STORIES FROM ISMNZ INTERN GRAD'S
Japanese Grad
"I come from Japan, and was studying performing arts in Auckland when I was asked if I would like to become an ISMNZ intern and help with the Japanese ministry. After praying about it, God gave me peace, so I left Auckland for Palmerston North...
Through various frustrations and challenges I have experienced God and felt closer to Him as never before. I had never been a leader, so I had to learn so many things and be patient with myself. God has been revealing my weaknesses (not a comfortable experience) but through the internship God has helped me grow and to see it too. It is hard, though it is good, because God is good - that's what an ISMNZ internship is!"
Through various frustrations and challenges I have experienced God and felt closer to Him as never before. I had never been a leader, so I had to learn so many things and be patient with myself. God has been revealing my weaknesses (not a comfortable experience) but through the internship God has helped me grow and to see it too. It is hard, though it is good, because God is good - that's what an ISMNZ internship is!"
New Zealand Grad
I grew up in Auckland and came to Palmerston North to study at Massey University. In my first year at university I became a Christian through an Alpha Course at Grace City Church. When I finished my degree at Massey I wanted to study theology. I had been on a short term trip to China that year. I felt God was calling me back to China, but I also knew He wanted me to get more training. I was asked to consider an internship with ISMNZ, working with their Chinese Fellowship Ministry.
Throughout the years of being involved in the Ministry Internship Programme with ISMNZ I grew in so many ways and learned so many things. Mostly I have learned about the grace of God and the freedom we have in New Zealand. I have learned what it is like to be an outsider in another culture. Being an ISMNZ intern and a New Zealander was so beneficial. I see myself as part of a Body that is made up of many different cultures and backgrounds; indeed, I have found my identity as a follower of Jesus Christ and am committed to Him as my Lord."
Throughout the years of being involved in the Ministry Internship Programme with ISMNZ I grew in so many ways and learned so many things. Mostly I have learned about the grace of God and the freedom we have in New Zealand. I have learned what it is like to be an outsider in another culture. Being an ISMNZ intern and a New Zealander was so beneficial. I see myself as part of a Body that is made up of many different cultures and backgrounds; indeed, I have found my identity as a follower of Jesus Christ and am committed to Him as my Lord."
Malaysian Grad
"I came from Malaysia. I joined ISMNZ as an intern after completing my studies at Massey University. God initially put the call in my heart when I was still a student and convinced me that I needed to grow in the knowledge of Him.
When I started the internship I was only a young Christian not knowing much, but through the training programme I learned much in a short period of time about who God is, what following Jesus is all about, and also being equipped through and for service in different areas of ministry. It was challenging but at the same time it was exciting and well worth it. I could not have learned so much had I not done the internship.
My highlights were: learning to trust God, depending on Him, and also trusting Him in all things that He has prepared for me to do. My passion for serving Him was cultivated through knowing Him in an intimate way."
When I started the internship I was only a young Christian not knowing much, but through the training programme I learned much in a short period of time about who God is, what following Jesus is all about, and also being equipped through and for service in different areas of ministry. It was challenging but at the same time it was exciting and well worth it. I could not have learned so much had I not done the internship.
My highlights were: learning to trust God, depending on Him, and also trusting Him in all things that He has prepared for me to do. My passion for serving Him was cultivated through knowing Him in an intimate way."