-39 Days Left-
I made it through training camp! Fifteen days ago I was on a plane on my way to Gainesville in Georgia, where I would learn more about what the next year of my life would look like and who I would be spending it with. During the flight I wrote a prayer in my journal asking the Lord to fill me with strength and boldness to continue trusting him as I stepped out of my comfort zone. I tell you what, was I pushed out of my comfort zone! Many of the insecurities I have been struggling with all my life began creeping up and taking control of my thoughts and actions. I very quickly was consumed with fear. The Lord was quick to remind me that in my weakness there he was also. If feeling broken was where I needed to be in order to feel the Lord’s presence, then broken is where I wanted to be. There is no place I would rather be than to be walking along side my father as he directs my path one step at a time. I don’t know if I’ll every truly be comfortable in my own skin, but I know that I can find rest in knowing that I can be free to be myself because I was made in the image of God. This beautiful revelation was only one of the things I took away from training camp. Considering that the list of truths and revelations received is super long, I am going to save you some time and highlight a few of my greatest takeaways from training camp.
MEETING MY SQUAD! I finally was able to meet the 54 other people that said YES to inspire the nations, and the 9 people that will be supporting us throughout our journey. It is unbelievable to be a witness of the Lord’s provision. So many times we box the Lords power in a confined space with limitations based on the capacity of our own understanding. The great news is that thank the Lord he is not limited to what makes sense to us. The more I heard about my teammate’s journeys, I began noticing that at some point we questioned our ability to be in the World Race, but God never had a doubt. All it took was for us to say YES. Despite all of our backgrounds, God united our team to do something bigger than we ever imagined. I left as a single individual and returned being a part of moving church body of 64! I already have so much love for everyone and am beyond excited to experience life with an amazing group of people.
MEETING MY TEAM! Just in case you are not quite sure what the difference is between my squad and my team, my squad is the large group of people that will be traveling together from country to country. My team is the smaller group of people that I will be living with and doing ministry together once we are in country. I had the pleasure of getting to know who my team would be for the first couple of months of ministry. This is Team Tolmirós! On the night we were presented with our teams, we were given the opportunity to go have dinner as a team to get to know each other. We collectively had to agree on our team name, and we choose Tolmirós. Tolmirós means bold in greek. Coincidence? I think not! As I prayed for boldness before arriving to camp, the Lord answered my prayer through this team. I believe that the Lord will use these 6 people to speak a lot of truth into my life and fill me with boldness!
I AM FULLY FUNDED!!!!!!!! While I was at camp the Lord continued to provide financially bringing me to a goal that I honestly thought was impossible to arrive to. This was another great testament of the Lord’s provision! I have been challenged to seek and receive affirmation from the Lord, and what a sweet way to affirm my steps then providing the funds to allow me to go on this journey. I honestly could have not done it without the Lord, but also without everyone who supported me throughout the last couple of months!!! THANK YOU!!
There was so much that happened during the 10 days I was in Georgia. It wasn’t easy, but that does not mean it wasn’t SO good. I laughed. I cried. I was exhausted. I was hopeful. I was anxious. I was pretty smelly. I rejoiced. I was insecure. I was broken. I was loved. I was encouraged. I was challenged. I was reminded of the father’s deep love for us. In all of that, there was never a time where I felt that the Lord wasn’t present. I may not know what the future holds for me, but I do know that in every circumstance the Lord is by my side because I have said yes to his calling. This life may not be my own, but I know there isn’t a better way because he holds my future in his hands.
Much Love,
Ashley
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.John 15:16
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