Abby Ferris, left, poses for a photo with her mother, Beata Ferris, during a recent DWU track meet. Photos shared on Facebook.

“I have grown up in church, and I cannot imagine not having a relationship with Christ. I like to describe my relationship with God as God being my backbone,” said Abby Ferris in her application to be a 2022 Elisha Intern.

 Ferris and Trinity Schroeder will serve as Elisha Interns during the 2022-23 academic year at Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) in Mitchell, South Dakota. 

Schroeder wrote in her application, “I grew up in a family that loved the Lord. As a college student, I have found such joy in being able to disciple, watching people grow closer to Christ and their communities.”
 
 Ferris and Schroeder will be seniors at DWU this fall. They will explore their call as Elisha interns with Fusion Church and DWU campus ministry during the upcoming academic year. 

While in college, Abby has been part of the Student Ministry Council. She helps plan and lead ministry events on campus. She also volunteers as a confirmation teacher and co-leads the youth group for Fusion UMC, a congregation that is part of the DWU and Mitchell communities. 
 
Rev. Eric Van Meter will serve as the mentor for Abby and Trinity. “Our mission is to make disciples and train young people to be leaders in making disciples,” says Van Meter. “What we do is develop ministry leaders. That is so much of what campus ministry is.”

Abby is seking to grow in her skills as a leader during the internship. “I am a good listener. That is important when working with young adults and their faith,” said Ferris. “I would like to grow in being able to bring or facilitate more events or opportunities to the students at DWU.”

Trinity Schroeder, left, and Rev. Eric Van Meter, right provide music during an event at DWU.

Ferris wants to be a Christian counselor. “I want to be able to work with a congregation through their mental health issues with God at the center of my practice.”

 Schroeder hopes to learn more about the behind-the-scenes work of ministerial positions. “I would like the opportunity to work alongside others. I want to gain experience preaching, putting together a study or sermon series, and other behind-the-scenes work."

Trinity hopes to be an elementary or middle school teacher and maybe a youth or college pastor when she graduates.

 In its tenth year, the Elisha Project aligns with the conference’s desire to create a culture of call that actively encourages young adults to explore how God is calling them to build the kingdom. In the upcoming year, each intern will gain experience in a wide variety of ministerial contexts. All interns will have the opportunity to:
• Preach and lead a Bible study or devotional
 • Plan worship
 • Be involved in social justice or outreach ministry
 • Observe leadership governance at a host site
 • Provide pastoral care

Earlier this spring, college students were invited to apply to participate in the Elisha Project. A task force of the Board of Ordained Ministry members selected interns and matched them with host churches. 

Pray for these interns and their mentor: 

Interning: Abby Ferris, Mitchell Fusion, and DWU Campus Ministry
 Mentor: Rev. Eric Van Meter
 School: Dakota Wesleyan University
 Hometown: Pierre, South Dakota

Interning: Trinity Schroeder, Mitchell Fusion, and DWU Campus Ministry
 Mentor: Rev. Eric Van Meter
 School: Dakota Wesleyan University
 Hometown: Mitchell, South Dakota