I have been volunteering at Light of the Village during the after-school program for about two and half years now. I first found out about the ministry my freshman year at South Alabama through the Baptist Campus Ministries. Over the years, I have grown to love and cherish this ministry, and I believe in what they are doing. I have seen firsthand how Light of the Village has truly become a light in a dark place. This is a place where the children can come and feel safe and loved even with all of the negative things going on around them. This ministry has truly impacted the community as a whole in a huge way. God’s light is always shining brightly in Alabama Village.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” John 1:5

 I have been looking forward to Summer Bible Camp for many months now and was so excited to have the opportunity to be an intern. I was very nervous about camp, though, and leading a group of campers. Then a few days before camp began, I really caught myself struggling personally. One of my dear friends from college had passed away, and needless to say, I was feeling pretty down and discouraged. I prayed the night before camp for the Lord to renew my heart and prepare me for the week to come. The first day I woke up, and I felt better and refocused. I know that God was a part of that and He was preparing my way. There were a few minor bumps in the road, which is always to be expected, but in all, the first week was successful. God has given Gabrielle and me a great group of girls, and I am excited about pouring His love into their lives. I feel that the Lord has taught me so much this week about being focused on why we were put on this earth and why he has placed me at Light of the Village this summer. Our purpose is to share Christ’s love and to spread the gospel to all people. The kids at Light of the Village are so loving and have impacted me in such a tremendous way. I am so blessed to be a part of what God is doing through this ministry. I pray that this summer Light of the Village will continue to be a blessing to the community and that God will use Summer Bible Camp as a part of that.

 “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35