It’s Not Up to Me

By: Priscilla Leung, Summer Intern at Willowtree

I can’t believe there’s only two weeks of camp left! This is my first time serving at TCM as an intern, and I came in with the confidence that I would be challenged and stretched out of my comfort zone, and that God was going to do amazing things. I’ve been spending my summers at summer camps for as long I could remember, but none of them could have given me the same rewarding experience that I've had at Willowtree.

I can tell you that I put a lot of time, energy and thought into planning my lessons for the kids. My hope was for everything that I planned to be executed well, but God decided to take that expectation and throw it out the window. There have been days where I had only one kid show up in my small group, and other days where I had double the size. There have been days where we combined small groups, and days where I would have to change my lessons completely. My abilities to adapt, be flexible, and trust that God’s plan is always good were tested.

It was a struggle to trust that God had everything under control. There have been days where it was heavy on my heart to share a Bible story. As I shared stories that I know inside out, the kids sometimes asked questions that caught me off guard. Sometimes, I would explain something many times and in different ways, but the kids still wouldn’t get it. I found myself feeling discouraged and doubtful, but I didn’t give up. Fraser (one of the other Willowtree interns) and I would review what we taught throughout small groups and answer any of the questions that they had. As days went on, things started to click in their heads. I was mind-blown as well as greatly encouraged. I recognized that it wasn’t by anything that I did that changed their ability to understand the Word, but it was by God transforming their hearts. God is good!

I’m reminded that I can do my best at planning out the days, put my 100% into all that I do, and desire to execute everything my way but at the end of the day, it’s not up to me. God is ultimately in control, and His way is always good. I remember that though I make mistakes and am still learning how to be a better and more loving leader, that God never fails. He is doing amazing things in the hearts of the kids and I’m so excited to see God at work for the rest of camp.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”  Psalm 73:26

Priscilla is serving at Willowtree for the first time this summer. Her heart is filled with so much joy as she is excited to build relationships and share Christ’s transformational love with the kids in the community.