The Pioneer Bible Translators Internship Program
Our greatest hope for our interns is that they grow in intimacy with God and learn to hear His voice clearly as they encounter His heart for the world. We are committed to equipping them to thrive in diverse cultural contexts, whether serving overseas or engaging in stateside cross-cultural work. Additionally, we provide job-specific training within the U.S. to help them develop practical skills for the mission field. We are honored to journey alongside our interns as they seek to discern God’s leading for their future.
Vision
To ignite a passion for seeing lives transformed through God’s Word in every language and inspire a new generation of future missionaries through incarnational, cross-cultural experiences and exposure to a myriad of essential support roles to accelerate the ministry of Bible translation.
Mission
To provide transformative opportunities that immerse individuals in both cross-cultural experiences and job-specific vocations that foster spiritual growth, cultural understanding, and practical skills essential for thriving in a ministry context.
Core Values
1. Intimacy with God
We prioritize deepening personal and communal relationships with God, encouraging interns to love His Word, hear His voice, and serve His cause with prayer as the core strategy.
2. Incarnational Living
We value the importance of learning from deep relationships and understanding, engaging effectively and empathetically with diverse communities.
3. Immersive Training
We are committed to providing practical, hands-on learning opportunities that equip interns with essential skills for cross-cultural ministry on a team.
4. Intentional Mentorship
We foster a supportive environment in which interns receive guidance from certified life-coaches who walk alongside them to explore and affirm God’s calling in their lives.
General Summer Internship Structure
Pre-Field Orientation (PFO)
Duration: 2 Weeks
Purpose: To equip interns for their time on the field.
Details
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- Interns receive hands-on training in language acquisition, team formation, cultural anthropology, spiritual formation, and conflict resolution.
- They participate in interactive team-building activities under the direction and mentorship of the Formation Team.
- In addition, interns get to participate in a myriad of learning opportunities – Bible translation demonstrations, literacy equipping sessions, disciple-making strategies, community development, and support ministries.
- They attend Discovery, where they meet many of our missionaries and catch our vision to see networks of churches using translated Scripture to grow, mature, and multiply.
Field Portion
Duration: 6-7 Weeks
Purpose: To help interns acquire a broader vision of God’s world, gain further insight into His heart for the unreached, and continue becoming the people God created each of them to be.
Debrief
Duration: Approximately 1 Week
Purpose: To help interns process their experiences and allow them to reconnect with other intern teams.
Testimonials
“The Lord worked in so many ways through my internship with Pioneer Bible Translators. Not only did He show me the beauty of Christian community, but He also rekindled my desire to love others and share Jesus, abiding and depending on Him for guidance and growth.”
– Julia D., Eurasia 2024
“My experience as an Intern Coach in Summer 2024 taught me how to embody the Christian life as modeled in Romans 12 in a missions context, learning how to 1) offer myself to God daily as a living sacrifice and being transformed by the renewing of my mind, 2) empower a team of interns as members of the body of Christ, each with different gifts, to live out their service in the Kingdom, and 3) facilitate a team dynamic in which the team of interns remained steadfast in prayer and devoted to one another in love. Because of that experience, I’ve been equipped with real skills that will be useful for my future in the field!”
