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Johnson Internship Program: Client Advocacy as Ministry

Robert Cristobal, Johnson Intern

"Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?"
The Baptismal Covenant, BCP, p. 305

Oftentimes in celebrating the beautiful sacramental rituals of the Church, we take for granted their powerful and transformative witness. In reflecting on the Baptismal Covenant, I begin to see life sacramentalized, life made sacred for God's purpose. I realize that by my very entrance into the world, and moreover, the Christian family, I am dedicated to the service of God and Creation.

Realizing that belief has social implications, I have found my work site to be crucial in understanding ministry. As the clients come to the Durham office of Alliance of AIDS Services-Carolina, I get to know them as more than mere statistics, but as human beings with life stories. Many clients count themselves 'blessed,' pointing to a strong gratitude and faith, admirable in a church and world not always full of compassion and understanding. Their optimism renews my sense of hope and commitment to the work I do.

However, work is far from rosy. There are clients who come into the office feeling the world owes them something. I have had to provide services to some who are under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Yet, in all of this, I see God's presence. God is present in the grace shown by co-workers and clients. Even in adversity, the fact that many clients live with an 'attitude of gratitude' testifies to the strength of the human spirit. I see in them an unparalleled love of life, as they possess a tenacious will to live. Thus, my worksite has been very formative in my internship, providing me a real means to do ministry on behalf of my clients, enabling me to learn valuable lessons about God and myself.

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