What happens when dozens of young adults, ages 18–25, pray, fast, and live in community for six months, seeking God and His will for their generation?
At the International House of Prayer of Kansas City, this is a reality for hundreds of young people, who come from across the US and around the globe for the One Thing Internship.
Many of them have been transformed and launched into a lifestyle of kingdom obedience for years to come.
“Praying with 60 plus other friends is one of the most strengthening things that I have ever had for my prayer life as well as connecting with the Lord,” says Nate A., who did OTI in 2013. It “was like working a muscle that I now have to use in the place of corporate prayer even while I’m out of the internship.”
Dozens of former interns go home to start prayer meetings, work in houses of prayer, and strengthen local churches.
David D. completed OTI in 2013 and returned to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he started praying and fasting weekly for his city and local church “with a few friends.” The fruit? “We started with seven, and we doubled within three months, and have seen over 25 people get born again,” he says.
Jon W., a 2014 intern, says, “Because of OTI, God has led me to dedicate my life to the service and building up of houses of prayer around the world.” Jon and his family have started a corporate prayer meeting at their local church on Saturdays, and also pray throughout the week using the IHOPKC livestream.
Many interns are international and go back to shape—and shake—the nations.
The internship was “like being put in a furnace” says Caitlin, a staff member at the Sydney House of Prayer in Australia. Through OTI, she learned that “God could accomplish more when we sought the Lord together in unity.”
By journeying six months with a small group of young women, while being mentored by staff that “live out and embody the message they share,” she saw firsthand the power of a praying community to transform lives.
“My internship prepared me for what I’m doing here,” says Caitlin, a worship leader who trains younger musicians for corporate prayer. “We are seeing breakthrough when we gather together.”
OTI also offers opportunity for the development of godly habits and personal healing.
“I learned to meditate on the Scriptures, to pray in tongues, and to lead in the Global Prayer Room,” says Halie H., a 2014 intern and house leader. “Seeing God answer specific prayers was pretty encouraging.” Halie, who also studies at IHOPU, says, “OTI helped me to ‘clean myself up’ so I can hear and see Him better—I got the fear of the Lord.”
The internship is staffed by a team that includes many OTI alumni. House leaders live with the interns, who are divided into small groups based on age. Saturated in prayer, the program includes teaching, activities, and outreaches.
“We’re trying to build a culture of obedience to God and faithfulness and perseverance in the place of prayer,” says Daniel Hoogteijling, director of OTI. “Our interns are coming to jump in the trenches with us, and they are serving and strengthening a house of prayer—they’re a great strength.”
Many OTI alumni pursue schooling, missions, or marketplace jobs, but “we’ve found in the last few internships that over half of them have stayed” at IHOPKC, he says.
IHOPU is the most popular option—the school counts the internship as credit for the first semester—while others serve in various capacities around the missions base.
If you’re between the ages of 18 and 25, and desire to draw closer to God in a tight-knit community of prayer, friendship, and wholehearted discipleship, then consider the One Thing Internship.
“Come, set aside a season for focused pursuit of God, together with other young adults from all over the world” says Daniel, a native of the Netherlands. “OTI’s producing great fruit. We look forward to having you!”
Learn more about the One Thing Internship »
