By Sammi, Kaleo Dallas Summer Intern

Amen. Translated into English: Let it be so.

I am a huge believer in the power of prayer. We possess this incredible ability to speak to our God whenever and wherever and be heard. The word Amen comes from the Hebrew word for truth and certainty. Finishing a prayer with “amen” is affirming the truth of what was just spoken. This summer I learned to rely on God through prayer as I interned in Dallas. At the beginning of the summer, I was nervously excited. I was thrilled at the opportunity to serve and lead others in service in the city I was raised in, but (having never led in this capacity before) I was also incredibly insecure and uncomfortably aware of all the ways in which I was insufficient for the task of leading groups of teenagers in service. I prayed before the first week that not only would God work through my weaknesses, but that the teams and our staff would encounter people throughout the summer and develop meaningful, spiritual relationships. That was the desire that we spoke into existence regardless of fear and insecurity. Let me tell you, God made good on that request.

The whole summer was filled with God appointments; seemingly spontaneous or incredible interactions orchestrated by our Father himself. Each team relied on God in their own unique way and used their gifts to bless our city. For example, one team early in the summer had a God-given way of teaching and interacting with the kids at our Kid’s club. This team (which was full of the most genuine and inspiring middle schoolers I have ever met) taught the kids a Fruit of the Spirit song complete with hand motions and dancing. For two months after that team left, the kids would run up to me singing that song and then enthusiastically teach it to the new teams. They could sing that song over and over for 20 minutes straight! My heart was so full seeing the love that the team had poured into the kids and seeing it last way beyond the time they had in Dallas.

Two things stick out to me when I reflect back on the summer. First of all, God worked, not in spite of my weaknesses, but through my weaknesses in ways that glorified him above all. Secondly, through the spiritual encounters and love that each of the teams showed this city, God’s kingdom was tangibly present in Dallas and will continue to be for a long time to come.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. . . For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Cor. 12: 9-10