The summer of 2023 will always feel a little bittersweet to me — the kind of season you wish you could step back into, even just for a moment. Serving with A Christian Ministry in the National Parks at Voyageurs National Park stretched me in ways I never expected and became one of the best summers of my life. 

I worked at a resort near the park, surrounded by still waters and long northern sunsets, but the most meaningful moments didn’t happen on the shoreline. They happened in quiet, ordinary spaces — in conversations, in small acts of obedience, and in the gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit. 

Toward the end of the season, there was an older gentleman who worked at the resort with me. One evening, I was upstairs in my cabin room when I looked out the window and saw him sitting alone outside. In that simple moment, I felt led by the Lord to take off the bracelet I was wearing and give it to him. The bracelet read, “Jesus Loves You.” 

I had started wearing those bracelets intentionally, keeping one on my wrist so that if I felt prompted, I would be ready to give it away. That night, he was the one. I walked downstairs, crossed the quiet space between us, and placed it in his hand. It was such a small act — just three words printed on a band — yet those words carry eternal truth. I’ve never forgotten that exchange. 

On my way home from Minnesota, I stopped in Chicago. There, I saw a man sitting on a street corner and felt that same familiar prompting. Once again, I gave away a bracelet. Two brief encounters. Two simple moments of obedience. I still pray they have those bracelets — and even more, that they remember the message written on them. 

That summer also stretched me in ways that were less visible but just as significant. Speaking in front of others had always pushed me far outside my comfort zone. During my season with ACMNP, I learned to lean not on my own confidence, but on the Holy Spirit’s leading. Since then, I’ve grown in my church, stepping into leadership and speaking at different events with a confidence that doesn’t come from myself, but from trusting God to speak through me. 

My relationship with the Lord deepened as my faith and trust in Him grew. I’ve always had a desire to travel, and I will forever be grateful that God allowed me to travel, serve, and share Jesus in such a beautiful place. What more could I ask for? 

I pray that one day I can serve again with ACMNP — even if just for one more season. But no matter where I go, that summer will remain a sacred reminder that sometimes the smallest acts of obedience can leave the deepest impact. 

Brianna B., Voyageurs National Park, 2023