As I was applying to internships during the Spring, there were three things I wanted: meaningful work,
a friendly and productive office environment, and an opportunity to learn. ICC met all those requirements.

I don't think that anyone who has not worked directly with persecuted Christians fully understands the
magnitude of the suffering that oppresses our brothers and sisters across the world. ICC is committed
to publicizing their suffering and persecution and educating the Church here in the West. Working as
an intern at ICC has given me a first-hand glimpse into the lives of oppressed Christians. There really
is no more meaningful work than bringing aid to Christ's children. I would never have the concern that
I now have for the suffering Church if I had not worked at ICC.

Whether or not the work is meaningful, the work environment can make or break an internship.
Fortunately, everyone - and I mean everyone - at ICC is committed to their work and to encouraging
and building up those around them. The people at ICC are some of the most dedicated and friendly
people I have ever worked with, and as a result, office conflict is almost non-existent, maybe because
everyone realizes that their work is so much more important than petty disagreements with their coworkers.

An internship, at its core, is a way to learn. There really is no point in doing an internship if you don't learn -
you might as well get a job! While working at ICC I have learned a tremendous amount. I told them when
I was interviewed that I wanted to learn how a non-profit works, so I was given every job and opportunity
imaginable. I was not limited to regular, "interny" tasks. Instead, I worked closely with nearly everyone
in the office, writing press releases, interviewing people in Pakistan, researching for news stories and
books, accompanying the advocacy director onto Capitol Hill to meet with Congressional staffers,
and doing a host of other things. I learned so much, and that was all due to the opportunities given
me by the staff at ICC. They were happy to teach me.

Working at ICC met all of my expectations and went beyond them. I've talked to friends who interned
elsewhere, and they have never heard of an internship where there were regular prayer times or half
an hour set aside for personal Scripture reading. ICC's concern for its employees personal life and
spiritual life is unparalleled, and is essential when dealing with the hard, heart-wrenching stories that
come in from around the world.

If you get a chance to work at ICC, take it. You will learn a tremendous amount, be given unique
opportunities to serve, and work with some of the friendliest people in the world.

Michael S.