When Patrichia Sosa enrolled with Pathways mid-year in 2024, she stepped into something she’d been longing for — the chance to grow deeper in her faith through formal study, while serving hands-on in a local church. Originally from the Philippines and now living in Napier, Patrichia has spent the past year balancing study, ministry, and personal transformation.
We asked her to share what the journey has been like — the growth, the challenges, the standout moments, and what God has been doing in her life. Here’s what she shared:
What’s your name and where are you from?
My name is Patrichia Sosa. I’m originally from the Philippines and currently living in Napier.Where’s your internship and what have you been doing there?
I’m interning at Napier Baptist Church, where I’ve been deeply involved in administrative work, particularly supporting the church’s day-to-day operations. I also serve in the music ministry, and in a dance and movement ministry for people with disabilities.What led you to enrol with Pathways?
I’ve always valued my relationship with the Lord and felt a deep desire to grow spiritually through a more in-depth study of His Word. For a long time, I longed to do a formal study, but the opportunity didn’t come until last year. Our pastor suggested that I do it.Any standout moments from your study or Block Weeks?
One thing that truly amazed me was witnessing how God moves in our lives but particularly of the lecturers and staff at Pathways. There’s a certain glow about them when they teach. You can see the wonder and awe of God in their eyes and hear it in their words. It’s something special to experience that up close and have the opportunity to learn from them.|What’s something God has taught you or shown you this year?
God has shown me just how powerfully He moves when we truly trust in Him, not just relying on our knowledge of Him or our own abilities but genuinely believing Him. A quote that has been in my mind "Not just believing in God but believing God" which resonates with me in what God has been teaching me. I won't be able to tell you who that is, as I forgot.What have you learned through your internship?
I’ve been wrestling with my identity in God, and this internship has really brought that to the surface. It’s been a difficult and honestly scary process to realise that I had anchored my identity in the wrong things. But at the same time, it’s a privilege—because I believe God will use this to help me connect with others who are struggling in the same way.
Any advice or encouragement for someone thinking about Pathways?
Before I started, I was told it wouldn’t be easy—and they were right. They said that there will be lots of tears. This maybe from the stress of meeting deadlines or from processing things with God, and we all know how intense that can be. I’ve experienced both. But don’t let that discourage you. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “In our weakness, God is our strength.” I’ve seen that truth play out in more ways than one. God surrounded me with a supportive community that walked with me through the struggle, encouraging me and lifting me up in prayer. I managed to complete my assignments through the insights gained from everyday conversations, Scripture, and a lot of reading. Finally, Pathways’ structure—and especially their staff—ensures you’re never alone in your journey. They are more than willing to meet you where you are and walk with you from there.
Patrichia’s story is honest, brave, and full of hope. It shows how deeply God can work in us when we’re willing to step into something new — even when it’s challenging. From learning to trust Him more fully to discovering who she is in Christ, her year at Pathways has been a journey of growth on every level.
For anyone wondering what it might look like to study, serve, and seek God more intentionally, her reflections offer a window into what’s possible when we say yes.
