Written by Jalyn Stevenson
Planting Seeds of Faith
When I said “yes” to Edify, I didn’t know how much God had in store. What began as a simple decision to pursue a summer internship became a season of spiritual and personal growth beyond anything I could have imagined. This was the first time my work and worship were fully intertwined, and stepping into new soil felt exciting and uncertain. Yet, as I trusted God with each step, He revealed that this leap of faith was only the beginning of what He wanted to cultivate in my life. In just two months, the seeds of transformation were planted, changing the way I live day-to-day and shaping my long-term purpose. Through Edify, I’ve come to understand what it means to flourish in Christ, especially when it comes to poverty alleviation and the power of Christ-centered community.
Rooted in Purpose
At the start of the internship, Edify’s vision of Flourishing Godly Nations deeply resonated with me, though I wasn’t entirely sure what it meant in practice or what my role in it would be. As the weeks unfolded, I began to see that this vision wasn’t just an inspiring phrase but deeply rooted in service, love, and unwavering Christian values. The Edify community became rich soil for growth in my life. Even over Zoom calls, the people I met radiated joy, compassion, and a heart for others. You could see the light of Christ shining through them. These connections inspired me to reflect that same light to others. I had never encountered a community like this before, one that both nurtured my faith and encouraged me to help others grow. Edify has shown me what it looks like to be rooted in purpose and connected to the True Vine.
Nourishing a New Understanding
Throughout the internship, alongside fellow interns, I read Generous Justice and When Helping Hurts. These were two of the most impactful books I’ve ever read. I realized that I had never truly taken the time to understand poverty or consider its deeper causes and effects. These works cultivated a brand-new understanding of poverty and service through a biblical lens. Before, I thought of poverty primarily as a lack of material resources. Now I see it as something much deeper and broader — poverty of relationships, opportunity, purpose, and identity. The truth is, we all experience some form of brokenness. These books helped me realize that poverty alleviation isn’t about quick fixes or handouts. It’s about walking with people in love, dignity, and humility and pointing them to the ultimate Healer, Jesus Christ. God never intended for us to grow alone. We are created for community, and this summer reminded me of the beauty of walking alongside one another in our shared need for grace.
A Season of Spiritual Growth
This summer was more than an internship – it was a season of transformation, a time of pruning and flourishing in my walk with God. I’ve grown in professional skills and gained valuable work experience, but more importantly, I’ve matured spiritually in ways I didn’t expect. I feel more confident in who I am and whose I am. I’ve discovered the joy of serving others with intentionality, sharing the Gospel through both words and actions, and living out my faith in every environment. God used Edify to water the seeds He had already planted in my heart, and now, new growth is beginning to bloom.
Bearing Fruit Beyond Edify
With this chapter coming to a close, I leave with lasting lessons that will continue to shape my journey. I’ve learned to live with a generous heart posture, to approach poverty from a biblical worldview, and to carry God’s heart for justice and restoration into every area of my life. Edify has set a high standard. A standard of excellence, humility, and mission-driven purpose. I will continue to seek that same spirit in whatever path God leads me down next. More than anything, Edify has helped me see more clearly who God is calling me to be. I’m beyond grateful for this season of growth, and I know the fruit of this experience will continue to multiply in the seasons to come. Truly, this was a summer I’ll never forget.
