Soft-spoken Abigail Day did big things in Louisville, Kentucky this summer. She completed an internship with a Christian non-profit organization, Love Thy Neighborhood (LTN), doing outreach through their ministry, Sojourn Arts. Abigail applied her major, Community Arts, by engaging the community through artistic projects like painting an abstract mural with a team.

After working with the Sojourn Arts ministry each day, Abigail did outreach work. Shelby Park is where the wealthy and impoverished populations meet in Louisville, providing a unique opportunity for  outreach ministry. She and the LTN team lived out their title and embraced the people around them no matter their background. They engaged people from all walks of life by getting to know them, delivering brownies, and painting with the children.

While this organization works to create change in the community, it also works to challenge and grow their interns and volunteers spiritually. It focuses on discipleship and community within its organization. According to Abigail, several interns lived in the same building, fostering a sense of community through fellowship and days like Taco Tuesday. They were encouraged to discuss real world topics such as racism, poverty, and same-sex attraction. They challenged their beliefs and addressed hard topics to more effectively reach their community.

Abigail’s biggest lesson during her time in Louisville was the importance of vulnerability within the church. Interns participated in a time of “Prayer and Share,” sharing what was happening in their lives and praying about it. They also shared their life stories at the beginning of the internship. They were constantly vulnerable with each other, leading very quickly to close friendships. Ultimately, they were encouraged to “lead with [their] weaknesses.” Interns learned the value of their weaknesses and the ability of God to use them for His glory.

As Abigail considers a yearlong internship post-graduation, will you consider joining her? Love Thy Neighborhood has diverse ministries intended to reach an even more diverse population. The organization runs homeless, refugee, and medical ministries, as well as orphan care, a pregnancy center, and a ministry to help women transition out of the sex trade. It has a place for people of all majors and professions. Anyone interested in serving with LTN can visit lovethyneighborhood.org, or contact Abigail by email at ad838@cairn.edu.