|
Kristina Valadez, 2024-25 Intern |
Coming into internship, I was uncertain of my identity in Christ, of who I was, and how God would use all my broken parts to work towards leading others. Though I had a lengthy history of leadership, my confidence in the Lord's leading was not solidified in me. I led others from a place of insecurity, motivated by fear. This was also impacted by a wounding experience while seeking support from another. I was reminded that "God does not use shame as a motivational tool." After projecting this hurt onto God and coming through a heavy season of spiritual warfare, I was determined to remember who God was, is, and always will be!
I entered the internship to seek deeper healing and to obey God's calling in all areas of my life, as Galatians 2:20 reveals. This meant being "out of control!” But as God says "to obey is better than sacrifice" (Samuel 15:22). I had no plan, no home, no job, and yet all I needed was One Hope: Jesus. My surrender provided God the opportunity to work more fully in me, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
This experience equipped me to understand God’s design and deep desire to see myself and others walk in the abundant life of freedom that His Son Jesus paid for. As an intern, I've been provided with a clearer picture of God's intent for sexual and relational wholeness in the Body of Christ. I've received emotional, spiritual, & relational tools and been given the gift of putting them into practice in a safe environment.
God's given me a Christ-centered vision for leading others for his glory. Through the Mid-Valley Fellowship leaders and fellow interns, God has opened my eyes to see just how relational his heart is and how much he loves and values me! I now know his longing to be my loving Master, strongly guiding me for his glory, into all he has planned for me. A part of that plan included the honor of a new position serving on staff with Mid-Valley Fellowship. Looking ahead, I sense God's partnership and leading to creatively pioneer Kingdom passions for his purpose, and to pursue the brokenhearted as he promises to do.
I entered the internship to seek deeper healing and to obey God's calling in all areas of my life, as Galatians 2:20 reveals. This meant being "out of control!” But as God says "to obey is better than sacrifice" (Samuel 15:22). I had no plan, no home, no job, and yet all I needed was One Hope: Jesus. My surrender provided God the opportunity to work more fully in me, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
This experience equipped me to understand God’s design and deep desire to see myself and others walk in the abundant life of freedom that His Son Jesus paid for. As an intern, I've been provided with a clearer picture of God's intent for sexual and relational wholeness in the Body of Christ. I've received emotional, spiritual, & relational tools and been given the gift of putting them into practice in a safe environment.
God's given me a Christ-centered vision for leading others for his glory. Through the Mid-Valley Fellowship leaders and fellow interns, God has opened my eyes to see just how relational his heart is and how much he loves and values me! I now know his longing to be my loving Master, strongly guiding me for his glory, into all he has planned for me. A part of that plan included the honor of a new position serving on staff with Mid-Valley Fellowship. Looking ahead, I sense God's partnership and leading to creatively pioneer Kingdom passions for his purpose, and to pursue the brokenhearted as he promises to do.