– Jameson M., Italy 2024
Explore Internships
Internship
As an intern on the Action Bible Sign Language project, you’ll help bring Bible stories to life through sign language, supporting both filming and editing in ASL, Moldovan Sign Language, and more. You’ll gain experience with cutting-edge translation technology, work with avatars by customizing details and correcting animations, and even contribute voice overs. Interns in this role also grow their creative and technical skills while working alongside both hearing and Deaf teammates in a bilingual office and learning ASL in the process. Beyond the project, you’ll be part of a fun, supportive intern community in Dallas, all within a team committed to daily prayer and spiritual formation. As an ABSL Filming & Editing intern in Dallas, you will have the opportunity to: Accelerate the filming and editing of the ABSL projects in ASL, Moldovan Sign Language, and others Observe cutting-edge sign language Bible translation technology Improve video editing and filming skills Create custom hair and clothing for avatars Correct keyframe errors on the avatars Create voice overs for ABSL characters Work in a bilingual office environment (English and ASL) Learn American Sign Language (ASL) Experience a community committed to daily corporate prayer Qualifications Character Qualities Self-starter, comfortable taking initiative Flexible […]
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Internship
Explore the intersection of agriculture, business, and missions on a thriving pineapple farm in West Africa. More than just a farm, this initiative grows crops, raises animals, and promotes human flourishing by providing food, income, and dignity for the community. As an intern, you’ll explore how agribusiness can be both sustainable and transformative, supporting local livelihoods while opening doors for Scripture impact and spiritual growth. This internship offers hands-on experience in the rhythms of farming and business management, from planting and harvesting to understanding supply chains, animal husbandry, and market strategies. Alongside the practical work, you’ll learn how agriculture can serve as a platform for discipleship, relationship building, and holistic mission. By working with our strategic partner organization, you’ll see firsthand how faith, farming, and business come together to impact communities in lasting ways. As an intern in West Africa, you will have the opportunity to: Gain hands-on experience in crop production, animal husbandry, and agribusiness operations Learn how agriculture and business intersect with Scripture engagement and community transformation Participate in the daily life of the farm, from fieldwork to market preparation Build relationships with local staff and community members, experiencing the richness of West African hospitality Explore how sustainable […]
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Internship
Step into a role where business, mission, and community transformation converge. In partnership with our strategic partner organization, we’re looking for passionate and service-minded individuals to join us in our work at the Refugee Business Development Center in Dallas. This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to walk alongside refugee entrepreneurs as they build sustainable businesses—and rebuild their lives—with dignity, purpose, and hope. You’ll assist with program operations by supporting staff in research, data tracking, backend service management, communications, and/or resource development. Interns will help strengthen systems that equip refugee entrepreneurs, contribute to workshops and training preparation, and build connections with community partners and donors and more. This role blends behind-the-scenes business support with meaningful contribution to cross-cultural economic empowerment. The details of what specific opportunities you will have are dependent on your unique skills and passions. As an intern in Dallas, you will have the opportunity to: Collaborate with refugee entrepreneurs as they plan and launch small businesses Assist in leading workshops, training sessions, and business development events Support ongoing partnerships with local mentors, donors, and community leaders Gain real-world experience in economic development, small business strategy, and community engagement Learn how business, ministry, and discipleship intersect in the context […]
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Internship
As a Children’s Curriculum Development intern, you’ll play a key role in creating a Bible-based curriculum designed to help churches and homeschool groups engage children with the story of God’s Word and the mission of Bible translation. You’ll gain hands-on experience writing creative, Christ-centered lessons for kids, with a focus on biblical literacy, spiritual formation, and missions awareness. Working closely with an experienced curriculum designer, content editor, and church mobilizer, you’ll also collaborate with missionaries, editors, curriculum reviewers, and children’s ministers. The full curriculum developed during the summer will be tested at a local church or homeschool group, revised, and made ready for production and future use by churches. Whether you love designing kid-friendly activities, teaching Scripture to kids in fun ways, or creatively connecting children to missions, this internship will give you the opportunity to grow, contribute meaningfully, and impact young lives for eternity. As a Children’s Curriculum Development intern, you will have the opportunity to: Write original, Scripture-centered, and mission-minded content designed for kids, focusing on refugee ministry Collaborate on creative ideas to communicate biblical truths in engaging ways Gain practical experience in curriculum design and educational writing Beta test your lessons in a local church or homeschool […]
