A Summer Marked by Surrender

When a friend told Brylie about SummerSalt last October, he didn’t hesitate. “I instantly applied,” he said. “I knew this was what I needed to do this summer.” And it was. The months that followed became a season of watching God move—both in others and in himself.

Throughout the weeks of camp, students encountered the life-changing power of the gospel. “We were able to share the hope of Jesus Christ with many students,” Brylie said. “They saw that God loves them and desires a relationship with them.” Decisions followed—126 salvations, 306 acts of repentance, and 211 students answering a call to ministry.

But the impact didn’t stop with the numbers. “God did a huge work in our staff, too,” Brylie shared. For him, it began with a shift in mindset. “At first, I was too focused on myself. Then, in Week two, a pastor reminded us that our purpose is to show how awesome God is—not to make ourselves awesome.” That moment changed everything. “After that, I was filled with so much joy because I was living the way God intended me to live.”

The summer stretched his faith and deepened his dependence. “I was trying to use my own strength and quickly found out that doesn’t work,” he said. “God taught me that I have to be fully dependent on Him to do what He’s called me to do.”

To anyone feeling stirred but unsure about getting involved, Brylie offered simple encouragement: “Put your yes on the table. It’s not easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. Seeing kids go from death to life is unforgettable.”

Generosity shaped his experience—especially in surrender. “The more I gave to God, the more I was filled with His peace, joy, and comfort.”

This summer, ministry wasn’t just about what happened in the lives of students. It was also about Brylie’s personal journey—from self-reliance to joyful surrender, from doing for God to depending on Him. And that story continues to shape him today.