The Embodiment of Christ in Service
This summer, I have had the incredible privilege of serving (and being served) at Beacon of Hope. Observing the way this beautiful ministry ebbs and flows from day-to-day, and being a part of that, has been an honor that is quite hard to quantify.
Each day, the leadership in the office of Kyle, Krista, and Olivia set a tone of grace, love, and community that I’ll admit, was not expected. Making the leap from the classroom to the clinical setting could easily become frustrating, overwhelming, and complicated for us interns. Good thing Beacon of Hope’s leaders are experts at handholding as we jump across the crevasse and into real people’s lives.
Krista, always deconstructing counseling to simplify it, helps immensely to take a load off. She always assures us that our listening skills, willing hearts, and the embodiment of Christ’s love are enough... for God to do the work.
Kyle’s heart for the ministry in mobilized practicality of what it means to truly evangelize through the ministry here at Beacon is evident at our staff meetings and just about any time you meet him in the hallway, on any given afternoon. He literally glows when talking about Beacon, as he should.
And Olivia, don’t get me started; she is nothing if not a ball of fun and energy! She’s one of the most patient and wise folks you would ever get the pleasure of knowing.
That brings me to the people, the clients, that come to us from all walks of life, suffering from untold hurts, addictions, and loneliness. They bring their broken hearts, broken families, and wounded souls, hoping someone will see them, hear them, and walk alongside them. And we get to offer them this, a Beacon of Hope. This ministry does just that; offering hope, free of cost, turning no one away that seeks help. It is my absolute honor to be entrusted to enter their space and embody the love of Christ as a listener, encourager, and somedays a cheerleader, as gains are made and celebrated, even in the smallest of ways.
Lives are being changed here. Some days I drive home, and tears blur my vision when I reflect on a day where there was no doubt God used little ole’ me to work in someone’s life. It is truly my privilege to be a servant here, while being served myself, by Beacon’s leadership as they embody Christ in their gracious and patient counsel given to us counselors-in-training while modeling it themselves. My own road here hasn’t been easy or unmarred, and someone else’s investment in me was the difference-maker. I struggle to find the words to articulate my gratitude for this opportunity, to be able to give that back. I am honored that the Lord called me here, and I am honored to serve alongside this outstanding group of people.
This blog was written by Beacon of Hope counseling intern, Margorie.
