South Africa 2023: Hannah Weston

What would you want to tell someone thinking about joining the mk2mk internship?

Pray for discernment and wisdom from the Lord! Know that his timing and plan for you are perfect. Give yourself the space to listen to what the Lord has to say and whether or not he is calling you to spend your summer doing internship. Also, know that internship is an incredible opportunity and such an impactful way to spend your summer, but it's also a commitment! Be ready to invest in yourself, your team, and the rest of the community that will surround you this summer.

What was your favorite part of the mk2mk internship?

Being invested in and supported by such an intentional, fun, and Christ-centered community!

What was most the most significant part of the mk2mk internship for you?

Coleading my small group! God really used both the girls in my small group and my amazing co-leader to show me that he is so present in all of our stories. I learned that God can use me and my story to impact others, even in all of my inadequacies and imperfections. I was honored to be able to lead these girls, watch them step out in faith, be vulnerable with each other, and have 1-on-1s with them.

South Africa 2023: Cami Ryder

What was your favorite part of the mk2mk internship?

I loved the depth in the community and I loved being able to learn about TCKs and how to guide them, while also getting to know other TCKs and their stories.

What was most the most significant part of the mk2mk internship for you?

The most significant part of internship was all the great conversations I was able to have. MK2MK creates a great culture of honesty and grace that makes it really wonderful to get to know each other. God really made himself present through the team’s words of wisdom.

What would you want to tell someone thinking about joining the mk2mk internship?

Do it!!!! You will come out the other side so glad to have invested in this community.

South Africa 2023: Lora Toncheva

What would you want to tell someone thinking about joining the mk2mk internship?

Internship is not something to take lightly. Really pray about it and ask God to guide you to see if this is the right decision at the time. You can't enter it thinking you can do it on your own. It is a packed-full summer with a lot of fun, leadership, and the ability to impact other mks who might have gone through similar struggles. It also provides a space for personal growth. Prepare to be challenged in many ways. Be ready to give it your all commitment and energy; you won't regret it!

What was your favorite part of the mk2mk internship?

Mk2Mk has a community like no other; it is a caring environment where you can grow alongside others. Meeting new people and getting to lead/serve with them is such a beautiful experience. You feel at home and are one family, leaving you with impactful conversations and relationships.

What was most the most significant part of the mk2mk internship for you?

Internship provided a space and time to reflect on my story and allowed me to learn so much about God's loving character. It really showed me what it truly meant to let God in and let him take control of EVERY part of my life.

Orlando 2021: Drew Campbell

What was most the most significant part of the mk2mk internship for you?

The friendships with the other interns for sure. I had great friendships throughout college and I'm very thankful to have all those guys in my life to this day. However, there's a different level of understanding when you're hanging out with another MK/TCK. During internship I felt like I could be my true, authentic self and it was nice having certain things just be understood without long explanations. I think that my internship with mk2mk was the most that any group of people had ever listened to me. Even when I finished talking, people would ask questions and take a genuine interest in my life and my story. At the end of the day, I think all of us have a desire to feel known and understood by the people around us. mk2mk internship definitely provided that to me.

What was your favorite part of the mk2mk internship?

Leading evangelism on UCF's campus was by far my favorite part of the project. It was great for several reasons. I think that through sharing the gospel with people at UCF, our students learned a lot about themselves and their own faith. It caused them to dig deeper and ask questions about why they believed what they believed, rather than simply going along with what their parents taught them when they were kids. I loved the car rides back to the houses after we finished our day, and our students would just ask tons of questions. It was a great chance to encourage them in their faith as well as open the door for some deeper, spiritual conversations.

What would you want to tell someone thinking about joining the mk2mk internship?

I think people should 100% do it! Three months of summer internship with MK2MK was almost as transformative as my three years at Liberty. I would not expect an easy summer by any means, though. Physically, you'll be exhausted, but I think the bigger toll will be the emotional baggage that you'll consistently be dissecting during your first month of the internship. Be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions. One day you could be dying, laughing on the floor, and then the next day, you might be freaking out about something that, in hindsight, was not that big of a deal. I definitely had those freak outs myself and was very thankful that I could always rely on someone from the team to be there to calm me down.

