My name is Erin Sweeney and I am going into my senior year at Indiana University (IU) in Bloomington, majoring in Tourism Management with a minor in Fundraising and Resource Development. This summer I had the incredible opportunity to serve as the Intern Coordinator for Mission Indy. There is no way to sum up my experience in a few short lines, but I can say that this summer has been full of challenges, stretching, new understandings, and fun!

I started training for this position with Niccole in January. I commuted back and forth from Bloomington to Indianapolis one day a week. I must say that after three years of college I have never learned more than actually experiencing first hand what takes place behind the scenes of an organization such as Mission Indy. There is so much strategic planning and preparing that takes place each month for the ten short weeks that fly by during the summer.

As the Summer Intern Coordinator I was responsible for planning and implementing the Intern Retreat, helping to plan the weeks of training for the summer staff, and being the first contact for the summer staff in their role of leading groups. I was also responsible for staying in contact with the church participants before they arrived to work in the city, being a contact person while they were here serving, and helping with the daily tasks of a work day.

I was so blessed by this experience. I know in my heart that this was so much more than an internship experience for me. God was truly showing me the work of His servants in the city of Indianapolis, and allowed me be a part of it for such a short time. I am taking with me so many sweet memories. I was able to grow and learn so much from Ron, Niccole, Don, and the amazing summer staff (of all girls!) that God so perfectly chose to work together this summer.

The most important thing that I learned this summer is what it truly means to prefer others over self. This verse became a constant reminder for me of that:

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" --Matthew 25:37-40

I thank God for you and your support of this very unique ministry that focuses on equipping others. I ask for your prayers for Mission Indy and more opportunities to equip students. This ministry has played a huge role in my new direction and focus for the future.

Editor's note: And we thank you, Erin, for loving us all and for encouraging so many people to follow Jesus more completely!

It is really hard to imagine how the ten weeks of the Summer Program fly by so quickly. In many ways it seems like only a few days ago that we welcomed eight college girls to Mission Indy staff for the summer.

Yet, in other ways we have been through so much together that it seems like we have known each other for a much longer period than we actually have.

You each have led groups from churches and done an excellent job helping to equip them to go back home and be the "Hands & Feet of Jesus" where they live. You encouraged the students from age 12 through 19 and more, along with their adult sponsors to do their best, as if serving Jesus Himself. Because of your dedication and hard work we believe the Church of Jesus Christ was blessed and grown!

We had fun and built relationships that will last. We wish you God's blessings as you head back to Anderson University, Cincinnati Christian University, Emmanuel School of Religion, Greenville College, Johnson Bible College and Ozark CC.

Week # 2 was hosted by Garfield CC and they did a marvelous job! Groups from Calvary Evangelical Free (Rochester, MN), Chapel Rock CC, Hazelwood CC, and Princeton Bible Church came to participate. The evening worship was led by 'Jester', the youth band from Hazelwood CC.

Most of the projects were related to families of the Garfield church.

Week # 3 was hosted by Chapel Rock and the kitchen team led by Ron & Cheryl Terry once again blessed us all with their great cook-ing and wonderful encouragement.

Groups from Community Church of Murphy's Landing (Southport), Cumberland CC, Eastside CC of (Clarksville, IN), and Pine Village CC joined us for the week. The Pine Village group worked on several projects including the one below.

This garage was totally scraped and caulked before priming and painting.

Most of the Week 3 participants spent the week leading a VBS at Damar Homes. We had some great times sharing Jesus in many ways!