Hey there! My name is Katey Brooks. I’m a Public Relations major at the University of Georgia. I attended First Baptist Church growing up, and now attend First Baptist Athens. Last summer, I worked Passport for the first time as a Bible Study Leader.
2015 PASSPORTmissions team
Why did you choose to work for PASSPORT this summer?
I attended PASSPORT as a camper all throughout my middle and high school years. PASSPORT continually gave to me graciously and aided immensely in my spiritual growth, and I wanted to give back/impact youth just as I was. I felt God calling me to minister this summer rather than find an internship or take summer classes, which was a very scary thing to accept.
What was your favorite part of working?
The relationships formed over the summer with staff, campers, and adult leaders are so unique and valuable. Seeing God work through those people you have formed such close relationships with is beautiful and life changing.
How did you experience Christ this summer?
I relied on Jesus this summer more than I ever have. I learned very quickly that it isn’t ME, it is all HIM. I was being used as a vessel for Christ to work through in order to bring these campers into a deeper relationship with Him. I experienced Christ a lot through other people this summer. Seeing the way the campers were touched and moved by Jesus was incredible, and it was very humbling for me to know that I was the one Christ was using as a gateway to these young lives.
What did the summer teach you about yourself?
Being halfway through college, internships, future careers, and life in the real world has made its way to the forefront of many of my thoughts. This is such an exciting and stressful time in someone’s life. For me, all of this “forward” thinking got in the way of my youthful spirit. PASSPORT encouraged me to embrace my childlike spirit that can so easily disappear in the midst of a stressful school year. PASSPORT taught me how to integrate and joyful heart and youthful presence with leadership positions and job responsibilities. That is one of the most valuable and helpful lessons I took home with me from the summer.
What did this summer teach you about Jesus?
Jesus is FAITHFUL. He is ever-present. He is far greater than any circumstance. He was walking beside me giving me encouragement, standing behind me in case I fell, going before me to guide the way, and sometimes having to carry me when I thought I couldn’t go any more. This summer I rejoiced in his beautiful name, and truly experienced the pure joy that can only come from Jesus.
What would you tell someone who’s considering applying for PASSPORT?
The number one thing someone should know when applying and carry with him/her while working is to BE OPEN-MINDED. You will do things you’ve never done, be forced completely out of your comfort zone in multiple ways and multiple times, experience all sorts of highs and lows, have the best and hardest experiences of your life, and meet Jesus face to face in a new way each day. There is no way any human can fully appreciate and enjoy a summer at camp without being open-minded.
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Interested in being a PASSPORT staffer this summer?
Learn more about the positions here or apply today!