Lizzie Tyler, a junior education major at Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) in Mitchell, South Dakota, is serving as an Elisha intern at Fusion UMC in partnership with DWU Campus Ministry. 

Lizzie (right) on a trip to Indiana Wesleyan University (photos courtesy of Lizzie Tyler).

The Elisha Project is a college internship program designed to assist young people in discerning more fully what God is calling them to do. Churches partner with the Dakotas Conference Board of Ordained Ministry to provide a learning experience and a stipend. 

Lizzie grew up in a home where faith was openly talked about and a strong family value, both with her parents and her extended family. She grew up having a lot of faith mentors who helped shape her faith practices to this day.  

“We're very active in our church. I think having role models in my parents, siblings, grandparents, and aunts showed me how important faith is to your life,” shared Lizzie.  

Raised in the Catholic tradition, Lizzie continues to practice her faith by attending the Catholic church with her family. As a student at DWU, a United Methodist–affiliated institution, Lizzie values the opportunity to learn and grow alongside students from a variety of Christian traditions. She has found that collaborating with students of different denominations has broadened her perspective and strengthened her appreciation for faith-based communities. 

“It has been fun working with people who don't necessarily classify themselves as the same religion,” described Lizzie. "It is powerful how we all work together towards the same goal, which is to build God's Kingdom.” 

During her sophomore year, DWU campus pastors Taryn Ragels and Anthony Purcell launched a leadership team of “chaplains” to help guide different areas of student ministry on campus. Lizzie was selected to be the “freshman chaplain," focusing on connecting with freshman students and helping them feel included and supported during their first year of college.  

Lisie Tyler (center) on Ugandan mission trip.

“I loved being able to help students take that first step in their faith life now without having their parents there to monitor it. It was super fun to build those relationships and to watch a ton of students grow in their faith life and start to hold each other accountable,” beamed Lizzie.  

When Taryn and Anthony presented the opportunity of furthering her leadership role in the form of an Elisha Internship, Lizzie was immediately interested and applied for the position.  

“As an education major, I was interested in finding ways that I could share my faith with others in an education setting. I was also hoping to grow in my calling of being a teacher and how I can incorporate faith into that existing calling,” said Lizzie.  

One of Lizzie’s favorite moments from her internship was being able to watch some of the students she had mentored grow into small group leaders themselves.  

“Around six of my small group members from last year are now small group leaders this year. So it's just been really cool to see their spiritual growth and the way that they are just on fire to share God's word and God's love with the rest of campus. 

Throughout her internship, Lizzie continued to work with small group leaders. She supports them in their faith as well as guiding them when connecting with their small groups.  

Lizzie (center) with student and child in Uganda.

“I've learned a lot about just the power of reaching out to people. That goes so much farther than just expecting people to show up, and that has really played a role in the event planning that I have been involved with on campus," expressed Lizzie. “My favorite event would probably be the Squash Your Insecurities night that we held. We had a few small groups come together, and we wrote down our insecurities on a bunch of squashes. Then we went to the parking lot and smashed them, so that was a lot of fun.” 

During the Elisha Internship, students are encouraged by their mentors to think further about what God is calling them to pursue after college, as well as to grow in their faith. 

“My internship reminded me that freedom comes from sharing my love of God with others and connecting with people. When you hand things over to God, there is a peace that takes over,” added Lizzie. “Going into student teaching next semester, I know it is scary, but I have found a lot of peace in knowing that no matter where I go, God will be with me and He will get me through it.” 

“I would recommend this internship because it's a great opportunity to find your calling for sharing God's love inside, not necessarily just in your job, but in everything that you do,” encouraged Lizzie.  

If your church or someone you know would like to consider an Elisha internship, click here to learn more.