Dear Future LEAP Years,

I wrote a letter to future LEAP Years in early 2014 before we ever officially had a LEAP Year Intern.  As I reread that letter recently, I realized that there is really only one thing I would change as I write in late 2015: instead of referring to LEAP Years as “interns” we now refer more accurately to them as “LEAP Years”.  Having had two cohorts, it has become clear that this is much more than an “internship”.  LEAP Years are given considerable responsibility and held to high expectations and function as vital members of PTM’s staff.  Having been a front row observer of our LEAP Years, I am even more convinced that this program is a mission multiplier for PTM and a life-shaping experience for those investing in a LEAP Year.   I very much look forward to serving and growing with you.

Chan, PTM Executive Director

LEAP Year : Beautifully Broken

A Year exposing our weaknesses gently, but more so highlighting our strengths.

A Year causing tears of frustration, but also tears of joy.

A Year draining us in some moments, but fulling us to the brim in others.

A Year exposing some of the ugliness of community, but also the beauty of living with other believers.

A Year humbling us through moments of failure, but the next filling us with enough pride to feel like we can run the ministry graciously entrusted to us.

A Year serving in a workplace radiating Jesus’ light, but around us a community is bleeding darkness.

A Year encouraging us to be more and do more, but teaching us to rest where Jesus has us now.

A Year teaching us the true heart of Jesus, but at moments causing us to question His goodness.

A Year seeing the redemptive powers of Jesus in this world, but also seeing the absence of full reconciliation until His return.

A Year worshiping Jesus.

LEAP Year is the most beautifully broken experience. A true example of the Lord breaking down our comforts, our idols, our pride in the most glorious of ways to show us grace, growth, humility, love, peace, trust, and HIM.

LEAP Year is hard, sweet, difficult, beautiful, and challenging but these are the times the Lord has given as a true gift. Clearing our vision so all we can see is His light and His goodness.

PTM’s LEAP Year has brought urban ministry into our thoughts to challenge, community into our home through grace, and Jesus into our hearts with love.

Written by Abbie, Lakeyia, and Nicole, 2015 – 2016 Leap Years.