South Africa 2023: Libby Brechner

What was your favorite part of the mk2mk internship?

Being a part of an intentional community that truly cared, loved, and supported me.

What was most the most significant part of the mk2mk internship for you?

My small group! I was able to co-lead a group of 5 girls, and I loved all of it. I saw the Lord use me and my story so clearly in ways that I had never seen before. I felt so honored to be able to serve my girls and be a part of their story. I also had an amazing co-leader, and I couldn't have done it without her. It was truly a joy to be a part of.

What would you want to tell someone thinking about joining the mk2mk internship?

Pray about it! Whether you really think you don't want to or maybe you're super set on doing it, still ask God to make it clear and to lead you where he wants you. If you feel God calling you to go keep praying! Pray for the community you'll have and the students you'll be leading.

Orlando 2021: Alex Schoell

Alex and his small group in 2021.

What was your favorite part of the mk2mk internship?

Getting to meet people from around the world who have similar beliefs and life experiences as a TCK.

What was the most significant part of the mk2mk internship for you?

Learning how to process my story and seeing how God has been using my story for my good and those around me.

What would you want to tell someone thinking about joining the mk2mk internship?

Pray about it! It is a long summer that is mentally and physically tiring. I would say that you need to want it. If you're not going to be able to give it all of your time and energy, then it probably isn't right for you this time. If you have the time and energy and want to have an impact on the next generation of MKs, then this is right for you!

South Africa 2018: Ben Babione

Internship completely exceeded my expectations. I knew it was going to be a powerful time for me, but God used it to bring me so much closer to him and heal wounds inside me I didn't know were there. One of the things God taught me throughout the process was that He, the Great I AM, is the source and sustainer of all we need in life. I was also able to grow some incredible friendships and be a part of a community where I was able to deeply love and be loved. Plus it was just so much fun! When you have God, friendship, and fun you are sure to have an amazing summer.

Ben grew up in Hungary & Albania. He graduated from Butler University and now serves as a worship leader at his church.

Ben and his small group in South Africa 2018.

Internship 2018

South Africa 2016: Bekah Gibson

MK2MK summer internship was one of the most memorable summers of my life. My favorite thing about internship is how you bond with your team. By the end of my internship, my team felt like my family. I knew that these were people loved me unconditionally and had my back. It is such a special experience to spend the entire summer growing closer to God with fellow MKS. I wouldn't trade it for anything.  During internship I was also pushed out of my comfort zone. I learned how to be a leader and be confident in my leadership skills. I can see now how this helped and prepared me for my role as a teacher today. 

Bekah grew up as an MK in Hungary. She graduated from Samford University and is now an elementary teacher.

Bekah and her small group in South Africa 2016.

South Africa 2016: Eric Ellis

MK2MK Internship was the single most developmental experience of my life and I cannot oversell the personal growth and ministry impact that it creates. Internship formed me into an adaptable and empathetic leader, gave me numerous lifelong relationships, and blessed me with seeing God work powerfully in local ministry and in personal mentorship relationships with students. I encourage you to take the bold step of faith to give your summer to the Lord in this manner and be amazed and encouraged by how you see Him move in your life and in the lives of those you serve.

Eric grew up in East Asia & the US and he recently graduated from Florida State University.

Eric and his small group in South Africa 2016.

Thailand 2014: Paul Snider

Paul (second from the left) with his small group during his 2014 Internship

Internship for me was an incredible adventure of self-discovery and development. The leaders of this ministry have such a heart for MKs and TCKs and seeing us grow in our faith and leadership. I went into the program skeptical of what it meant to truly be part of the TCK community and left with a family spread around the world. As a leader I went back to college with skills I wouldn’t have gained at any other summer project or internship. Year after year I remember experiences and actual lessons learned that summer and apply them to my life right now. My advice for you? Do it. You won’t regret any minute of it.

