BIC General Church Interns

If you think young people are few and far between in denominational ministry, think again! Each year, the General Church offices benefits from the talents and expertise of interns and student workers from Messiah College–and this year is this year is no exception. During the spring 2006 semester, the young adults described here are working hard on your behalf in the Grantham office. And in the process, they are gaining valuable insights into the possibility and reward of careers within the church.

Assisting Arlene Ray in the Benefits office is Jess Bechtold, who hails from Bethlehem, PA. In her day-to-day work with Arlene, Jess helps to process the health plan and pension payments that are received, does the monthly bank reconciliations, and assists with mailings, all of which provide her with hands-on experience in her major, accounting. She says, “I’ve learned that work becomes such a better environment when people help each other out. If someone is pressed for time, why not give them some of yours by lending a hand?” When she graduates in May, she’ll take an unusual insight with her based on her time in the General Church Office. “Snack time is not only for little kids! Even grownups look forward to the Tuesday morning snack at the BIC offices,” she observes.

Studying English literature has provided Emily Thrush with the necessary skills to assist Dulcimer Brubaker in the communications office. Emily interviews people for potential stories for the BIC magazine, both the print edition and the online exclusives, and she also listens to and reads pastors’ sermons in order to glean gems of wisdom for the “Words to Live By” section. Emily’s hometown is Chino, CA, where she attends Gateway Community BIC Church. Emily also will graduate this May, and she too has picked up some unexpected hints about the world of work, including that “mischief and creativity often combine to make wonderful and compelling productions, and collaboration and cooperation are key in any project.”

Steve Brubaker assists Gene Blessing, Gerry Richwine, and Dianna Weaver in the finance office, processing Cooperative Ministries and world missions gifts as they are received, and reconciling bank statements. Originally from Lititz, PA, Steve grew up in the Midway Church of the Brethren congregation. Steve is also majoring in accounting and will graduate from Messiah College in 2007. Of his experience working in the Finance office, Steve says, “I have learned how much opportunity there is for service and partnership with missionaries throughout the world. I have also learned the importance of turning on the lights before going down a flight of stairs.”

Last, but certainly not least, is Ashley Billard, who is studying religion with an emphasis in biblical studies and a minor in global ministries. Ashley works alongside Meredith Korn and Mike Holland in the world missions office, helping out with various aspects of missions ministry, including weekend trips to Montreal and the Bronx to visit missionaries and the Urban Discipleship program. Ashley has also prepared pamphlets and brochures for trips to London and for Mission Opportunity Sending Teams (MOST), and has coordinated the monthly Ignite missions gatherings. Ashley grew up in Hebron, CT and will also graduate in 2007. When asked what she has learned while working at the BIC offices, Ashley mentions, “ the importance of prayer in the ministry of people here. Their continual reliance on God and acknowledgment of God throughout the day in prayer has been a really powerful example of surrender.” And of course, she too has come to understand the importance of snack time. “I thought it was funny the first time I heard about it, but it really shows the importance of fellowship.”

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