Following the Call from Oregon to England

A young Christian seeking God’s best for their life often begins to listen for His leading during university. That was true for me in the summer of 1985.

I had just completed my first year at a Bible college in Eugene, Oregon. During that year, a divine appointment with a professor prompted me to consider full-time ministry. That moment shifted me from being uncertain about my major to committing to pursue a ministry degree.

That summer, I represented the college at Christian camps across the Northwest. My role was to encourage teenagers—many just a year or two younger than me—to consider attending our school. During one of those weeks, a furloughing missionary spoke about cross-cultural ministry. While I was there to influence others, it was the Spirit of God who influenced me, using the words of that missionary to open my heart to missions. I didn’t respond publicly to the altar call, but I wholeheartedly accepted God’s invitation.

So, in my sophomore year, I changed my major to “Cross-Cultural Ministry.” The following summer, I signed up for an internship with Christian Missionary Fellowship. A college friend and I traveled to Mexico City to witness what God was doing there. I didn’t speak Spanish. I looked every bit the gringo I was. I was completely out of my comfort zone. But that short-term experience confirmed that cross-cultural ministry was indeed God’s calling for my life.

Now, after more than 32 years of serving in England, it’s a joy and privilege to welcome summer interns. In each town I’ve served, I’ve hosted young people who bring fresh energy, honest questions, and a genuine desire to serve. In them, I often see a reflection of my own early steps—uncertain yet eager, curious yet open. My prayer is that just as God used my early experiences to lead me into long-term service, He will guide these young people to serving in the unique ways they are shaped.

Summer internships can be pivotal. It takes courage to step into a new culture—even in a place like England, where the shared language doesn’t erase the cultural differences. I pray that God would stir something deep within each intern’s heart—that this would be not just a season of learning and serving, but a time of transformation, preparing them for a lifetime of following and serving Jesus, wherever He may lead.

Explore your fit in missions with an internship!

Aaron and Diane Lincoln currently serve in Gloucester, England where they work with a young church plant. They have been deeply involved in church planting since they moved to England as CMF missionaries in 1993. As Aaron shared, it was a missions internship that confirmed God's calling on his life.

Pictured above is Aaron and Diane with a group of REACH interns that served this summer in England, exploring life and ministry alongside the Lincolns and other veteran missionaries. You too can serve as a REACH intern and spend 8 weeks experiencing hands-on ministry opportunities all across the world. Sign up today and reserve your spot for next summer!