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Internship
We’re looking for a dynamic young married couple or a pair of singles to join us in mobilizing prayer, students, finances, and church leaders to meet the urgent need of the Bibleless in partnership with Pioneer Bible Translators. This hands-on role will give you the opportunity to visit camps, VBS programs, and other children’s ministries, sharing the vision for Bible translation and life transformation through Scripture, inspiring others to join the mission. You’ll be supervised by experienced pastors and collaborate closely with our Church Partnerships team, participating in a vibrant community of mission-minded leaders. A summer schedule of camps and church visits will be organized to help you maximize your impact, while you gain experience in outreach, leadership, and ministry mobilization. As a Church & Camp Mobilizer, you will have the opportunity to: Cast the vision of transformed lives through God’s Word to young students and church leaders Participate in a variety of youth-oriented programs across the country Expand your network of ministry connections Be mentored by experienced pastors who serve on our team Gain greater clarity regarding your own path in ministry Qualifications Character Qualities Self-starter, comfortable taking initiative Flexible and adaptable Humble, teachable, servant-leader Connects well with middle […]
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Internship
Join a unique opportunity at the intersection of missions and data-driven strategy. In partnership with our strategic partner organization, we are looking for a Data Analytics & Research intern to help transform raw data into meaningful insights that accelerate literacy and development around the world. If you’re passionate about using analytics to solve real-world problems—and want your work to contribute to lasting Kingdom impact—this internship is for you. As a Data Analytics & Research intern, you’ll help us better understand how our projects are working, where they can improve, and what trends are shaping our efforts. You’ll contribute to research around language, culture, and mobilization, and gain experience using analytics tools to support strategic decision-making in a cross-cultural ministry context. As an intern in Dallas, you will have the opportunity to: Collect, clean, and analyze data from ongoing ministry projects and organizational initiatives Track and interpret key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess progress toward strategic goals Help translate complex data into accessible, actionable reports for internal teams and leaders See firsthand how analytics can shape and strengthen missions Qualifications Character Qualities Self-starter, comfortable taking initiative Flexible and adaptable Humble, teachable, servant-leader Core Requirements Minimum two years in an economics, social […]
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Internship
Dive into a unique opportunity for those seeking to engage in cross-cultural ministry while navigating the complexities of daily life. In this context, ministry is woven into everyday routines such as working, studying, or maintaining a visa. In partnership with our strategic partner organization, this internship offers a chance to experience life on the field, where you will be involved in meaningful conversations over tea, language learning, and potentially teaching English as a second language (ESL). You’ll also have the chance to explore innovative avenues like Business as Mission, which is becoming a key strategy in our area. We’ve been welcomed into local homes and families, and interns may have similar opportunities to build authentic relationships. The details of what specific opportunities you will have are dependent on your unique skills and passions. Regardless of how the Lord uses you, you will have the privilege of partnering with our long-term teammates and strengthening relationships. As an intern in Dallas, you will have the opportunity to: Build relationships with people from all over the world Teach English to speakers of other languages Explore how your skills and passions could be used in cross-cultural ministry Discover the need for diaspora outreach around […]
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Internship
Across the world in many places that accept refugees, there are communities of a heavily persecuted and displaced people group from eastern Congo called the Banyamulenge. Because of the unstable environment in their home area, we have organized a project stateside to serve their needs. We are primarily involved in four major outreach strategies: Bible translation, literacy, trauma healing, and media. The Banyamulenge are a Christian group, but they don’t have a Bible in the language they know best. Our goals are to help this community find their voice, empower their ministries, build discipleship, retain their culture and language while living abroad, and help them understand and love the Bible more through their own language. As an intern in Louisville, you will have the opportunity to: Participate in Bible translation sessions with experienced facilitators Engage in trauma healing workshops Develop and distribute literacy materials Create and participate in community outreach programs Experience multicultural church services Discover the need for diaspora outreach around the U.S. “The Lord reminded me how He has gifted each of His own differently, and in Kingdom work, it’s a beautiful thing to see each person live out who He’s called them to be.” – Megan Qualifications […]
