Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Paul.
Hi Susan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Mrs. Susan Paul (as most call me) because our pastor is also named Susan. I am the first in my family to graduate from college, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education. Teaching has always been more than a profession for me—it is both a calling and a passion, a way to influence and make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
After 21 years in public education, a new door opened, allowing me to step into another sphere of influence—ministry. I was able to use my background in education to impact lives in the way my life has been most profoundly influenced: through Jesus.
When my family moved to Houston—six years ago this June—I had the honor of becoming the Teacher at Saving Grace, a residential drug rehabilitation program. This truly was my “dream job.”. What I didn’t realize at the time, that it was also my training ground, preparing me to launch the Timothy Connection Internship, my most current “dream job”!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Dream job – is it always easy? Does it come without struggles. NO.
Some struggles along the way have included the personal challenge of stepping out of my comfort zone with each transition. Every shift—whether from education to ministry or from Saving Grace to launching Timothy Connection Internship—required a leap of faith into what I call a “Godventure.” At the time, I didn’t always realize these transitions were preparing me for what has become a vital component of TCI—the willingness to customize the experience to meet the needs of each intern.
One very real challenge in running the internship has been recognizing that every intern is different. While we have a clear Purpose Statement, Vision, and Goals, we often need to adapt the program to support each intern’s unique journey while remaining true to our mission. This requires creativity, flexibility, and at times, additional resources that aren’t always readily available.
Finding the necessary resources, finances, and like-minded individuals to support and invest in these World Changers can be a struggle. We are committed to helping them step into their God-given purpose, whether in education, family, business, religion, media, arts/entertainment, or government, but equipping them well requires financial and community backing.
Another hurdle is advertising and recruiting. Timothy Connection Internship is an incredible opportunity for young adults struggling with identity and purpose, but making them aware of it and helping them see its value can be challenging. As a faith-based, paid internship, we not only aim to support interns financially (they graduate debt free) but also help them discover and walk in their calling. However, because many assume “church ministry” is the primary focus, it can sometimes be difficult to communicate that our mission extends across all seven spheres of influence (education, business, family, government, arts/entertainment, media and religion i.e. full-time ministry).
While these struggles are real, they don’t overshadow the joy of seeing lives transformed. The journey requires faith, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt, for both the Leaders and the interns. But the impact on the interns and the world they are called to influence makes it all worth it!!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
TCI has long been a dream that reflects the heart and legacy of Apostle Don Nordin. He and Pastor Susan Nordin are passionate about raising up leaders who will influence every sphere of society for the Kingdom– this passion led to the launch of Timothy Connection Internship. I am the Director of Timothy Connection Internship (TCI), a faith-based, paid internship designed to equip young adults with the knowledge, skills, and experience to step into their God-given purpose. This year marked an exciting milestone as we welcomed Fernay Rosa to our team as Program Coordinator. A graduate of both years of the program, Fernay brings value to our mission– her leadership and insight are already making a meaningful impact.
What Sets TCI Apart?
1. A Strong Educational Foundation
One of the most powerful tools in our program is education. From Monday to Wednesday, interns spend half of each day in the classroom, where we have partnered with Life Leaders University to provide Bible college courses. First-year interns complete six courses, earning 24 college credits, while second-year interns take six additional courses to graduate with a Certificate of Ministry. Interns also complete Kingdom Leaders Academy (KLA) through Community Transformation Church, a series of nine courses that guide them in discovering their identity, purpose, spiritual authority, and leadership. This educational foundation helps them craft their personal purpose statement and identify their sphere(s) of influence—whether in education, family, business, religion, media, arts/entertainment, or government.
2. Hands-On Experience & Mentorship
Learning is only part of the journey—application is key. The second half of each day is dedicated to Practicum, where interns are placed with leaders in the community to develop real-world skills. Through mentorship, coaching, and hands-on training, they gain experience in ministry, business, and leadership, aligning with their calling.
3. Activation Through Service
Interns are activated through service, not just study. On Fridays and Saturdays, we partner with Project Hope and Saving Grace—both residential drug rehabilitation programs—where interns serve and fundraise to support their internship. This provides an opportunity for them to pour into others just as they are being poured into. It’s not just about financial support; it’s about learning leadership, resilience, and the power of giving back.
4. Worship & Community Impact
Sunday is a day of worship and active service, where interns participate in and contribute to church life. Beyond church, TCI is deeply committed to community impact. Our interns have served in a variety of capacities, including:
• Food bank distributions
• Funeral services for fallen officers, providing meals for over 500 officers and their families
• Non-profit events, assisting with set-up, tear-down, and hospitality
• An International Apostolic Conference, serving in various capacities
• Legislative sessions at the Texas Capitol and Washington, D.C.
• Christmas distributions, in partnership with At His Feet Ministries, providing gifts to school districts
• Back-to-school backpack drives
• Volunteering in schools, including reading to children
• Disaster relief, assisting in tornado cleanup in South Houston
• Serving senior community events
What I Am Most Proud Of
What makes me most proud is that TCI is a debt-free internship. Interns graduate without financial burdens—their classes, housing, and travel expenses are fully covered by their stipend—allowing them to focus on discovering and stepping into their purpose without financial stress.
For those who choose to continue, the elective second year offers even deeper training. Based on their first-year final project, second-year interns apprentice in their chosen sphere of influence, gaining specialized experience while completing additional coursework.
Whether completing one or two years of Timothy Connection Internship – both paths lead to impactful results in our communities. For instance, a first-year graduate, started a job the very next day after graduation, earned a coaching certificate, and even wrote a book by year’s end— an impact that extended beyond personal achievement to inspire the community. Another intern, a second-year graduate, earned a master’s degree while continuing their education through TCI, further enhancing their role as a community leader. Another second-year graduate began working in a field that provides a program and home for girls, ages 8 to 17, rescued from sex trafficking, directly contributing to community healing and safety. Additionally, another second-year graduate, helped launch a Celebrate Recovery program, providing vital support for sobriety and fostering hope among those in need in the community.
What I Specialize In
I specialize in helping young adults identify their purpose, gain practical skills, and step into leadership with confidence. I am passionate about education, mentorship, and activation, ensuring that each intern is not only taught but also equipped and empowered to influence their world.
Why TCI Stands Out
Timothy Connection Internship isn’t just a program—it’s a launching pad for young adults seeking direction and impact. It’s where education meets experience, where faith meets action, and where World Changers are activated to transform their spheres of influence.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me concerning TCI is LEGACY. I want the interns entrusted to us to encounter the love, goodness, and realness of our God. I want them to understand that their true value comes not from what they do, but from being His sons and daughters—a value secured by a price only He was willing to pay. I want them to experience a safe space where they can fail forward and be encouraged to rise again when they miss the mark. Over the course of these nine months, I aspire for them to recognize their purpose and witness God’s dreams for their lives. I also want them to feel a deep sense of community as an essential part of this journey to discovering their identity and purpose. I want them to know that they are World Changers—transformed to influence culture and change the world—ensuring that this legacy will continue through future generations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Timothyconnection.com
- Instagram: timothyconnection
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/timothyconnectioncth
