Chapter 4 | Let's Get Coffee

The summer after my freshman year in college I made a pretty big decision to stay in Austin for an internship with my church. Even though Mr. Fleece would be back in our home town for the summer, I thought this was the best choice for me. I ended up living in an extra bedroom in the home of my pastor & his wife up in Steiner Ranch, about a 30 minute drive to and from downtown. Lots of sweet memories from that summer in Austin...including BINGO.

I was a Connections Intern - helping welcome, connect, follow-up with, and answer questions from people that visited our church. Hill Country Bible Church UT was a church specifically planted to reach college students at the University of Texas for the gospel of Jesus Christ. This meant that about 85% of our people were college students and the other 10-15% were recent graduates or families that chose to help partner with the church and mentor us youngins. It was great. I loved it - the community, the authenticity, the mission, the worship. I heard the gospel message in new and fresh ways, understanding idolatry, the depravity of man, and the depths of my Pharisaical heart. The friends I made and mentors I had shaped my entire college experience. I am forever grateful for the older women that pursued me, welcomed me into their homes, studied the Bible with me, and met for coffee. So much coffee!

That summer and into the school year, I in turn helped engage students on campus and would meet with gals that had already visited our church. Getting to be a friendly face, listening ear, and encouraging voice for so many young women was an absolute gift! The many iced coffees at Cafe Medicci were just a bonus.:) God created me to enjoy 1:1 conversations and as a natural question-asker when it comes to getting to know someone. He's also given me a loving-yet-sometimes-creepy way to recognize people and remember names & details they've shared in the past. I've used this super power lots of times. This internship was one of my first jobs where I really felt like it was a good fit, blending my innate abilities and tendencies with my interests & core beliefs.

At times it felt a little odd to be that person - a semi-ambassador of the church. I could see how it seemed like I was trying to "sell" the experience of getting involved and connected. But really, if my motivations were right, I was simply inviting them into God's plan for their life - to trust Him fully and be a part of a local people who come together to worship and proclaim Jesus as Lord. It's a good thing!

Missing friends from college,

SJW