Elizabeth Chen Researches Life-Changing Media

Elizabeth Chen (left) is using her skills in business analytics to help strategize for the future of media missions at TWR. 

Even though the spring semester at her university ended several months ago, Elizabeth Chen still wants to learn. God directed her to TWR’s internship close to her home in Cary, North Carolina, and she’s excited to be surrounded by other Christians in a professional setting. She drives about 20 minutes to the office to work on a research project on the media-consumption habits of the largest African countries.

During the school year, Elizabeth attends Patrick Henry College in Virginia. Among the small enrollment of about 400 students, Elizabeth studies economics and business analytics as a rising junior. She plans to attend law school after she finishes her undergraduate degree.

What led you to joining TWR?

My older sister was an intern at TWR four summers ago, and she encouraged me to apply for an internship this year. I was hesitant at first, but God kept pointing me to TWR when I prayed about summer internship opportunities. In the end, I decided to intern at TWR because the mission really resonated with me, and I wanted to contribute to the work of this ministry.

What is your favorite part of the internship?

I have really enjoyed getting to know the TWR staff and my fellow interns. It has been a tremendous blessing to work in an office where we all love the Lord and work together to advance the kingdom of God. I also really appreciate how the TWR staff try to help us grow both professionally and spiritually.

How did you get interested in ministry?

Last summer, my family and I went to China, where most of our extended family lives. Nearly all of them are unbelievers, and during that trip, the Lord opened my eyes to see their dire need to know Jesus. Seeing the masses of people in China, most of whom do not know God, showed me the importance of missions and the necessity of praying for the lost. Even after this, I was hesitant about interning at a ministry instead of a typical corporation. However, the Lord directed me very clearly to TWR this summer, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve here.

How is this internship preparing you for your future?

Working at TWR has given me a sense of urgency to reach the lost. God has instilled in me a newfound desire to find ways after this summer to continue reaching people for Christ, starting in my local community. In terms of my professional development, this internship has allowed me to make valuable connections. I have also learned to work in an office setting and have gained experience applying the skills that I learned in the classroom.

Any fun office stories?

At the beginning of the summer, my supervisor bought a pack of 48 stretchy rubber lizards. He led me and a few other interns around the office to conduct lizard attacks on some TWR staff members.

We asked Veronica Jonas, another Cary office intern, the important question:

If Elizabeth were a Disney character, who would she be?  

Veronica’s answer: If Elizabeth were a Disney character, she would be KnowsMore, a search-engine mascot from Ralph Breaks the Internet. They are both very knowledgeable and want to help people.

Fun fact: Elizabeth was born in Hawaii.

Images: (top banner) Elizabeth (left) assists fellow interns with an interactive internship project in the Cary offices; (middle, right) Elizabeth (left) and fellow intern Kristina Dodds (right) spend the day volunteering at a local charity.