This September I began the New Wine Leadership Year in Student Ministry at St-Michael-le-Belfrey, a vibrant and growing Church of England congregation in York, England. The New Wine leadership year or “LY” is a placement year to learn the ins and outs of ministry leadership at a host church. My learning is lived out as I serve, plan, and lead on the Belfrey's student ministry team which serves students from York's two large universities.

This year I am learning to pastor and support undergraduate students who are growing in their faith while at university, and I am fortunate to also be living in community with two other young women completing this LY year. At home we have been learning what it means to share Christ-like hospitality and support one another through prayer and service (like cooking each other dinner!) For those who know my love of tea, inviting students over for a chat, a prayer, and a tea will be a joy!

As I have now been a student for quite a while, I have known the need for strong pastoral care and support for students growing in their faith in university. Interns, staff, and clergy in multiple campus ministries at William & Mary were great blessings in leading me closer to Jesus and growing my confidence as a student and person of faith. Simply put, the Lord has used student ministries to lead me close to Him, and what an opportunity to give a year in return towards the same work. As I discern an academic career, this year will be a rich time of fostering a deeper creativity and heart for caring for undergraduate students, and learning to lead from an outpouring of Christ's love. In York as a masters' student, the Belfrey quickly became my church home, where mentors and the student ministry team on which I now serve, encouraged my faith.

This year's course cost of £1500 includes theology teaching resources, two retreats or "residentials" that gather together young people doing this internship at churches across the UK, and subsidizes my rent. As an international intern, this year also requires a new visa, which brings its own added cost. Thankfully, the Lord has already blessed me with a donation to cover that particular expense. With the help of fundraising I can commit fully to my ministries and sharing Christ-like hospitality without the burden of additional life expenses.

In praying for this year the Holy Spirit has continued to highlight Psalm 46:10 "He [the Lord] says, Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." So I am staying still and staying put in York this year, to know God better, and to make known His love more deeply in others.

Please consider supporting me in prayer and, if possible, financial contribution. And do let me know if you would like consistent updates throughout the year as I share what I am learning and how the Lord is working as I partner with Him in ministry. Please reach out with any further questions, I cannot wait to share testimonies and joys from this year.