We are devoted to raising the next generation to be passionate servants for Christ. One of the final steps of that plan for our students is the Internship Program here at CPC. We would like to introduce you to this summer’s CPC summer interns. We are excited to see them joyfully serve the Lord and our church community which they have all been a part of since they were young!
EMILENE PARHAM
About the last year at school
I just graduated from Bucknell University where I played for the women’s soccer team and majored in psychology with a minor in history. My favorite class I took in college was Young Adult Fiction because I got to write essays on Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and The Chronicles of Narnia.
Favorite Bible Verse
My favorite verse is Ephesians 3:20: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” I love this verse because God can do so much more through us than we could ever even imagine, all we have to do is say yes to Jesus.
Favorite memory growing up at CPC
My favorite memory from growing up at CPC is playing the game Night Crossing at Fun Fridays! I used to bring my non-religious friend with me and she still brings up how much fun it was 10 years later.
COLTON PARHAM
About the last year at school
I just finished my first year at Christopher Newport University. I applied to school with an undecided major track, but I have since decided to study Philosophy with minors in Leadership and Writing. My favorite class was certainly my first philosophy class, 19th and 20th Century Philosophy where we learned about different philosophers since the turn of the 19th century and how philosophy has evolved to that which we see in the world today.
Favorite Bible Verse
My favorite Bible verse has always been Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid nor discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This verse is told to Joshua and the Israelites as they enter the Promised Land which at this time was occupied by many threats such as the Canaanites. But God has used this verse to work in my life as I faced more modern obstacles like anxiety and mental health. This verse has been the perfect reminder that in whatever I do, wherever I am, God is with me and for me. Now, I am not merely encouraged or recommended to be strong and courageous and to resist fear and discouragement, but I am commanded to be strong and courageous and to resist fear and discouragement because God is with me, and He never fails.
Favorite memory growing up at CPC
I’m not sure I can choose one memory from growing up at CPC to be my favorite. It could be the days we went to Splashdown Waterpark at Planet Adventure, or the time me and a friend snuck off on a retreat and tried to see what was on the other side of this river by building a bridge, and I fell in and got soaked. I also loved the Winter Retreat when we went to Whitetail Ski Resort all day and got deep into the word together in the morning and at night.
SARAH LUFFY
About the last year at school
This last year I finished my sophomore year at the University of Pittsburgh in the nursing program with a minor in healthcare management. My favorite class between the last two semesters was pathophysiology of the body. Pathophysiology is the study of the disordered physiological processes associated with certain diseases or injuries, for example, what happens at the physiological level in a person with diabetes or hypertension.
Favorite Bible Verse
My favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 41:10 which states “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”. I originally found Isaiah 41:10 when I was in middle school and was really struggling with my mental health. Once I read this verse, I felt God’s grace and safety within me, and I knew then everything would be okay. I shouldn’t fear my struggles in life because God is constantly with me, giving me the strength to withstand anything.
Favorite memory growing up at CPC
Having one favorite memory from growing up at CPC is close to impossible. CPC has been my home church since I was young so I can think of so many memories that have made CPC so special to myself and my family. A few favorites memories are those of the MOP or massive outdoor party that student ministry would have every summer, attending fall and winter retreats as well as spring break or summer mission trips to Chattanooga TN, Philippi WV, and an international mission trip to Guatemala, and of course all the memories of summer VBS with the children ministry.
