Global Interns in Sweden
One of the great joys I have had in ministry over the years is seeing young people step out in faith and follow God’s leading in their lives. Gianna, a third year college student, felt led to explore God’s calling on her life by applying to Serve Globally’s internship program. As a global intern they are received by host churches and organizations where they are invited to learn, ask questions and experience God at work in a new culture and context. Our prayer is that interns will return home with a bigger vision of God’s kingdom and deeper sense of Christ’s call on their lives to join in his mission, whether locally or globally.
Gianna began her internship in Stockholm where she spent three weeks engaging with ministries in three different churches. She then went on to learn in churches in Gothenburg and Jonkoping. I was touched by how warmly she was received and invited to experience the work of the church by our mission friends here in Sweden.
St. Peter’s church in Stockholm invited Gianna to participate in their vibrant ministry to the marginalized. Each week volunteers prepare several hundred sandwiches, coffee and fruit and share them at the central station. Pastors Jenny and Solveig shared about their lives as pastors and how this ministry has impacted them and their church community.
Gianna with pastors Solveig and Jenny at St. Peter’s church to help prepare a meal for a weekly gathering at the church where vulnerable neighbors receive a warm welcome and fellowship.
Gianna experienced practical ministry with the church in preparing meals, welcoming people to the church and joining in the sharing of food at the central station in Stockholm.
We went to visit a church in Upplandsvasby, a suburb of Stockholm with a very diverse population. One of the highlights was meeting pastor Leila Piri Hansson who took time to share her testimony of coming to faith in Iran. After a long journey of trusting God she is now leading this vibrant congregation that is a hub of activity in the neigborhood. We had the opportunity to experience the language cafe they host for immigrants and asylum seekers. On this evening there 80 people from all over the world, learning language, how to navigate Swedish culture and institutions and feeling welcomed within the church.
Gianna’s welcome dinner at our home.
Gianna’s internship included sharing in youth and children’s ministry at Immanuel Church, where I pastored a number of years. It was a joy to reconnect with these friends who were in the youth group I lead over 20 years ago!
Prayer points:
-for Gianna and God’s work in her life as she processes her experience in Sweden.
-for two more interns coming to Sweden in 2027. Richard Santana who is coming to Gothenburg with his family in February 2027 through North Park Seminary. Kayama Webb who will also be coming to Sweden winter term of 2027.
-thanksgiving to God for the shared partnership with Equmeniakyrkan in Sweden in equipping and discipling the next generation.