Harry’s Impact Year

Back in September I wrote a blog explaining what I would be doing with Emmanuel this year, why I was excited to be doing it, and what I hoped to achieve from the ‘Impact’ intern year. Now re-reading it, I’ve been reminded just how good God has been this year, how he has used it more than I could have ever imagined, and how he has been so faithful. It has been such an incredible year - one in which God has done big things. I have grown in my faith personally, and have witnessed God’s goodness within the student group and beyond.

Students

God has been so generous this year with Emmanuel’s student work. We have seen students getting baptised, sharing their stories with the church and some saying ‘yes’ to Jesus for the first time! It has been so exciting to be a part of. A lot of this year we have spent time growing in our knowledge of our identity in God, and this has led to us (myself included) stepping out in sharing what God is doing and what he is saying to us prophetically. It has really grown my faith to hear stories each week of how God has shaped, grown and provided for people that come to Student Night. It has been a privilege working alongside Jess Vaughan, who has been such an encourager and supporter to me in everything I have done this year with student work.

Training

Across the year I have had six week-long blocks of training, based at Woodside Church, Bedford. We have had some great speakers come in to share both practical training on topics such as leadership, children’s work and the arts, as well as in-depth theology training about key themes in the bible. Part of this was coursework which we completed between training blocks. It has been great getting to know other Impact students from around the country, and I am excited to be going to Albania for two weeks with the team, to support a church out there.

Staff team

The other aspect of my Impact year has been working on other projects and events, and helping to make Sundays happen, as part of the church staff team. On Tuesday mornings we start the week praying as a team for Emmanuel, our city, and all the ministries we’re involved in. Being supported in my walk with God, as well as giving me opportunity to serve in projects (such as CAP), has been such a great experience and has benefitted me hugely.

It has been an amazing, fruitful year, and I would so encourage anybody thinking about doing a gap year to consider doing Impact.

Harry x