Interns! Meet the Interns!
Interns make the world go ’round—or, at the very least, they help keep some of New City’s core ministries humming. Over the past few months, New City has acquired quite a set of them (four in total, a personal record for us!) and we thought we’d line them up and give you a chance to get to know them better. Below, they share what led them to our church, what they love about our city, and how we can be praying for them as they learn and grow on the job.
IAN DEJONG
Pastoral Intern
1) What paths led you to New City Church?
Last summer, while working at Campfire Bible Camp, I took major steps in developing my ability to mentor, guide, and pray for others, as well as to articulate my love for the gospel. As I sensed a pull towards ministry and theology, I sought the advice of pastors in my community, some of whom directed me to an internship at New City. I am very grateful that God has placed me here!
2) What is one or two things you love about Hamilton?
The hospitality and diversity!
3) What has brought you joy in your internship so far?
Meeting new people and hearing their testimonies to God’s amazing work in their lives.
4) How can the people of New City be praying for you?
That whatever I do will be done for the glory and honour of our Lord Jesus.
Tyrel Luchies
Young Adults Intern
1) What paths led you to New City Church?
I spent the last four years at Redeemer University. While I was there, Dr. James Wood (former member of New City) taught me classes. I heard a lot of good things about the PCA, so here I am!
2) What is one thing you love about Hamilton?
I’m more of a country person, but I love the people I’ve met here in Hamilton over the last five years.
3) What has brought you joy in your internship so far?
Working with the young adults has been so great. They’re a very easy group to become a part of.
4) How can the people of New City be praying for you?
I am a pretty unorganized individual, so I would love prayer for growing and maturing in this area of my life.
ANDREW PENIE
Intermission Intern
1) What paths led you to New City Church?
I came to New City because I longed to be part of a church that handles Scripture faithfully and lives out the gospel in authentic community. On my second visit, as the gospel was preached, I sat at the back with tears running down my face. At that moment, I knew I was where I needed to be. What began as a visit quickly became a conviction. I had not simply found a church to attend, but a church to call home.
2) What is one thing you love about Hamilton?
Hamilton is home to me. It was the first city where I officially settled after arriving in Canada as a government-sponsored refugee. It is where I first began to rebuild, to adjust, and to form lasting relationships. I later moved to Ottawa after being admitted to the University of Ottawa. While living and working there, I often commuted back to Hamilton because the people I called family and close friends were still here. After several years in Ottawa, I sensed it was time to return. Hamilton is not just where I started. It is home.
3) What has brought you joy in your internship so far?
What has brought me the most joy in this internship has been walking closely with people. Studying Scripture together, praying with others, and seeing growth in both individuals and small groups has been deeply encouraging. It has strengthened my conviction that steady, word-centred ministry truly shapes lives over time.
4) How can the people of New City be praying for you?
Please pray that I would remain faithful in the small things, rooted in prayer, and humble in service. Pray for wisdom as I lead and care for others, and for endurance as responsibilities grow. Above all, pray that my heart would stay tender before the Lord and that Christ would be clearly seen in my work.
ANTON ZEKVELD
Youth Intern
1) What paths led you to New City Church?
For the past 11 years my church has been part of the PCA, and I grew up loving not only my local congregation but the denomination at large. So when I decided to come to Redeemer, I knew I wanted to find a PCA church. When I came to New City on my second week of school, I knew almost immediately this is where I wanted to be. It felt like home.
2) What is one thing you love about Hamilton?
One thing I love about Hamilton is that it is a city surrounded by natural beauty. Coming down the mountain, I can look right to the downtown skyscrapers, and look left and see the cliffs and woods of the valley and escarpment. That's something you won't find in [my home state of] Illinois!
3) What has brought you joy in your internship so far?
God's provision has brought me joy in this internship. I started out with very little experience, and through the months I have had to quickly develop skills and abilities that enable me to lead a youth group well. At every step, God has provided me with growth in the ways I needed and continued to provide me with patience and a deeper desire to do His work.
4) How can the people of New City be praying for you?
Please pray that I will continue to grow in my ability to teach effectively. More importantly, pray that I will grow deeper in my reliance on God and seek Him in everything I do. Nothing can be done by my own strength.