We did it! After years of uncertainty and hesitations, we finally held Vacation Bible School again. The last time we had VBS was 2019. Back then, I had already designed a “Soul Wars: The Faith Awakens” theme for 2020, not knowing the world would shut down. Since then, things have felt…heavy. Volunteer numbers dropped. My own motivation dipped. And my capacity, mentally and physically, felt like it shrank to the size of a mustard seed.
But maybe that’s all the faith we needed.
This year didn’t feel like the “right time” either. I only had four volunteers. I debated whether or not to go for it. Part of me really wanted to, but thinking about the logistics made me pause hard. My team wanted to do VBS though and I knew we had kids who have never experienced it—and sometimes that’s all it takes to nudge you forward.
We had 26 kids. Some signed up at the last minute, which threw our carefully counted craft supplies into chaos. Others who registered never came or left halfway through the week because of reasons outside our control. But still—26 kids heard the Gospel. And even if I never hear what came of that moment, I believe the seeds were planted.
Of course, not everything went smoothly. The bugs in our building had their own VBS (ants on pizza!). Trash bins overflowed for weeks because of a regional garbage strike. The tech setup fell apart last minute. Some kids got picked up way too late. I was exhausted each night—emotionally, physically, spiritually. I ran on fumes, leftover food, and God’s grace.
But you know what? It was still good. Beautiful, even.
The week wasn’t perfect, but it was faithful. And I’m realizing that’s more than enough. I saw moments of joy and connection. I watched kids worship, dance, and cheer each other on. I witnessed volunteers, some younger than 15, step into leadership roles, learn on the go, and give what they could. I saw the Church come together—quietly, faithfully, humbly—to help out where they could.
And somewhere in the middle of the pool noodles and gazebos in the sanctuary, I was reminded of what we taught the kids all week: Faith is trust (we trust Jesus). Faith is courage (God is with us). Faith is believing (we believe in Jesus). Faith is action (we help others). Faith is endurance (we don’t give up).
These weren’t just lessons for them, they were for me too. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” I didn’t see how it would all come together. I didn’t feel ready or energized or inspired. But God was at work behind the scenes, like He always is.
I’ve been reflecting on how ministry often feels like pouring from an empty cup. That sense of being needed, but not always nourished in return. It’s why I’m making it a point to find spaces where I can be filled—like online groups that pray with me, or conferences where I don’t have to lead, just receive.
I still have storage rooms to clean and files to delete. I’m still trying to figure out how to better train volunteers, build contingency plans, and follow up with families. I’m dreaming of new VBS themes for next year (a few people already asked about it!). But this year reminded me: I’m not called to have it all together. I’m just called to have faith.
So to the tired ministry leader, the weary volunteer, the lone organizer holding it all up with duct tape and prayer, don’t give up. The work is hard, but the seeds you plant matter. And even when your faith feels small, God is still big. He’s faithful. And He’s with you.
