The Most
Powerful
Thing.
Was not the spiced apple tea that we drank on Training Camp's North Eastern Europe meal day (although that was *really* potent.. and unsweetened). It surely was not the structural integrity of the 44 passenger bus that we stuffed with fifty some-odd people and all our luggage for one night (we "helped" create the new law that hammocks were not allowed to be strung up..). It was not the new muscles we formed from trekking all over the grounds with our chair and/ or luggage on our backs. It was not the aroma of body/foot odor your friend standing/sleeping next to you boasted. It was not my wonderful M-SQUAD (sorry, guys) and it was surely not me. The most powerful thing experienced at Training Camp was without a doubt, the Holy Spirit.
At Training Camp I saw numerous people become whole through worship and/or prayer. I watched as my fellow Racers were healed spiritually, emotionally and physically throughout the week. I saw the driest portions of people's souls become watered and restored. I saw change and beauty. This is the work of my God; my God who is personal, available, nearer than our blood is to our bones; who embodies love, forgives perfectly and delights even in us. I know that many others were given understanding about these truths at TC because I began to watch the crowds live them out and live in their freedom. I must say though, the biggest impression of God's work that I left with was this: the Holy Spirit's ability to bond the Church together.
I didn't fully understand the depth of importance that Paul put on the subject of unity in Christ until I went to TC. So, if everyone acted like I did and judged people before I even knew them, labeled fellow teammates or conjured up opinions of others, we would all be in a hot mess. By day two I was disgusted with myself. I watched in awe as every single preconceived notion and judgment of mine of was blown to smithereens upon knowing them. Every single one of my teammates is covered in beauty, full of life, has a story and is a hand-crafted work of God with unique talents and gifts.
I watched as all of our hearts were transformed through the week. On day one we were a group of disjointed individuals, weary of each other, uneasy with our circumstance (Holy Spirit prepping). On day two and three we were coming out of our shells (Holy Spirit chipping away). On day four we're gathered around a campfire singing worship songs, exposing our hearts and reveling in true fellowship (Holy Spirit flowing). Walls were utterly broken down, hearts were exposed, truth was spat, and chicken and marshmallows were had. This is my new family; a once disunited conglomeration of people now brought together, bound together with strong cords of love, respect and fellowship by the Spirit.
That. Was the most powerful thing.
Love you guys <3
Colossians 3:14~
"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
