Hello! My name is Mallori Finney and I had the opportunity to do a music internship this summer at Beats and Books in Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa. I was there for 10 weeks with the goal of teaching voice to the Beats and Books kids, as well as helping Beats and Books in any other way, which ended up being business-related tasks.
Practically, I spent many of my days helping drive kids around, going to businesses seeking partnerships with Beats and Books, and teaching both private and group voice. I watched my students go from being scared and unassured to confident in their knowledge and ability. Even if the change wasn’t drastic in every student, there was change in every student. I watched kids have the bravery to step out of their comfort zone and try something new, and their effort alone is what can bring change in their community.
In addition to my private voice students, I had a group voice class practicing every day to prepare for the Women’s Conference Beats and Books hosted with Oasis FM on August 3rd. How exciting for them to have the privilege to perform and lead worship at an event so packed (around 300 women), and exhilarating for me to see the students experience something special musically while playing a vital part of an event signifying empowerment and unity among South African women, no matter their race, age, or occupation.
At the beginning of my time in Jeffrey’s Bay, I wrote this prayer in my journal,
‘Father, show me both who I am and who I need to be. Teach me how to be all things to all people. Help
me truly, truly love with no reservation, serve with no pride. Thank you Jesus, Amen.’
My prayer truly guided me throughout my ten weeks, and I watched the Lord answer it all. I watched Him shape me and grow me in a genuine, lasting way I did not know was possible in 10 weeks. My prayer being answered is what allowed me to serve Beats and Books kids well, and even see some of them be baptized and start following Christ.
Thank you to Beats and Books for the opportunity to work and experience life in a new way, in a new place. Thank you to Grace Klein Community for sending me as a Global intern and making my experience possible. Thank you to Global Mission Scholars of Samford University for encouraging me to do an internship in the first place; the first push led to a domino effect impacting my life forever.
