Lessons Learned from an Internship in Macedonia

Kasey, from northern British Columbia, had her heart set on doing an internship in Ukraine. However, when the crisis in Ukraine began in February 2022, going to Ukraine became impossible.

Despite Kasey’s disappointment, she trusted God to provide a new location. He opened the door for her to serve in North Macedonia beginning in May 2022.

Some of Kasey’s ministries included helping teach English to Afghan refugee children and adults, and conducting outreach to the community. Kasey also ministered at various camps where she used her creativity to teach crafts.

Through her internship, God confirmed His calling on Kasey to be involved in long-term cross cultural ministry. Kasey’s internship provided her with experiences that will assist her in fulfilling God’s call.

First, Kasey excelled at learning Macedonian and Albanian, and was not afraid to use those languages with people she met. Kasey learned that speaking the heart language is essential to connecting with people and communicating the Gospel!

Second, Kasey realized she could live in a foreign country. Kasey learned to do things herself, like order data for her phone, buy groceries, and travel around the city. Those experiences gave Kasey the confidence that she can adjust to living cross-culturally!

Third, Kasey saw that worship in the Albanian church in Macedonia is different from what she is familiar with in Canada. The congregation is small, and the only accompaniment is a tambourine. Kasey observed that a missionary must be creative when leading worship. And she plans to learn an instrument, so she can contribute to worship in the church where she will serve!

Kasey set aside her disappointment about not going to Ukraine and was committed to serving God in North Macedonia. As a result, Kasey developed relationships by showing compassion and a willingness to serve people. Plus, she better understands what it will take to be a fruitful long term missionary!

Additional Posts

By Michelle Atwell December 23, 2025
When God First Widened My World: Remembering Urbana 1996 I still remember the winter air. It was December 1996, and I was a junior at Oakland University in Rochester Michigan, serving as a small group leader with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship—the ministry that had profoundly shaped my faith since my freshman year. I was growing spiritually, serving faithfully in my local church, and stepping into leadership on campus. Attending Urbana felt like the natural next step. Urbana only happened every three years, and I knew that once I graduated, I might miss the chance altogether. My church believed in that moment enough to cover the cost. They entrusted me—and my campus minister—with a van full of college students, driving from Detroit to Champaign-Urbana during the quiet days between Christmas and New Year’s. I had heard the stories: thousands of students, passionate worship, a clear call to live fully for Jesus. What I encountered exceeded every expectation. A Campus Taken Over by the Kingdom Buses poured in from every direction, unloading students onto a snow- covered campus. Dorm rooms filled. Cafeterias buzzed. The entire university seemed overtaken—not by noise or spectacle, but by a quiet, collective hunger for God. For the first time in my life, I met students from places far beyond Michigan— Harvard, Loyola, Wheaton. My world was expanding in real time. I don’t remember every speaker or session. What I do remember is the unmistakable clarity of the invitation. God was bigger than I had ever imagined. Not just personal. Not just local. He was King of the nations. And there were people—millions of them—who had never heard His name. The question was simple, but it felt weighty: Would I commit my life, in whatever way God asked, to the Great Commission? Explore God’s leading toward the nations with a SEND missions coach.
By Diaspora North America November 4, 2025
Opening Your Homes This Thanksgiving 
By Diaspora North America October 7, 2025
Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations 
Show More