This summer, the Board of World Mission was blessed to work with two summer interns, Emmaleigh Rein and Hilda Cieza Regalado, who joined us at camps and convos, while also supporting our ministry from behind the scenes as they worked from home on organizing photo albums and global partner covenants, creating material for church programming, and more. Read more about their summer internship experiences in their own words below!
Emmaleigh Rein (Watertown, WI)
Throughout my time with the Board of World Mission Summer Intern, I’ve been able to see the way Moravians have been, are, and will continue to be involved in bettering the world around us by building relationships and being faithful to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. This summer, I have been presented with many opportunities that ranged from assisting in leading a week of Laurel Ridge’s Mission Camp to sorting physical receipts and organizing numerous digital files.
One of the first ways I served for the BWM this summer was by attending Mt. Morris’ Service Camp in Mt Morris, WI. This is a time dedicated to preparing the grounds and facilities for the upcoming summer camp season. This was an amazing way for me to help with the behind-the-scenes tasks that, while attending summer camp, I would be able to further appreciate. One of the projects I assisted with was painting the barn and the barn quilt. Having never painted a barn before, this project felt never-ending, but it became very rewarding when finished. The time I had at Service Camp gave me many opportunities to put my handy-woman skills to good use and give back to a place I cherish, while fellowshipping with many wonderful people.
Both experiences came through helping lead the second week of Laurel Ridge’s MissionCamp alongside Rt. Rev. Dr. Amy Gohdes-Luhman, BWM Director of Mission Engagement. That week, youth groups from Hope Moravian Church in Hope, IN, and Raleigh Moravian Church in Raleigh, NC, came together to complete projects such as roof repairs, painting, and yard work. I witnessed young adults give their time and talents in service to both the surrounding community and Laurel Ridge itself.
Over the course of my internship, I have been surrounded by the generosity, love, and support that reflect the core values of the Moravian Church. I’ve had an inside look at the work of the Board of World Mission, which I am continuously amazed by. This summer has deepened my appreciation for the ways Moravians live out their faith through service, and it has strengthened my own commitment to doing the same.
Hilda Cieza Regalado (Winston Salem, NC)
When I first started the BWM internship, I wasn’t exactly sure what it would look like. I just knew I wanted to say yes, to give my time, my energy, and my heart to something meaningful. And I’m so glad I did, because this summer ended up being one of growth, connection, and learning in ways I didn’t expect.
The first big part of my internship was helping lead a week at Laurel Ridge, a place that’s been important to me since I was a little kid. I’ve been going there since pre-junior camp, so coming back not as a camper but as an intern and leader felt kind of surreal. I already knew the songs and the view from the mountain, but this time, I saw it all differently.
Being on the leadership side of things was both exciting and challenging. It’s one thing to attend camp and another to help guide others through it, spiritually, emotionally, and practically. I learned quickly that leadership isn’t always easy. It’s rewarding, yes, but it also takes energy, patience, and responsibility. Especially when you’re working with youth who are navigating faith and life and looking for something real. I found myself pushed out of my comfort zone, but also growing because of it.
Next came Youth Convo, where I met a truly incredible group of people. Some came from across the country, others from different parts of the world. At first, we were all a little quiet, kind of unsure of how to interact, but slowly, something shifted. We began to open up, connect, and share real parts of ourselves. By the end, it didn’t feel like a random group of people anymore, it felt like a community. One that reminded me how powerful human connection can be when it’s built on trust and intention.
Alongside those in-person moments, I also did a lot of behind-the-scenes work, helping organize photos, updating forms, tracking inventory, and managing spreadsheets. At first glance, this part might not seem as exciting as camps and conversations, but it mattered just as much. I got a glimpse into how much organization, care, and planning goes into ministry. There’s so much thought and effort behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly. Being trusted with that responsibility helped me grow professionally and feel like a valuable part of the team.
Something else I didn’t expect, but really appreciated, was the way people from different churches started opening up to me. They shared their concerns, their hopes, their questions about the future of the church. Those conversations really stuck with me. Because honestly, that’s exactly what we need more of in the church: voices, questions, passion, and a willingness to speak up. I felt honored to hold space for those moments, and it reminded me that ministry isn’t just about teaching, it’s about listening, too.
This internship showed me that ministry isn’t just about being on stage or leading big events, it’s also about the quiet, consistent work that makes those events possible. And it’s about showing up with your full self, even when it’s hard or uncomfortable. Whether I was planning activities, entering data, helping a camper feel heard, or laughing with new friends at the dinner table, it all mattered.
The Board of World Mission is doing important, meaningful work. I’m thankful to have played a part in it this summer. I hope I was able to support and uplift others, but I also want to say how much they supported and uplifted me. Every experience this summer taught me something about leadership, faith, teamwork, and myself.
As I return to college and continue with other opportunities, I feel even more committed to staying connected to the Moravian Church and its future. Wherever I go from here, I want to keep making space for service, community, and faith.
Thank you to everyone who made this summer what it was. It meant more than I can explain.
