A Lasting Impact: The Global Internship Program

1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

Since 2013, Samaritan’s Purse has offered competitive, Gospel-focused internships for students around the globe. In this episode, Kristy take a closer look at the robust program and the impact that it has across the ministry. She hears from this year’s summer interns, Parker Primrose and Joelle Gates-Bassett, along with Cindy Rutz, the vice president of Human Resources.

To kick off the episode, Cindy provides an explanation of the program and how it was formed organically in 2013 with an idea from Franklin Graham. The vision for the internship program was to introduce college students to serving the Lord in their future vocations. Cindy shares with Kristy the vigorous application process—including multiple interviews where potential interns discuss their background, what they’re interested in, and their relationship with God.

Cindy shares,

One of the things that I talk about a lot when I interview is that if I get to the end of my interview and have to ask the question, ‘What is Jesus doing in your life?’ then that’s an indication I don’t know at that point. My next question would be ‘Why don’t I know that?’ When we first sit down with an intern candidate, we want to hear that as the main predominant theme of the conversation.

Kristy and Cindy remind listeners that mentorship is a key component of the internship. Not only do interns have the opportunity for one-on-one coaching from the human resources team that hired them, but from supervisors, managers, and coworkers.

The Samaritan’s Purse global internship allows interns to work with experts in their field and be a part of projects and tasks that have an eternal impact. Kristy sits down with Parker, a student from Oklahoma State University, and Joelle, a student from Biola University, to hear how they were equipped through the program.

To come in and be a part of the culture has been incredible,” Parker shares with Kristy. “Getting to be in an environment where my coworkers are my biggest advocates and my managers and directors are the ones rooting for me the most has been incredible.

Over 100 interns have come back to work for Samaritan’s Purse since the program started. Cindy shares that, time and time again, the ministry has seen the ripple effect of bringing in the next generation through the internship program. Parents and family members have even received jobs at Samaritan’s Purse after hearing about their intern’s experience.

Cindy Rutz shares Hebrews 12:12. It says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Please pray for God’s continued faithfulness through the Samaritan’s Purse global internship program. Thank you for your support as we witness Him work through the students who are led to apply, learn, and serve.