Laura Helps Lead Team Internship in France

When Laura’s parents began serving in France a few years ago, she joined them for a season—and something about it stuck with her. “I got to experience what it was like to live there, learn the culture, and even pick up some of the language,” she says. “I really loved it.” During that brief time overseas, France started becoming a place that felt meaningful and familiar to her.

After returning to the U.S. to continue teaching, Laura didn’t know if or when she’d go back—but last year, she found herself in France again. This time, her parents were hosting a team of Encompass interns, and she got to step into their world—sharing meals, conversations, and moments of growth alongside them. “I had such a good experience being around the internship program, even in an unofficial way,” she says.

So, when her parents specifically asked for another person to help lead the team, that caught Laura’s attention. “I have some language and cultural knowledge to offer, and I usually gravitate towards teaching and mentoring roles for young people,” she says. “God connected me with this need that aligns perfectly with my skills and experience, and I'd be very happy to meet it!” Full of excitement, she signed up for the position.

She thoroughly enjoyed joining the interns on several occasions last year, but now she’s excited to have more of an official role with them. She’s especially looking forward to the small, everyday moments where growth happens naturally. “In this more official role, I’ll be able to be more involved, build deeper relationships with them, and play a more meaningful part of their discipleship,” she says.

As for what comes next, Laura is holding it with open hands. “I’m very excited to meet this need this summer,” she says, “but I’m very open to whatever God might have for me through this. If I see Him calling me to more later on, I’m definitely open to that.”

God has uniquely prepared Laura for this moment—using her love for people, her teaching experience, and her familiarity with French culture. As she pours into these interns, you can be part of what God is doing through her. Please pray for Laura as she steps into this role and consider partnering with her as she pours into this year’s group of interns.