We are so blessed by the women who come to us from around the country and even world to serve year-long internships at Vision of Hope. These women serve faithfully and sacrificially and work so hard to show the love, compassion and grace of Christ to the many residents to whom they minister. Cassidy joined our intern team in January so she is now starting the second half of her internship. For their first six months, interns spend the majority of time supervising the residents and leading them through the daily schedule: workout, meals, class, cooking, cleaning at VOH, the church or the community center, study hall, lawn care, etc. During their second six months, interns continue to assist in those areas, but have the opportunity to lead in some of those activities, as well as other responsibilities. These may include helping staff with projects, providing crisis counseling for residents and coming alongside residents who are in conflict with one another to work with them to bring about biblical problem solving.
Now, hear from Cassidy!
My name is Cassidy Atkins, I’m 20 and I’m from Northwest Ohio. I love dogs, dark chocolate, hot chocolate, and cacti. I enjoy Pinterest, painting, singing, and giving away samples for the best coffee in Indiana, Copper Moon.
How did you hear about the VOH internship?
I heard about Vision of Hope after I went to the BCTC (Biblical Counseling Training Conference) in 2017.
Why were you interested in coming to VOH to serve for a year?
I hope to one day house women who have aged out of foster care, and to give them support as they get on their feet. I was seeking out opportunities to learn about the needs in that area and grow myself so I could better help them. Vision of Hope was the perfect opportunity to get an understanding of what factors this kind of ministry might involve. I also wanted experience working as a team, in and under authority. From the first evening of reading everything on the website until now, I am so excited about serving here.
What are you excited to learn and grow in this year?
I have learned and am learning how sweet the unity of believers in Christ is, how to problem solve, when to be firm and when to flexible. I am growing my personal relationship with the Lord as staff and interns share different techniques to study His Word. I enjoy watching staff honor each other as they lead and make decisions that glorify God.
How have you been encouraged or stretched thus far into your internship?
Seeing God’s transforming power is so amazingly encouraging. I witness these women become more like Christ every day.
What is one of your favorite activities to supervise?
I really enjoy supervising class. At first, I dreaded it because I had to lead discussion at the end. I would spend the whole class listening for the best points to talk about. Then I found that there was truth in the classes that I needed for myself. Suddenly I loved discussion. I usually barely talk now because the ladies are just as excited as I am to share what they’ve learned. I often think it goes by too quickly.
Cassidy had already grown and learned so much during her internship, so we are excited to see the Lord continue to use her and minister to her during these next six months!