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Internship
Join our team and gain hands-on experience in donor relations and event planning while supporting the global work of Pioneer Bible Translators. This internship is designed for someone who is eager to develop communication and organizational skills, build relationships with supporters, and play a role in connecting people to God’s mission through strategic events and partnerships. You’ll be part of a bilingual office in which you will interact with both hearing and Deaf teammates, providing an opportunity to be exposed to ASL and Deaf culture firsthand. Beyond the work, you’ll join a fun and close-knit community of interns in our Dallas office, learning, serving, and growing together in a supportive and prayerful environment. As a Donor Relations & Events intern in Dallas, you will have the opportunity to: Assist with donor communication and follow-up Help plan and coordinate events that engage current and potential supporters Support fundraising campaigns by preparing materials and tracking responses Research and identify opportunities to connect with new partners Gain experience in storytelling by helping craft impact updates and presentations Learn how donor engagement fuels the broader mission of Bible translation Work in a bilingual office environment (English and ASL) Learn American Sign Language (ASL) Experience […]
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Internship
As an Information Technology intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience supporting the systems and tools that keep things running smoothly. You can choose from three focus tracks: Cybersecurity: Protect sensitive data and strengthen digital defenses, helping ensure that our mission–and people–stay safe online. Technical Support: Be the go-to problem-solver for both stateside and overseas teammates, helping them use the technology they need to serve effectively. Backend Infrastructure: Dive into networks, servers, and cloud systems, learning how the digital backbone of our mission is designed and maintained. Whichever track you choose, you’ll sharpen your technical skills in a collaborative, team-focused environment. You’ll be part of a bilingual office in which you will interact with both hearing and Deaf teammates, providing an opportunity to be exposed to ASL and Deaf culture firsthand. Beyond the work, you’ll be part of a fun, supportive intern community in Dallas, all within a team committed to daily prayer and spiritual formation. As an Information Technology intern in Dallas, you will have the opportunity to: Use your skills to have a global, Kingdom impact Learn from highly-skilled technical experts Work in a bilingual office environment (English and ASL) Learn American Sign Language (ASL) Experience a community committed to […]
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Internship
Step into a region of incredible linguistic diversity—and deep spiritual need. In this context, ministry is less about tasks and more about people. As an intern, you’ll spend your days learning what it means to live like Jesus in a cross-cultural setting: loving people well, building relationships, and allowing those relationships to open doors for meaningful spiritual conversations. You’ll come alongside long-term workers and local believers, joining them in the rhythms of daily life and ministry. Whether through conversations over tea, sharing meals, helping with community activities, or encouraging those exploring Scripture in their heart language, you’ll discover how God uses simple acts of love to make an eternal impact. You may even have the opportunity to observe a translation consultant check, gaining a glimpse into how accuracy and clarity are ensured in God’s Word. This internship is not only about observing ministry—it’s about entering into it with humility, patience, and a servant’s heart, trusting God to work through relationships to draw people to Himself. As a Scripture Impact intern in Eurasia, you will have the opportunity to: Build authentic relationships that open doors to spiritual conversations Join in community life and practice hospitality as a means of ministry Encourage […]
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Internship
Step into the heart of South Asia, a region rich with culture, diversity, and deep spiritual need. This internship gives you the opportunity to walk alongside long-term workers and local believers as they navigate daily life and ministry in some of the world’s most multilingual and multireligious contexts. Through simple acts of service, cross-cultural learning, and shared community, you’ll discover how God works through presence, humility, and relationships to open doors for the Gospel. Your time will be split between two locations. In one, you’ll engage in the rhythms of daily life—shopping at the market, cooking, learning language, and joining silent prayer walks through the community. You’ll have opportunities to observe translation and Scripture impact work, learn from cross-cultural workers, participate in fellowship with local believers, and gain insight into how God’s Kingdom is advancing through business, education, and medical work. In the other, you’ll come alongside translation teams in both urban and rural settings, with the possibility of trekking into villages to see Scripture impact projects firsthand. Each portion of the internship will invite you into authentic relationships and conversations that will broaden your understanding of God’s global mission. As a Scripture Impact intern in South Asia, you will […]
