INTERNSHIP: The Methodist Home

The following is a reflection written 
by Madison Hobbs ’20

“My internship at The Methodist Home has been an answer to prayer. I have felt a call to Christian ministry since middle school but never knew in what space this ministry should take place. During my time at Wesleyan, God has revealed to me that my calling is to make earth as much like heaven as possible, like it says in the Lord’s Prayer, and I prayed that God would lead me to an internship that did this kind of work. The Lord provided exactly that at The Methodist Home. 

I have experienced an organization that cares for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the children they are serving while equipping the employees with the guidance and care that is necessary to work in this environment. The Methodist Home is beautifully diverse, which is what creates an environment where God’s Kingdom can be witnessed more fully. I have been given the opportunity to begin a Bible study and music group with the children who live at The Methodist Home; the ability to know them and their hearts has allowed me to see God in ways I never have before. I have witnessed Christ in the way they sing and pour out their hearts to a God that may be their best friend or a distant being that they are just getting to know. 

This environment is filled with heartbreak because of systemic and familial brokenness, yet the Methodist Home prioritizes each individual child and deems them worthy of hope, love, and fullness in Christ. Being given the blessing to witness this kind of ministry has opened my eyes to understand that the work of making earth like heaven is being done in Macon, Georgia, and I am forever changed because I am allowed to be a small part of it.”

During fall break in October, Madison accompanied seventy children between the ages of ten and eighteen from The Methodist Home locations of Macon, Valdosta, St. Mary’s, and Americus on a Spiritual Life Retreat at Epworth by the Sea. She spoke at two chapel services and aided the chaplain and director of campus life with fun activities for the children.

A religious studies major and philosophy minor who grew up in Macon, Madison is the recipient of the Mary Knox McNeill Scholarship. On campus she is a Wesleyan Disciples leader, religious studies and philosophy major ambassador, religion and philosophy tutor, and serves as president of Reformed University Fellowship. Madison says she feels called to ministry within marginalized communities and is pursuing graduate school opportunities that challenge her spiritually and academically while equipping her with work experience. She has been married to her husband Justin since 2017.