Tim Jenks 2018-19 Intern
When we first started the Erēmos Internship last fall, I did not know exactly what to expect. Alumni of the Internship would tell me how hard it would be. While that has been partially true, it has also been a great and very necessary learning experience. When I finished Taking Back Ground last May, I thought I would be finished and ready to move on to other ministries. But as I reflected on it more, I realized that a bit more training and learning would be to my benefit, so I decided to apply for the Erēmos Internship.
After 70 years of avoiding close, healthy, same-sex relationships, Erēmos has encouraged me to press into developing those. It is still a struggle, but I am making progress. One of my huge endeavors is to become more in touch with my emotions. This has been very difficult for me after growing up in a family where that was not emphasized. While it is still a labor, I am thankful for the efforts to help me grow in this area.
I have long felt that the Lord is leading me to a ministry of sharing the Gospel with homosexual men primarily. Being a part of Erēmos this year is giving me confidence to carry on with that in the coming years. I know that even if I separate into another ministry that MVF will be here to give me encouragement, guidance, and advice.