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Internship
As a Social Media intern, you’ll help amplify the mission of Bible translation through creative digital storytelling and strategic online engagement. Working alongside our communication and marketing team, you’ll create content that inspires, informs, and mobilizes people to get involved in bringing God’s Word to those still waiting. You’ll gain hands-on experience managing social platforms, designing posts, writing captions, and analyzing engagement trends—all while learning how to communicate effectively within a missional context. Whether you’re passionate about visuals, video, or writing, this internship offers a space to grow your skills, build a portfolio, and make a meaningful impact. You’ll be part of a bilingual office in which you will interact with both hearing and Deaf teammates, providing an opportunity to be exposed to ASL and Deaf culture firsthand. Beyond the work, you’ll be part of a fun, supportive intern community in Dallas, all within a team committed to daily prayer and spiritual formation. As a Social Media intern in Dallas, you will have the opportunity to: Create engaging content (graphics, reels, stories, posts) across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn Collaborate with our team on messaging and strategy for specific campaigns Learn how to create and strategize content in […]
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Internship
As a Software Development intern, you’ll bring your skills to projects that help accelerate Bible translation and support missionaries around the world. You’ll gain hands-on experience alongside our team, contributing to websites, applications, and tools that mobilize the global church and advance the mission. Whether designing user-friendly web experiences or supporting the systems that keep them running, you’ll sharpen your technical skills in a collaborative, team-focused environment—and may even have the chance to attend a professional conference as part of your internship. You’ll be part of a bilingual office in which you will interact with both hearing and Deaf teammates, providing an opportunity to be exposed to ASL and Deaf culture firsthand. Beyond the work, you’ll be part of a fun, supportive intern community in Dallas, all within a team committed to daily prayer and spiritual formation. As a Software Development intern in Dallas, you will have the opportunity to: Use your skills to have a global, Kingdom impact Contribute to specific projects that directly support missionaries on the field Work in a bilingual office environment (English and ASL) Learn American Sign Language (ASL) Experience a community committed to daily corporate prayer Qualifications Character Qualities Self-starter, comfortable taking initiative Willing […]
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Internship
Step into the exciting world of Bible translation and Scripture impact across two vibrant cultures—splitting your time between Southeast Asia and Vanuatu. You’ll not only witness the life-changing power of God’s Word in communities with limited access to Scripture—you’ll actively participate in bringing it to life. From translation checking and drafting to Scripture distribution and digital engagement, you’ll experience firsthand how Scripture reaches people in their heart language. This internship immerses you in a variety of cross-cultural ministry opportunities. You may attend a Bible dedication, support local translation teams, assist with Sunday School teacher training, and help implement strategies to make Scripture accessible through both print and digital channels. You’ll gain practical experience in linguistics, translation checking, and community engagement while building meaningful relationships with local church leaders and communities. As an intern in Southeast Asia and Vanuatu, you will have the opportunity to: Assist with translation checking, drafting, and Scripture distribution alongside experienced missionaries Participate in digital Scripture distribution efforts to expand access and engagement Attend the dedication of the TSI Bible and celebrate Scripture impact in the community Help implement Scripture engagement activities that connect people to the Gospel in powerful ways Gain hands-on linguistics experience in real-world […]
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Internship
Step into the front lines of Bible translation and Scripture impact in Papua New Guinea—one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world. With over 800 languages, PNG is a place where the need for Scripture in heart languages is both urgent and inspiring. You won’t just see the work of translation and the impact Scripture has in the lives of people—you’ll be part of it. From village immersion to hands-on workshops, you’ll witness firsthand what it takes to bring God’s Word to life in communities that have never had it before. This internship immerses you in a variety of cross-culture ministry opportunities—from learning the local language to village living and community testing of the translated Scriptures. You’ll support a local translation team, build relationships in the community, and help create pathways for Scripture to reach real people in their heart language. As an intern in Papua New Guinea, you will have the opportunity to: Assist with real translation work and Scripture checking alongside experienced missionaries Immerse yourself in village life, learning local language and culture through daily experience Help implement Scripture engagement activities that connect people to the Gospel in powerful ways Gain a holistic view of what […]