(Paul grew up in Jamaica and is a senior at Vanderbilt University)

Thailand 2014: Elizabeth Goddard

Lizzy (third from the right) with the other girls (and Jon) from her 2014 Internship

Taking part in an MK2MK internship summer was an amazing experience, but some of the best parts have come afterwards. Not only has mk2mk provided about 94% of my resume, but the warm and encouraging relationship this ministry has built with me has taught me about my passions, my future, and my walk with the Lord. It’s also exciting to watch the seeds I sowed with other MKs bear so much fruit! Before Thailand 2012 I never dreamed of the impact I could have or the lifelong lessons I could learn. Everything started with internship.

(Lizzy grew up in East Asia and is studying at the University of Georgia

South Africa 2012: Katie Holland

Katie (middle) with her small group during her 2012 Internship.

At the most basic level Internship gave me the opportunity to learn tons of skills in theory and then turn around and practice them right away. It was an invaluable experience that translated well even to the secular world. That internship has been a great thing to be able to add to my resume that shows training and experience in everything from leadership, to conflict resolution to adaptability and even public speaking.

On a deeper level, God worked in my life through the internship in so many ways. He used that summer as well as experiences as an associate to foster my passion and calling of working with youth long term. I gained practical experience in leading a small group and discipling teenagers that I have had the opportunity to use time and time again in various settings.

Ultimately, the MK2MK internship lead me to where I am now working with MK2MK for a full year. It is such an incredible opportunity to see God use my experiences as an MK and TCK to comfort others who are walking through the same valleys He has already led me through.

(Katie grew up in Bucharest, Romania and Budapest, Hungary. She attended Covenant College in Tennessee and currently is on STINT with MK2MK at Cru Headquarters in Orlando, Florida)

South Africa 2012: Hilary Utley

Hilary (second from the left) with the rest of the 2012 Internship team.

Before I went through Internship, I was told that it would change my life. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect starting off, but I quickly realized that my decision to do Internship was one of the best decisions I had made in my life. It was that summer when I discovered what I had a passion for and what I wanted to do for a career. The experiences I had and the skills I learned on project propelled me to continue my education in graduate school, which is now currently allowing me to work in a profession that I love. Not only did Internship help me to decide on a career path, but it also allowed me to be a part of an international network of incredible people, many of whom will be life-long friends. My Internship experience undoubtedly changed my life and I will always look back on it as one of the best summer I ever had.

(Hilary grew up in Thailand and studied at Union University and later Texas A&M University)

South Africa 2012: Daniel Sparkman

I was a part of the South Africa 1 internship and it was one of the best summers of my life.

Combine traveling around the world, making friends with some of the coolest people of that world, and sharing the good news of Jesus to the people of this world and what do you get? Well, I can’t speak for you, but what I got was a summer that shaped me.

Professionally, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked to “tell us a little bit about this internship in South Africa” in interviews. This internship gives you ammunition to brag about yourself. That’s not what MK2MK internship is about, but it sure was a nice perk  I talked about interpersonal skills training, small group leadership, conflict resolution… the list goes on. I could probably go through an entire job interview and relate every question back to an example from my MK2MK internship. That’s how transformative these trips can be professionally. I became a much more confident leader in South Africa, and I think most of my fellow interns can back me up on that. *fingers crossed*

Daniel (second from the left) with the rest of the Sparkman kids.

While the professional aspects are definitely an added bonus that’s not why any intern I’ve known goes on these trips. They go on these trips because they love Jesus – pure and simple. Personally, South Africa expanded and deepened my faith. I learned just as much, if not more, from the students as I did from my fellow interns. The ministry was great, the travel was great, the food was great, everything was great. But, what I will never forget is stories. Every single person there had a story that could change lives for Jesus. I sometimes doubt how God plans to use me. How do I fit into His perfect plan? What about my story, my life, my testimony, make me special? Well, my internship was God raising an eyebrow at me and saying, “Seriously, little man? Here’s how.”

