Back in 2018, when the Summer Service workers could gather in-person for orientation, this photo was taken at Red Rocks outside of Denver, Colorado. In 2020, participants gathered together virtually for orientation.
Summer Service is a short-term program that supports young people of color in their development of leadership skills through working with their local churches or communities. There are 25 young adults serving across the United States during the summer of 2020.
Drrrrrrrum roll, please!
Here are the four young adults serving in their own communities this summer through MCC's Summer Service program in the Central States region!
David Betancourt, 19 years old
Where: Pine Lake Mennonite Camp and Jubilee Mennonite Church, Meridian, Mississippi
What: I work at camp but since we cannot have a full real camp this year, I do my best to keep it nice and tidy. Some days I work at my church, Jubilee Mennonite and help distribute food to the community or get the groceries in and organize them.
Why are you a Summer Service worker with MCC?
MCC was mentioned to me by my pastor and the Pine Lake camp coordinator. They explained it to me, and I thought it would be a good challenge to try and learn.
What is the best part of being a Summer Service worker?
I’m learning how every leader works in their own way. I see many opportunities for being a leader for Christ in justice work and I am discovering my way to serve and grow as a leader.
What has been the most challenging part of your experience this summer?
For me it’s been handling multiple jobs at once, and still keeping my youthfulness intact.
Josephine Kalondji, 19 years old
Where: International Rescue Committee, Dallas, Texas
What: Academic Coach
Why are you a Summer Service worker with MCC?
I was born a refugee and was fortunate to receive life-changing opportunities in America. I am a Summer Service Worker with MCC because I am seeking to serve as an opportunity for refugee children by recounting my story, becoming a mentor, and an English teacher.
What is the best part of being a Summer Service worker?
Interacting with my students and the people I’ve met has been fabulous.
What has been the most challenging part of your experience this summer?
It’s been difficult to ensure that the students I am working with understand that grasping concepts involves participation, patience, and the willingness to learn.
Nathan Bamaw, 24 years old
Where: Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Denver, Denver, Colorado
What: I work as the summer internship leader for the high school ministry. It is a summer program for high schoolers who want to learn more about God and themselves. It is a form of a discipleship where we aim to help students grow in their relationship with the Lord, as well as self-awareness for the development of one’s self. Typically held in-person each summer, but with the circumstances it has been moved entirely online this summer. My role as the head of the program is to plan, coordinate, and run the entire program. The summer program consists of: teachings, prayer, worship, inviting guest speakers and worship leaders, as well as one on one meeting with students. The program keeps me busy daily, but I love it.
Why are you a Summer Service worker with MCC?
Simply because I believe God was calling me to work with high school students. Before I was ever offered the position, I had already begun planning! When I was offered, it was confirmation to what I believed I was being called to for the summer!
What is the best part of being a Summer Service worker?
The best part is getting the chance to reveal Jesus to a group of young minds, setting up the next generation for greater things than mine! Witnessing the students be transformed in front of my eyes in such a short period of time has been amazing!
What has been the most challenging part of your experience this summer?
The program is known to be an intimate setting for developing strong community but being online has made this a difficult giant to tackle. Slowly but surely, I have watched students make connection with one another, and I am excited to see where this will lead in our final weeks.
Sabrina Mukuna, 21 years old
Where: First Mennonite Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
What: Preparing lessons for the little ones is what keeps me busy. I teach Sunday School on Sundays. Often, I help during the service by leading sharing and announcements and I end the service by reading our theme verse.
Why are you a Summer Service worker with MCC?
Back in April my pastor, Dave Nickel, approached me about the possibility of working for MCC. The descriptions of the internship sounded interesting and that is why I accepted the offer.
What is the best part of being a Summer Service worker?
The best part of being an MCC Summer Service Worker is working with the little ones on Sundays. Seeing them learning about Jesus makes my heart smile.
What has been the most challenging part of your experience this summer?
Constantly reminding myself that not everyone has the same opinion as me has been the most challenging part of my experience this summer. I might get frustrated, but I also have to know that it is okay if someone’s beliefs and opinions differ from mine.