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Internship
Step into the front lines of Bible translation and Scripture impact in East Africa—a region in which there is such a hunger for the truths of Scripture. You won’t just see the work of translation and the impact Scripture has in the lives of people—you’ll be part of it. From village immersion to hands-on workshops, you’ll witness firsthand what it takes to bring God’s Word to life in communities that have never had it before. This internship immerses you in a variety of cross-culture ministry opportunities—from learning the local language to village living and community testing of the translated Scriptures. You’ll support a local translation team through literacy and I.T. support, build relationships in the community, and help create pathways for Scripture to reach real people in their heart language. As an intern in East Africa, you will have the opportunity to: Assist with real translation work and Scripture checking alongside experienced missionaries Immerse yourself in village life, learning local language and culture through daily experience Help implement Scripture engagement activities that connect people to the Gospel in powerful ways Gain a holistic view of what missionary life is like Provide tech support to the large translation teams through software […]
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Internship
Use your creativity to tell powerful stories through film while sharpening your editing skills. You’ll be part of a bilingual office in which you will interact with both hearing and Deaf teammates, providing an opportunity to be exposed to ASL and Deaf culture firsthand. Beyond the work, you’ll be part of a fun, supportive intern community in Dallas, all within a team committed to daily prayer and spiritual formation. As a Video Editing & Filming intern in Dallas, you will have the opportunity to: Create an original documentary or highlight video Improve video editing and filming skills Work in a bilingual office environment (English and ASL) Learn American Sign Language (ASL) Experience a community committed to daily corporate prayer Qualifications Character Qualities Self-starter, comfortable taking initiative Flexible and adaptable Humble, teachable, servant-leader Creative, innovative, and curious Core Requirements Minimum two years of college completed, or equivalent experience in work or ministry Ability to craft a good story Preferred Experience Proficiency in video editing software, ideally Davinci Resolve Additional Information Department: Media Academic Credit: Optional Cost: $4000 Funding: Raise support (training provided)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the schedule for Summer 2026?
- Pre-Field Orientation in Dallas, TX (May 26-30, 2026)
- Discovery Missions Conference in Dallas, TX (May 31 – June 4, 2026)
- Internship (June 5 – July 26, 2026)
- Debriefing in Dallas, TX (July 27-31, 2026)
What are the requirements to apply for an internship?
To be eligible for a summer internship, you should:
- Be actively growing in your relationship with Jesus and be connected to a Christian community.
- Be willing and able to raise financial support.
- Be available for the full internship period: May 26 – July 31, 2026.
- Have completed at least two years of college or possess equivalent work experience.
What does the application process look like?
- Phase 1: This is your chance to tell us who you are, which internship you’re applying for, and what God has been doing in your life.
Due: November 28, 2025 - Interview (30 minutes): A brief conversation with either your prospective missionary host or supervisor, or one of our mobilizers.
Interview Window #1: December 15-19, 2025
Interview Window #2: January 5-9, 2026 - Phase 2: Standard forms and documentation required for all internships.
Due: January 10, 2025. - Final Decisions: All applicants will be notified by Friday, January 17, 2026.
How much do internships cost?
Internships taking place at our office in Dallas cost $4,000. Internships taking place overseas or in a different U.S. location cost $7,000.
These funds cover your entire internship, including your pre-field orientation and debriefing in Dallas, flights and visa (if applicable), lodging, meals, ministry expenses, etc.
You can also raise up to an additional $5,000 as a stipend — a little extra money for you at the end of the summer!
Can I raise support for my internship?
Yes! In fact, we will equip you with biblical perspectives and basic skills to raise both prayer and financial support.
Can I get college credit?
Most likely. Pioneer Bible Translators has a long history of working alongside universities to meet the academic and hands-on requirements each respective institution requires in order to receive college credit. We are happy to have a conversation with you about this.
What if my parents or guardians have questions or concerns?
We love that you have people in your life who care deeply about you, and we’d be happy to chat with them about this opportunity. They can email our Director of Mobilization at katie.wiseman@pioneerbible.org.