(Daniel grew up in East Asia and studied at Texas A&M University where he got his degree in Marketing)

Ethiopia 2010: Jon Yturralde

Internship helped me be comfortable with the fact that I am a growing leader. It gave me a working vocabulary that started with “I need”. I have not yet encountered a community that is as committed to my growth as MK2MK. The feedback rich environment as well as loving Christ centered community who moved towards me in both my weakness and strength really catalyzed how I view myself as a leader. i came away from my summer a different leader, heck a different person than when I arrived.

It is a joy to now play a key role in leading internship now as staff, and watching these same moments thrive.

(Jon grew up in the Philippines and is on staff with MK2MK). 

Ethiopia 2010: Nathan Shinault

Although I cannot say at this time that the internship with MK2MK was particularly beneficial to me in the broader scope of my career, I do think it came at a time in my life when I was making some big decisions.  The internship really helped me to see my life in the broader scope of eternity and helped me to ask some tough questions about what my life will mean.  By then end of the time in Ethiopia I remember praying okay I will go where ever you want me to go, so that when I returned to the US I was able to leave for China two weeks later without thinking twice about it. All in all I think MK2MK taught me that I can depend on God to take care of me no matter what.

(Nathan grew up in East Asia and Philippines, graduated from Michigan State and works at Abbott Nutrition)

Mexico 2008: Michael Wicker

Doing the mk2mk internship was one of the best choices I had made in college. After the internship, as an associate I have been able to help lead conferences all over the world from Beijing to Paris to Johannesburg, South Africa. It has not only been an incredible adventure but I have created a tight knit family of friends within the MK2MK associates which I have had the opportunity to travel with together. Not only have these experiences been great, but when I interview for jobs, they are always surprised about the public speaking experiences, leading groups in cross cultural contexts and mentoring students with MK2MK. The interviewer is interested and impressed about my MK2MK resume, this helps me to gateway into why being a third culture person is important to me.

(Michael grew up in Zimbabwe and is an engineering grad student at Florida State University)

Mexico 2008: Amy Peterson

The internship helped me become more comfortable with guiding a group of people and it developed my leadership skills. The week after I got back from the internship I started RA training at my school; the internship was the perfect preparation for becoming an RA and leading my peers. I also became much more comfortable giving a talk in front of big groups. We were given tools and training during the internship that made me much more aware of how to present myself in front of groups.

The best part about life after the internship is that you get to go to all sorts of cool places in the months and years to come. I have done several conferences where I get to meet MKs from all over and I also get to reunite with other interns! Doesn’t get much better than that.

(Amy grew up in Paris, France and graduated from Calvin College. She currently works at a home for pregnant teens in Tampa).

Uganda 2006: Brooke Mackin

The MK2MK internship provided great experiences for me in the areas of public speaking, working as a team, and interacting with and managing different types of people.  As a teacher, I use these skills everyday.  Not only was the experience totally fun and enriching, it provided me with practical skills too.  I’ve remained involved with MK2MK in a variety of capacities on mission trips and conferences, both in the States and abroad.  I’m always looking forward to the next opportunity to plug back in!

(Brooke grew up in Czech Republic, graduated from Anderson University and teaches English as a Second Language to Middle School students in New York City).

Brazil 2004: Jonathan Thomas

One of the most beneficial parts of the internship was the communications workshop.  The immediate benefit was that I was able to count that workshop as credit at FSU in lieu of the required speech class needed for graduation.  And when I went through that process, based on the curriculum for the workshop, I was told that it was more in depth than what was actually taught during the speech class.  Combining the that class with the numerous opportunities to present and give talks in front of (sometimes) rather large crowds has helped in my level of confidence as a speaker.  I recently completed a course entitled Disaster Instructor Specialty Training which certifies me to train Red Cross disaster workers, and during that class I was given the compliment that I already seemed comfortable presenting and teaching and that I understood the workings of group presentations and classroom settings.  I can say that the reason for that is because of the experiences I had from the internship and staying involved with MK2MK projects and conferences.

(Jonathan grew up in Philippines and earned two Master’s at Florida State University. He is currently a Community Response Coordinator at America Red Cross).