by Isabella Lee

This summer I had the awesome opportunity to intern with BGAV’s marketing team. Some of you may recognize me from a Chick-fil-A commercial that I was in with my dad, Bob Lee, senior pastor of Huguenot Road Baptist Church. BGAV’s marketing team actually filmed an interview with my dad about that commercial, which was shown at the 2023 annual meeting. Things came full circle as I joined the marketing team this summer as their intern.

‍

I am going into my senior year at James Madison University, majoring in media arts and design. Since I was a kid, I have always been passionate about visual communication, storytelling, and media, and I wanted to gain further experience and knowledge through an internship.This past spring break, I went on a mission trip to Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, where I served on the media team. It left me with a desire to use my gifts to glorify God. At the time, I didn’t expect to find that opportunity in a summer internship—until I interviewed with BGAV.

Over the course of my 10-week internship I worked on a wide range of projects that pushed me creatively and professionally. I spent some time updating the website, created and scheduled email campaigns including several Advance Notice newsletters, and helped pull together materials for The Baptist Paper. One of my favorite challenges was creating a full-page ad for the upcoming annual meeting this fall. I also joined content planning meetings, where I saw how much collaboration and thought go into what the marketing team does. Every day looked a little different, which kept the work exciting and allowed me to explore many different aspects of what the marketing team does.

One of the highlights of my summer was traveling for two video shoots, one in Lynchburg, where I helped capture an art ministry event, and another in Abingdon, where I spent three days learning how to use professional video cameras, conduct interviews, and collaborate on a full video shoot experience. These trips pushed me outside my comfort zone and gave me a better understanding of how storytelling through video can powerfully show what goes on in the life of churches, ministries, service, and more.

‍

Beyond the communication work, I also gained a much deeper understanding of what BGAV does and the impact it has across Virginia. My experience this summer has opened my eyes to the breadth of mission and ministry through BGAV. During our trip to Abingdon, I witnessed Impact Camps for youth doing hurricane relief work and volunteers at a local church running a church food pantry that serves people weekly. It was a good reminder that ministry happens in everyday acts of service, and that BGAV is there to support and encourage that kind of work.

I also appreciated how this internship helped me grow both personally and professionally. I learned how to manage projects on real deadlines, communicate more effectively with a team, and take creative feedback. It also gave me a deeper understanding of how my skills in design and media can be used to support ministry, and that’s something I’m really excited to carry with me into the future. I had the opportunity to step up and take on tasks that pushed me outside my comfort zone. It challenged me to be more independent, take initiative, and grow in confidence. Being part of a team that genuinely wants to uplift and equip churches across Virginia was so encouraging. I am so grateful and thankful to have spent my summer working with this team of great people. Thanks, Gary, Jennifer, Meghan, and Dalton!

‍