Mission of the Messenger Internship​

Every year, for more than 30 years, we have sent students to serve alongside communities in other countries for the summer. We believe that God calls us to live as servants by getting out of our comfort zones, entering new situations with a learner’s posture, and pouring out to others daily. Through these experiences, we find that God will mold and form us in three main ways: Spiritual and Personal Growth, a missional focus in life through Cross-cultural Service, and Future Preparedness. Because of Jesus, we believe that we are able to bridge the gap of cultural barriers, making room for a glimpse of the Kingdom of God in the midst of increasing intercultural tension and animosity. Messenger is a vital ministry here at the Annex! We believe that it echoes our desire to focus our efforts on the Kingdom of God, foster a lifelong investment towards service, and solidify friendships across the world.

Spiritual & Personal Growth

Through training, devotions, and service, we believe that you will grow in your journey as a follower of Jesus. We pray that, as you serve in a distant culture, God will open your heart and spirit to new ways of thinking, living, worshiping and serving. Your experience will help shape the way you think about investing your resources of time, money, energy, and attention as you come home. Messenger offers you the gift of stepping into the unknown, the gift of discomfort and the gift of failure. These experiences may seem difficult at times, but ultimately will bring about positive growth and transformation in your life.

Cross-cultural Service

We are called to “Love God and love our neighbor” (Mark 12:30-31). We believe that each of us should learn our strengths and engage wholeheartedly in service--whether globally or in our own backyard. With Jesus as an example, we must love and serve the marginalized, regardless of race, ethnicity,  religious tradition, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, mental ability, or socioeconomic status, while honoring the dignity and traditions of those we serve. We believe that Messenger not only offers us an incredible opportunity to go out and serve the world, but also will equip us with a heart of service as we step back into our own communities.

Future Preparedness

The Messenger Internship is first and foremost a mission trip! However, for decades, past messengers have counted their experience overseas as a game-changer in the vocational direction of their lives, AND something on their resume that interviewers have asked them most about! As Messengers, we are developing and using our God-given strengths to better the Kingdom of God all the while learning our vocational calling. Given the ever-changing needs of the communities that we serve, Messengers often get the chance to strategically align with their partner organizations and local hosts to further learn what they are passionate about and serve in ways that suit what they are studying in school. ​

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news"

- The Prophet Isaiah

What Is The Process?

Prayer and Process: As you learn about the Messenger program, we encourage you to spend time in prayer, and talk with friends, family members, and mentors about this opportunity. Please feel free to set up a meeting with one of the Annex staff members to talk through this opportunity as well.

The Application: You will need apply online (at theannexboulder.com) by Tuesday, December 31. This application is an opportunity for the committee and staff members to get to know more about you and why you want to go on Messenger. In addition, an interview with the committee will allow us to place you in a location and on a team that best fits who you are and the passions that you have.

Reveal Night: The Messenger Internship Reveal Night is one of the most anticipated nights of the year! Messengers can invite their family and friends to a dinner before the Annex, where parents get the chance to ask questions to the committee and then experience the reveal themselves. During the dinner, Messengers will find out who they will serve alongside for the summer. It all culminates with an over-the-top "reveal" during the Annex service, where you finally find out where you are going! Mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 18.

Messenger Training, Retreat, and Debrief: During the retreat, on Saturday, February 29, you’ll get to know your fellow teammates and learn more about your location. Additionally, four training sessions will be held on Tuesdays throughout the spring semester. They will cover topics like fundraising for your trip, cultural preparedness, conflict resolution, and how to make the most of your time abroad. Upon returning home, we will debrief the experience alongside you on Sunday, September 6. Messengers must attend all training sessions, retreat, and debrief.

Messenger Fundraiser Dinner: We will raise about half of the funds for the trips with our 6th annual fundraising dinner on Friday, March 6. Messengers will attend the event and get to know and connect with the First Presbyterian Church’s congregation in an effort to put a face to the name and invite them into your journey with prayers and financial donations.
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Student Fundraising: All students participating are asked to raise $3,500, regardless of the cost of the project they are assigned to. Our trips on average cost $7,000. This money is raised primarily through support letters sent out to friends and family members who might have a desire to partner with the student through prayer and/or financial support. The Annex strongly believes in the principles behind support letters, as it gives others a chance to participate in the trip and what God is doing. It also creates a prayer team committed to the needs of the student throughout the Messenger process. Participants will receive guidance on how to write these letters. All contributions are tax deductible when made directly to First Presbyterian Church.

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

- Mary Oliver

When and What You Need to do

Application Due  //  December 31
Messenger Interviews  //  January 15 - 18
Messenger Reveal Night  //  February 18
Messenger Retreat  //  February 29
Fundraising Dinner  //  March 6
Messenger Training  //  March 10
Messenger Training  //  March 17
Messenger Training  //  March 31
Messenger Training  //  April 7
Messenger Send Off  //  April 28
Messenger Debrief  //  September 6