Our interns will receive professional development from Church and Society staff and engage in programming that will deepen their understanding of justice, nurture spiritual growth, and strengthen their commitment to faith-based social justice.
Your support of the World Service Fund apportionment supports program-related general agencies, which are especially important to the common vision, mission, and ministry of The United Methodist Church.
Meet Odyssey Heredia (Ethnic Young Adult Chaplain and Theology Intern)
For Odyssey Heredia, a pastor’s kid, graduate of Southwestern College with B.A. degree in Philosophy and Religion, home has been many places for her.
She is currently entering her third year at Yale Divinity School while pursuing a Master of Divinity (M.Div.). She recently begun the ordination process as a deacon in the United Methodist Church.
“I have always had a big heart for justice and mercy. I believe that “faith without works is dead.” It is not enough to proclaim faith; we must live it out. As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors and envision a world where everyone is celebrated for who they are and loved as children of God. Jesus showed us what it means to love boldly and to speak truth to power,” says Heredia.
Meet Kudzaishe Faith Tariro Muchanyereyi (Ethnic Young Adult Intern)
Kudzaishe Faith Tariro Muchanyereyi was born and raised in Zimbabwe by United Methodist clergy parents. His passion for justice was shaped by growing up in both rural and urban communities as his family moved with their pastoral appointments.
Muchanyereyi is currently pursuing a degree in Social Work at Africa University.
“I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real-world challenges—integrating faith-based perspectives with evidence-informed approaches to better serve marginalized communities. I also look forward to building meaningful relationships with fellow interns and staff as we grow and serve together,” says Muchanyereyi.
Meet Lucas Chung (Ethnic Young Adult Intern)
Lucas Chung is a rising junior at Boston College, majoring in Political Science and minoring in International Relations.
“I’m excited to serve as an EYA Intern in the Department of Peace with Justice under Colleen Moore, the Director of Peace with Justice.”
One of the most impactful experiences that prepared Chung for this internship was his church’s mission trip to Bolivia. “I was nervous—being the youngest on the team and unfamiliar with the language—but I was quickly humbled and transformed by the love and joy of the children we served. This trip not only deepened my gratitude and sense of purpose but also sparked my passion for social justice.”
His main hope is to challenge the notion that faith and work must exist separately. He wants to learn how to live out Methodist values through social justice advocacy—and to contribute meaningfully to the mission of the General Board of Church and Society.
“In a world marked by division and uncertainty, I’m inspired by the Church’s commitment to peace and justice. I look forward to being part of the mission and making a real impact this summer.”
Meet Tafadzwa Chikawa (Ethnic Young Adult Intern)
Tafadzwa Chikawa is a recent graduate of Africa University (June 2025). He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Social Work.
An only child, his passion for service deepened through his involvement with King David United Methodist Church in the Zimbabwe East Annual Conference.
“Working remotely, I’m thrilled to join the Ethnic Young Adult Internship Program at the General Board of Church and Society, working under the mentorship of Jeffrey Corey, the Senior Executive Director of Communications,” says Chikawa.
“I look forward to growing as a communicator, advocate, and servant leader, creating meaningful change in both the church and society.”
Meet Jenna Hopgood (Ethnic Young Adult Intern)
Jenna Hopgood is an undergraduate at the University of Michigan studying Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN), with plans to become a nurse.
This summer she will be working closely with Rev. Camille Henderson-Edwards, Senior Executive Director of Advocacy, whose work focuses on economic, gender, and health justice.
“I was raised by an immigrant Korean mother—an ordained elder in the Michigan Annual Conference—and an adopted Korean father. Growing up in both Korean American and cross-cultural United Methodist churches, I developed a deep appreciation for diversity and a commitment to advocating for the vulnerable.
Over the past year, through prayer, fasting, and studying the Gospel of Luke, I’ve been especially moved by Jesus’s heart for “the least, the lost, and the left out.” That spiritual journey has helped me see my passion for justice and service as a possible calling from God—one I feel compelled to follow.” As Acts 4:20 says, “For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”
“This internship is an opportunity to listen closely to God’s voice and join in the work God is doing in the world. I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how Christians can expand their witness and respond to the world’s needs with compassion and conviction. More than anything, I pray that what I learn this summer becomes part of my daily life moving forward.”
General Board of Church and Society website
The World Service Fund provides basic financial support to program-related general agencies, which are especially important to the common vision, mission, and ministry of The United Methodist Church. Through World Service funding, agencies support annual conferences and local congregations in living out God’s mission for the worldwide Church. General agencies also provide essential services and ministries beyond the scope of individual local congregations and annual conferences through services and ministries that are highly focused, flexible, and capable of rapid response.
