Seeing that this is my fifth summer working at Aiken’s First Baptist (fourth with Sarah), I’ve gotten used to this “end of summer reflection” piece I am always asked to do. Year after year, I talk about how much I’ve learned and how excited I am to return for the following year. And that same can be said for this summer. Like all the others before, I have all sorts of experiences that have helped shape me as a person and a future minister. I have such great role models, co-workers, and, as I like to call them, true friends! I spent all of my summer with our Staff and loved every minute. You guys wouldn’t believe all that goes on during the week, and neither did I when I first started spending my summers working here! Not only am I learning the ins and outs of ministry life, but I am also learning how to care for others and how to care for a growing and changing church. It’s such a great experience to grow up in a church and have the excellent opportunity to invest in it and work to help it grow fully. Aside from who I get to work with, I also have a fantastic time with our youth. Summer after summer, I see how much they have grown in so many different ways. They always know how to twist their way into my heart, no matter what. They truly are a joy to work with, and especially after this year at Unidiversity, I am so excited to see what else they have in store for Sarah and me and where they go in life. Whatever it is, I know it will be good, because these are some of the best kids… and I’m not just saying that, I mean it! Throughout this summer, I could connect with students I had yet to connect with, and I enjoyed every minute of it. We had so much fun this summer, from nights at the movies to movies outside, slip-n-slide kickball (my favorite), lunch clubs, prayer breakfasts, bowling, big games day, and lake day! It was a summer filled with laughs, food, nightly conversations, 2-hour traffic stops, early mornings, late nights, wigs, and many other things. I say it at the end of every summer, and I mean it, but this summer was one of the best, and I cannot wait for another summer with everyone! Now, before I sign off and check out for some of y’all who are unaware, I start Seminary this coming Monday, the 25th! It’s been a few years since I decided to listen to this calling. Since my first summer working with Sarah, I have felt that tug, whisper, nudge, or whatever it was to listen and to do. But now that it’s actually here, I am nervous and scared, but I am also so excited to learn and grow. I am excited to become a minister who makes students feel safe, seen and loved! This couldn’t have been done without my family, friends, classmates, and mentors, but especially without my church family who have supported me in ways you might not even realize. Whether it was a “great prayer” or “I just loved your children’s message today,” “Are you coming back next summer,” or “Have you ever thought of going into ministry” (this one especially threw me for a loop). These interactions have shaped me and led me to this moment in my calling and my walk into ministry. You might not realize it, but words have power, and what you say has real impact, and I am so proud and lucky to have a church family that supports my calling and believes I have what it takes to be a minister. I’m so excited for all that is to come and excited to see y’all so much more this fall as your Youth Family Intern!
Emily Berry
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