The Hartford Project was where I personally met God for the first time. It wasn't until I first attended The Hartford Project that I realized just how immense God's love is for us, and that I could actually have a relationship with Him. The worship had one of the [biggest] impacts on me because for the first time, I felt the presence of God in me and flowing through the entire room. I remember how beforehand, I never understood what people meant when they said they could feel the Holy Spirit moving in them, but it was absolutely incredible to feel it myself at The Hartford Project.

The Hartford Project has played such an important role in my faith and I want to give back to the program that has completely changed my life. Without THP, my relationship with God would be nowhere near where it is today. I hope to see not only my own faith strengthened through this internship but also a hunger for God started within the hearts of each participant. I hope to give my time and own passion for God to make The Hartford Project as successful as possible so that many other people's lives can be changed like mine was, from the lives of the participants to the lives of those who live in Hartford.

It was beautiful seeing how God moves through Hartford and fall[ing] in love with the city. Hartford often gets a bad reputation, especially in the surrounding suburban towns, but serving, watching, and working with [people from Hartford] not only showed me how much love there was in the city but also how to selflessly give up my own comforts for the glory of God.

Glory Chapel is on the north side of Hartford so a lot of the things we do as a church community are urban based...We often hold street meetings which are church-like services that are held on certain street corners to raise awareness about God and get people interested. Sometimes our church goes out on prayer walks or holds different events such as soup kitchens to spread the word of God while helping others in need.

[A] positive experience that I encountered at THP was pairing with all of the churches and meeting new people. Through the interactions and friendships that were formed with these people from different churches I learned more about how different churches work.

God is teaching me [that] He is God and He's got everything under control so I do not need to worry. He's also teaching me about working with youth and how to connect with them and how to effectively teach them about who God is.

One of my favorite memories on THP was when my group was working to prepare for South Church's VBS. When we finished our work in South Church we went out into the community with Vicki [Children’s Minister, South Church]. She brought us to a small neighborhood with a bunch of children that attend their VBS. We spent some time with the children on the playground. I really enjoyed [playing] with the children and getting to know them. I have always loved kids and we had a lot of fun hanging out with them.

I have always loved attending and serving on THP. The last few times I have volunteered I have really enjoyed making a difference. I love knowing that I am helping a cause that is spreading hope and good news to the people of the city. I know this internship will give me an opportunity to grow in both professionalism and my walk with God. I hope to be able to make a difference in the city and in the hearts of the people attending The Hartford Project this summer.

I absolutely love The Hartford Project community. Every year I get excited to be reunited with everyone who attends and helps with THP. The Hartford Project provides such a great community with so many people that would never meet if it wasn't for this opportunity they are given every summer.