of. I think it makes a big difference to the other members of the youth group as well, having their friends and people they know leading the worship. It seems to enable them to engage more with God during those times as they feel more comfortable and grows a worship culture within them.

“It’s hard work sometimes when you can’t see the next few steps in front of you, but I just hold on to the fact that he goes before me and prepares the way.”

God’s been doing some amazing things in my life recently. I’ve just been learning all about stepping out with him and learning to trust in him. It’s hard work sometimes when you can’t see the next few steps in front of you, but I just hold on to the fact that he goes before me and prepares the way. I love seeing the least likely person to be doing a certain task flourishing in that and overcoming the challenge. I’ve been seeing a lot of it recently in some close friends and it’s been amazing to see God at work in their lives. They’re doing things that they never thought they could do, like leading bible studies and preaching.

What are your hopes for this year? During my time as an intern, I’d love to be able to grow my pastoral skills, to listen and know when to be quiet and when to speak. I also want to grow in confidence in the calling that God has placed on my life. I’d like to come out of the internship strong, walking tall with God in the authority that he has given me, constantly looking to him and trusting fully wherever He takes me.

How can StG’s pray for you? It would be great if you could pray for the Roots youth worship band and my involvement in that. I’d love for God to reveal to me some talents and abilities in members of the youth group that I can find and start to grow and encourage them in.

Find out more about the Internship at St George’s on our website.

Meet the Interns: Tom

Tom Merrett: International Outreach Intern

Tell us a bit about yourself… a follower of Jesus, fiancé of Jenni, son of 2 wonderful, loving parents, brother of 7 siblings, and now an intern at St George’s. I graduated in the summer 2013 from the University of Birmingham, where I studied French, Spanish and Arabic.

How do you know Jesus? I’ve been to church with my family all my life, but when I was around the age of 16 I felt the peace of God after praying and confessing with others at Church.  As we were saying the creed one time, I realised that I believed what we were saying, although it wasn’t until I went to university and got involved with the Christian Union and Church that I really understood the gospel and what it means to follow Jesus

What is your role at StG’s? The main areas of focus of my internship with the Church this year are ministry to international students, serving the Leeds Arabic Christian Fellowship and helping to build relationships between Church members and Muslim neighbours, friends, and members of local mosques.

Where have you seen God working? It’s still early days, but the Arabic Fellowship hosted a lunch recently, followed by a talk, which was attended by over 50 people, including several people of other faiths.

What do you hope for this year? Personally, I’d love to be more sensitive to hearing from God,  prepare for marrying Jenni in the summer and grow more confident in talking to groups of people. I’d also love to see people come to know Jesus and grow in their faith – which requires me to get to know them in the first place! I would love to help members of St George’s build relationships with Muslims, and the Church helping to build those relationships years from now.

How can StG’s pray for you? I would love to be more sensitive to God, to hear more from Him. Please also join with me in praying that we might serve international students well, that they will come to faith and grow in their faith while they’re with us in Leeds, then serve Christ powerfully in their home countries. Please also pray for God’s guidance as I seek to build relationships between Church members and Muslims.

Find out more about the Internship at St George’s and Mission at St George’s.