Mission Field Learning Internship: A Full Sunday of Church, Ministry, and Lessons in Ghana

A Full Sunday During a Mission Field Learning Internship

One of the greatest blessings of a mission field learning internship is discovering that ministry is not only about big events or dramatic moments. Often, the most meaningful lessons happen on ordinary days—days filled with church services, fellowship, small responsibilities, and even a few unexpected surprises.

Today was one of those days.

It began a little later than I had planned. I woke up at 8:00 A.M., which felt unusually late for me. Still, I had slept well, and sometimes a good night’s rest is exactly what you need when serving overseas. Life during a mission field learning internship can be busy and exhausting, so waking up refreshed was a blessing.

I quickly got ready for church and headed downstairs for breakfast. Mrs. Angie had baked muffins the night before, and they were waiting on the counter. I grabbed two of them and enjoyed a quiet breakfast while the house slowly came to life. They were delicious—simple food, but it felt like a small comfort from home.

Waiting for the Day to Begin

After breakfast, I realized I had about twenty minutes before we needed to leave for church. Back home in the United States it would have been the middle of the night—around 3:30 A.M.—so I decided texting family or friends probably wasn’t the best idea.

Instead, I spent a few minutes on my phone and waited until Bro. and Mrs. Ruckman were ready to go.

This is one of the small adjustments that comes with a mission field learning internship. Time zones remind you quickly that life continues back home while you are living an entirely different daily rhythm on the other side of the world.

Soon we loaded up and headed to church.

A Morning Service in Ghana

When we arrived at church, it was quieter than usual. Normally children are already running around the property, laughing and playing before the service begins. Today was a little slower.

The service started at 9:00 A.M., and little by little people began arriving. By the time the service was fully underway, the room had filled nicely. We ended up having about eighty people in attendance.

Seeing that many people gathered together in Ghana to worship the Lord is always encouraging.

One of the highlights of the morning was a baptism after the service. Baptisms are always special, but they feel especially meaningful on the mission field. Each one represents a life that has been changed by the gospel.

Moments like that remind you why a mission field learning internship matters. It is not just training. It is real ministry happening in real people’s lives.

A Sunday Meal and a Needed Rest

After church we visited for a few minutes with members of the church before heading back to the house.

When we arrived, lunch was already waiting for us. Mrs. Angie had put everything in the Instant Pot earlier that morning so it would be ready when we returned.

It was a wonderful meal.

The chicken was so tender it practically fell off the bone. After a long morning at church, it tasted amazing.

After lunch we all went our separate ways for a little afternoon rest. Sundays on the mission field are full days, and a short rest between services helps you keep your energy.

Bro. Ruckman and I took advantage of the quiet time, but Mrs. Angie was unfortunately dealing with severe back pain. It had started with what seemed like a simple crick in her neck a couple days earlier.

Then during church that morning she bent down to help a boy turn in his songbook. The moment she bent over, a sharp pain hit her lower back so hard she nearly collapsed.

All afternoon she rotated between ice and heat trying to relieve the pain. Thankfully it seemed to help a little.

Experiences like this are another reminder that ministry life—even during a mission field learning internship—often includes unexpected challenges.

Choir Practice and a Taxi Ride

After resting for a while, it was time to get ready for the evening service.

Bro. Ruckman gave me the option of riding with him later or taking a taxi earlier so I could attend choir practice. I decided to go early.

So I grabbed a taxi and headed to church.

One of the great parts of this mission field learning internship has been building friendships with people in the church. Choir practice was a perfect example.

When I arrived, several of the young men were already there. We had a lot of fun practicing together. Some of the boys struggled a little to start on the right notes, and the attempts produced plenty of laughter.

But that laughter was part of the fellowship.

Even something as simple as choir practice becomes a meaningful memory when you are serving together in ministry.

Bro. Ruckman arrived later, but Mrs. Angie stayed home to rest because of her back pain.

Chocolate, Bible Books, and Determined Children

The evening service went very well. A few small children came that had not been there in the morning, which added some extra excitement to the room.

At one point Bro. Ruckman decided to offer a challenge to the children.

He held up a piece of chocolate and said anyone who could recite all sixty-six books of the Bible in order would receive the prize.

That sounded simple enough—but the kids were not ready.

Instead of reciting the books of the Bible, they decided to try a different strategy.

They swarmed.

Within seconds they surrounded Bro. Ruckman begging for chocolate.

He stood firm. If they could say the books of the Bible, they could have one.

No books. No chocolate.

Eventually the children decided to try their luck with me instead.

They swarmed me the same way.

I told them exactly what Bro. Ruckman had told them.

The answer was still the same.

No books. No chocolate.

But their determination was impressive!

Moments like this are some of the most memorable parts of a mission field learning internship. They are small, humorous interactions, but they reveal the joy and personality of the people you are serving alongside.

Late Night Experiments

After the evening service we returned home for supper.

Tonight’s meal was nachos—simple, delicious, and perfect after a long day.

While Bro. and Mrs. Ruckman spent some time talking with one of their sons, I began working on a small photography project.

I had been wanting to build a light box for a long time, and tonight I finally decided to try it.

The outside of the box looked pretty rough. Honestly, it was not very impressive to look at.

But the inside was what mattered.

When I tested it with my camera, the lighting was fantastic.

The photos came out far better than I expected.

I am hoping to use it to take some pictures for a couple in the church who will be getting married in a few weeks. With a little more experimenting tomorrow, I think I can get some beautiful images that they will enjoy.

A mission field learning internship teaches you ministry, but it also opens the door to using your personal skills and interests to serve others.

Even photography can become a way to bless people.

Ending the Day with Gratitude

As I prepare to go to bed tonight, I am thankful for a day filled with simple blessings.

Church services. Fellowship. Laughter with friends. A successful experiment with a homemade light box. And the privilege of serving the Lord in Ghana.

Days like today remind me that the lessons learned during a mission field learning internship are not always dramatic or life-changing in the moment.

But they shape you little by little.

They teach patience. They teach humility. They teach you how ministry works in everyday life.

Thank you to everyone who continues to pray for this internship. Your prayers truly make a difference.

And thank you for praying for my dad as well. After his recent battle with malaria, he finally seems to be improving.

We are grateful for God’s continued protection and provision.