Last December, I felt strongly to join the internship program that my church (Metro Life Church) was presenting to the young adults that were willing to to give God 8 months and see what He would do in them and through them. I had just been set free of taken the focus off on the pain caused by the actions of others that ultimately are not perfect and fail me daily, and put it all on God, who is for me and only wants the best for me.

I took the attention of myself and placed it on others and ultimately, God. I want to take you with me on the journey I have been on as an intern of Metro Life Church. I came in this internship not know what God was going to do yet, God is always up to something behind-the-scenes. He is in the business of making our life stories for his glory, and my story was not the exception. I did not know all the hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and sleepless nights this experience would take. Yet today, I can say with all certainty that it was worth it.

Metro Life Church is an incredible church not only because we have amazing pastors and incredible worship. But because we are about building relationships with others that truly empowers one another and welcomes one another into God’s family. Every staff member has made an impact on my life whether they know it or not. They reflect the character of Christ and each and every one of them reflect the love of Christ, always willing to help when needed and always radiate a loving and fun spirit.

I started this incredible experience on January 5th, welcoming the new year working for my local church sounds pretty awesome of you ask me. My first week as an intern was pretty incredible because, our church was hosting the Churches in Covenant Regional Pastors Conference. I got to serve and partake in listening to the words of wisdom brought by some of the nations greatest pastors. This was also the week I began my Spring semester at FIU, where I currently am a junior studying International Business and Marketing. Little did I know, that my 40 hour work week was going to challenge my academics and really test my faith. I now needed to balance being a full time student and working for my church, something that I had never done before.

God always speaks at the right place and at the right time. He never ceases to amaze me ,and I knew he was working on my behalf. I had the opportunity to work alongside the entire staff, learning the different ministries and “behind the scene” responsibilities that make Metro so great. Specifically, I got to learn incredible things from two phenomenal women, Mrs. Mory Martinez and Mrs. Jackie Roman. These women taught and poured so much into my life, that I am forced grateful for this opportunity.

I had the honor of joining the staff ladies in Dallas, TX this May at the Flourish Conference. This conference was a divine appointment for me, as it was strategically placed by God to speak to me about the season I was walking into the next few months. This blog was birthed out of that conference. I was given the God-fidence to step out in faith and truly believe the words that are written in the Bible. That “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.”(‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20 MSG)

I also had the opportunity to attend two incredible mission trips to Cuba and Nicaragua. Both trips were very different, yet each impacted my life in a special way. To the youth in both countries, I was able to bring a message of hope and joy to the youth that were hungry to experience God, who could fill the voids in their lives. Specifically, I was able to share my testimony with troubled teens in Nicaragua, an ultimate example of God using my story for his glory.

Lastly, Camp: Wild and Untamed, our annual camp held in the beautiful Georgia Mountains where over 150 young people attend and radically transform their lives and let God do something new and fresh in them. I had the incredible opportunity to be a cabin leader and to handle some of the administration needs for camp. Not only was I a blessing to these campers, but God really spoke to me and blessed me as well. As I sit on this bus ride back to Miami, I can’t help but have a heart of gratitude towards God for everything he has done and has blessed for me with. I am a confident, Godly woman who is ready to change her city. I am forever thankful for my pastors and all the staff members that made this life changing internship a phenomenal one.

I am empowered to live my life pleasing God and inspiring those around me. I am ready to walk into the expansive life God has for me as I show others what is is to be W I L D A N D U N T A M E D.

“Dear, dear Corinthians, I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn’t fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way. I’m speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭11-13‬ MSG)

Photo taken by: Raymond Linares