Summer is often a time to slow down, relax, and do something different. For college students, that might mean an internship, a summer job, camp counseling, mission work, or simply working to save money for the next semester. While summer can feel like a break from normal life, it can actually be one of the best seasons to serve the Lord.
When you are young, it can be easy to think that God’s calling for you is somewhere in the future—after graduation, when you land your dream job, begin a career, or settle into adulthood. But scripture reminds us that God’s purpose for us begins long before then.
In Colossians 3:23, Paul writes, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Similarly, Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”
Your calling is not waiting for you in some distant future. Your calling is right where God has placed you today.
Where Are Grace Students Serving God This Summer?
That is just what many of our students are discovering this summer, working in all varieties of internships. A few of them shared some of the lessons they are learning and opportunities they have had to serve the Lord at those jobs.
Brooklynn Bosworth, who is interning with Eyes Wide Open International, a missional non-profit organization designed to help orphans and widows in various parts of the world, mainly Haiti, shared:
“I am helping with fundraising and sorting goods that will support the work in Haiti. I am hoping to learn more of the behind-the-scenes work in a missions organization. I will be learning what the organization can and cannot do as a not-for-profit and what needs to be done in order to keep it running. Also, showing the love of Christ to the children in Haiti that Eyes Wide Open has adopted is my biggest reason for working with this particular organization. This summer, I will be learning how to support people from across the sea.”
But it’s not just missional organizations that are creating opportunities for Grace students this summer.
Jackson Winey is interning at Cable Bullet as a design intern. “I’m learning the design process of new products, specifically cable railing, taking a project from the original design until launch for the public. I also help with the technical troubleshooting of our products for customers. I am learning to test products for approval for commercial use and to ensure they are up to code for all states in the USA. These processes involve the use of 3D modeling, testing through computer simulation, physical testing, and working with manufacturers and other clientele to get the product to its final working state.”
Gabe Klein reported that he is spending his summer as an intern at POLYWOOD. “I work in the Customer Experience department, where I work in our portals answering B2B tickets. I do everything from processing warranties to doing full replacements and returns! I’ve learned how to communicate well with others in the workplace, learn new systems, and take initiative to ask others about tickets that I might not know how to solve. I’m hoping to learn how to communicate well with Direct customers.”
Some Grace students are getting their feet wet in the world of HR, marketing, and digital media.
Hannah Eberly is working at Maple Leaf Farms in Leesburg, Indiana, in their HR department and helping with their course training content. “Some tasks I have done include filing paper exams and certifications into the company’s LMS to maintain accurate records, along with creating monthly training courses for employees. I am learning a lot! I learned how to work in a new system, create courses, and file documents. I’ve also picked up the simpler tasks like using the scanner and copier machines. Beyond that, I have learned how to navigate a corporate environment and practice proper workplace etiquette. Lastly, I’ve gotten better at using Outlook and collaborating with others.”
“I have also learned to be okay with not understanding something right away, and trying my best to figure it out right away: I’ve realized that with a new job or internship, critical thinking is very important. I am excited to continue learning how to create different courses and to understand more about the policies and training our employees receive each month.”
Tairyn Null is a Creative and Digital Media Intern at Nappanee Missionary Church.
Her internship tasks have included optimizing and managing their social media accounts, content creation, as well as photography and videography projects. She also gets the opportunity to gather and edit content for Sunday mornings, weeknight programming, and summer camps.
“This internship has given me the opportunity to really strengthen the skills that I have already learned in class or from my peers at Grace. Photography has been an area of immense growth that has been extremely fun and rewarding. Not only that, but I have learned and continue to learn each day what it looks like to partner with Christ in the work I do while in the ministry setting. In my internship, I have to think often, “Where can the good news cross paths with the lived experiences of the person you want to reach?” I am very grateful for the ways the church has allowed me to grow in my skills that I will be able to take with me throughout my working career.”
And Lizzy West shared about her summer internship at the Grace Solutions Marketing Office. “As a writing intern, I create and edit content for social media, newsletters, blogs, and other written materials. I have learned how to incorporate SEO strategies into my writing, create pieces with specific marketing voices, and work with clients to share their stories and products. I am excited to continue honing my interviewing skills as I work in marketing this summer.”
Through all the various opportunities Grace College students have enjoyed this summer, they have had the chance to live out their education and faith simultaneously.
How Can You Take Advantage of Your Unique Summer Opportunities to Serve the Lord?
This summer, you might be cleaning tables at McDonald’s, washing cars, interning at a Fortune 500 company, volunteering at your church’s VBS, leading a Bible study, or nannying for a local family. Whatever your role may be, it can be done for the service and glory of God.
We are never promised tomorrow, but we are given today. So ask yourself: Why does God have me here this summer? How can I glorify Him in this place?
Maybe no one notices the effort you put into scrubbing floors or completing the tasks no one else wants to do. Maybe you could get away with doing the bare minimum. But God sees. He has placed you in that position for a reason. Do your work with excellence and integrity because your ultimate audience is not your boss, your coworkers, or your customers—it is the Lord.
Maybe you’ve signed up to be a camp counselor, but you’re nervous about sharing your faith with students. Ask God to give you the courage He gave David, Daniel, and Elijah. Ask Him to help you speak truth with boldness and love. His message matters more than your comfort, and your willingness to obey Him can have an eternal impact.
Or maybe you’re interning at an important company, but your days seem filled with coffee runs and spreadsheets. Even when the work feels small or insignificant, you can still approach it with diligence and gratitude, knowing that every task is an opportunity to honor and serve God.
How you live out your summer calling matters to the Lord. Faithfulness is not measured by the importance of the position but by obedience to the One who placed you there.
So wherever your summer takes you, serve wholeheartedly. Work diligently. Love others well. Glorify God in the opportunities He has given you today, trusting that He is using this season to shape you for His purposes.
Are you interested in applying for an exciting internship or real-world experience in your field of study this fall or next summer? Check out some of the great opportunities that we have available at Grace!
You can also look around your hometown and home church for opportunities that fit your specific skill set, and simply dive in! Planning ahead will give you the best chance at making the most of your summer opportunities, wherever they may be.
