Summit Ministries

Hi! My name is Jess and I work for the Summit. Trying to sum up a day in the life of students for parents and students alike seems like the hardest job ever because even now time is running together. I have been at Summit for seven weeks now and it never ceases to amaze me how fast time actually does fly. Parents you might agree, time begins speeding up at a certain age and after those days, weeks and months blur as one.

When I started my job here I was sure it would be the longest summer of my life because I would be away from my family, friends, and boyfriend for two months; but after arriving and jumping in to the Summit lifestyle I realized that two months wasn't nearly enough! My days are filled with incredible chances to impact student lives, and learn from their perspectives and journeys. I am stunned by the knowledge my sixteen-year-old small group girls shared in tonight's time and am wondering why I wasn't that smart at their age.

We discussed boys, dating, modesty, and their influence on the guys around them, I was so proud of their responses and comments, it kind of stunk because they actually trumped my conversation in a lot of ways, but it was so uplifting to hear. I do realize that Summit tends to attract incredible students, it is not often that we get students that couldn't care less, but I also realize that incredible students don't just happen. Contrary to what our society says, there are still members of this generation that care and are willing to put forth an effort to learn and be heard. I am proud to see that many students over the past 3 and a half sessions, as well as all of the staff I work with, are a part of this group.

Working for Summit has been the hardest, most amazing summer of my life. We are always on the clock, but it never seems like work! We connect with the students in a personal way; we become friends and connect in a way that only Summit can procure. I don't think I have ever spent a better summer anywhere, working here and being a part of such an incredible ministry has stretched me far out of my comfort zone and into something that can only be described as totally God-breathed.

Today was slightly rainy and overcast for the park, but from what I hear speed volleyball still happened. The weather here is insane! It randomly rains and gets sunny in moments and then turns into cold which then switches to hot, I am finally figuring out how to dress for it and now I leave in 8 days. The students heard from Dr. Noebel again tonight and then headed to small groups. Doc is so amazing and has so much to offer the students, it's great to hear them learn from him.

As time winds down it makes me think about the past few sessions and the summer in general, which leads me to my conclusion: I have learned more at the Summit than at any other point in time. I have been a student twice and staff once, and can honestly say there is no place like this anywhere else to my knowledge. It has been an incredible opportunity to grow in knowledge and steadfast faith, and has given me something continuously to take home with me. I cannot wait to see what the future holds, or to see what the rest of this session will pan out with. It's been a blast!