College Students Share Internship’s Impact on Their Spiritual, Professional Lives

By   •   November 8, 2024

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association welcomed 19 interns last summer, pictured here with Executive Vice President Will Graham.

Micah Pinson and Bella Agnello were two of the 19 interns who spent 10 weeks serving at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) this summer.

A junior at Taylor University, Micah applied his political science, philosophy, and economics major as he worked on projects for BGEA’s Legal department. Bella served as a video production social media intern. She’s in her second year at Cedarville University, studying broadcasting, digital media, and journalism with “newfound joy and on mission.”

Below is a Q&A with the two about their experience.

Q: How have you grown professionally?
Bella: I have learned to advocate for myself because of the confidence my team gave me. They were there to support me and help me grow. Because of that, I was more willing and confident to bring ideas to them and ask for help when I needed it. I think that comes from staff just having the heart of Jesus that they were so willing to help out—even if that means setting aside their project to help me. It’s really grown my desire to work for a Christian ministry.

Q: What’s one way you’ve grown spiritually?
Bella: My heart for evangelism grew exponentially. God also taught me a lot about what it means to surrender not just my fears, but also my greatest desires.

Micah: This internship totally changed the way I pray. It feels much more natural and the day is not as joyful without it. Starting each day with others in prayer was something that I really enjoyed. Laying our thoughts and emotions as one to the Lord—it was a blessing.

Q: What surprised you about the internship?
Bella: God has changed my view of friendships. Coming here has shown me what Christian friendships look like. [The interns] all became close so fast because we knew that all of us had the same heart for God. I think it’s “next level” friendship.

Micah: I not only saw [my supervisors] show how to be good role models and managers, but also the way friends and family care for each other. They took me under their wing, walked me through things, and definitely taught me a lot.

Q: What would you tell others who are considering a BGEA internship?
Bella: Even if you are on the fence, just applying and seeing what the Lord will do with that step of obedience will show you so much. I really hope I can come back to work here in the future.

Micah: Just do it. Trust the Lord. I’ve really seen Him be faithful. I don’t think it ever hurts to apply to a place so focused on growing the Kingdom. The Lord will put you where He wants you. I loved my time at BGEA.

Apply now for an internship at BGEA next summer.

For many of the interns, one of the most memorable parts of the summer was ministering to others in Temple, Texas, after an EF2 tornado left widespread damage across the area in late May. Interns served alongside Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains, as well as Samaritan’s Purse relief volunteers.