International (MNN) ― Apprenticeship is a system of training a new generation of skilled crafts practitioners. The apprentice often was treated to a full immersion experience in his craft, moving away from family in order to devote his full attention to learning his vocation. Apprentices often built their careers from their apprenticeships.
Today, Buckner International is helping college students in much the same way. Their internship program has young people serving in Peru, Guatemala, Romania, Latvia, Ethiopia and Kenya, immersed in practical experience.
Buckner's Vice President for Mission Resource Victor Upton says they have seminary students, social workers, teachers, and many other young people from different walks of life.
He explains: "The interns are really helpers, or they're doing something toward their course credit or doing something toward their work experience. They're doing something toward their life call, as opposed to just an 'exposure trip.' The interns may lead Vacation Bible Schools, they may host churches when they come for a short-term trip, or they may work in the orphanages."
Some are unpaid short-term volunteers who commit to a couple months in an area. Others are working toward course credit at Baylor University. While Baylor is the only school offering course credit toward a degree with this internship, Upton says they are open to other schools pursuing similar options.
What's the difference between a
standard two-week mission trip and a Buckner internship? Time.
Buckner encourages the longer-term relationship-building because "the interns are ambassadors for Buckner. They're ambassadors for the Gospel. They are truly missionaries, short-term missionaries, not there for a specific project but they are there to spread the Gospel. They're to share the love of Christ with the children that they encounter and with the adults that they encounter in whatever country that they may be assigned to."
Upton says the program is always growing and changing. Work is not limited to the field. In fact, he says, "I'd really like to have an intern look at intern programs, to improve our intern programs, to create a website for interns. I think the possibilities are unlimited at Buckner."
They're currently taking applications for the Fall of '08 internships. Students can apply for the summer internship in early spring. More information and application details can be found at www.itsyourmission.com/signup.shtml or by calling 1-877-7ORPHAN.
