Greetings from training camp! We finally got some time to intentionally reflect and process what God has been doing so far, and I feel like I have plenty to think through.
In a lot of ways training camp is exactly like I expected it to be. I feel like I cheated by having led a team through an AIM training camp before. I knew basically what would be the focus of teachings, I expected the emphasis on worship and God’s presence, and I even knew to be training myself to be content on small portion sizes of food.
What has not been like I expected it to be has been my response to camp so far. I am comfortable at AIM. I feel like family here! I get to see my coleader Stacy Utecht! I expected to feel like I was in my element. But instead, when Justin, Amanda and I drove up to check in, I shut down. I couldn’t figure out why, but I felt like I was trapped in a trash bag. This thin layer of something was dividing me from the people around me. Then worship started. “PERFECT,” I thought. “This is my element. Now I’ll be fine.” but I wasn’t fine. Worshipping felt like trying to breathe though a plastic bag. I felt really attacked and unworthy of even being there. But Stacy, Justin, Amanda, and Rachael Metzger all began praying and that night I got to have some quality time with the Lord.Â
The next morning was totally different. Praise Jesus. 🙂
I felt myself again and began to meet my squad. Since then, things have been consistently getting better, and I’ve been flowing in His freedom. He has given me incredible sleep each night and has been restoring my joy more and more. I am loving my squad overall, which is a huge blessing. That was my biggest fear coming into training camp and God has answered my prayers in beautiful ways. (Standard Jesus…)
Anyway, please continue to keep us in your prayers! A lot of the squad is being challenged spiritually in really significant ways, so pray that the Lord holds them close and reveals His heart to them as they begin to see His love and Kingdom with new eyes!
Blessings!Â
In Christ,
CalebÂ
