“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind."
– 2 Timothy 1:7
Greetings from Romania! I never thought I’d be back out on the field so soon, but never say never! I was planning to continue my apprenticeship with Adventures In Missions until August, but God had a bigger plan for me apparently. Long story short, I accepted the position of squad leader for a new World Race squad from July through December! I’ll be leading them through various ministries in Europe and Central Asia for the next five months.
This is not at all where I thought life would take me, but it’s certainly becoming a pleasant surprise. To be perfectly honest, I’ve been a little scared diving right into this sort of responsibility. I’m supervising and discipling 51 young men, women, and married couples as they seek to share the Good News all around the world. I’ve never had to shepherd such a large group before, in foreign countries and in a very unique setting to say the least. So I know that this season of my life is going to be one of learning to depend on the Holy Spirit to give me the strength and grace I need in the coming months.
Our squad of 51 is divided up into smaller teams of 7 or 8 people and I will be spending one to two weeks with one team at a time. I’ll be pouring into them and encouraging them as they seek to navigate the rigors of ministry in strange places and in close community with each other. So essentially, these 51 people will be my ministry for the rest of the year. Discipling believers is a great passion of mine and this is a great opportunity to do just that.
I’ve gotten to know my squad quite a bit during their training camp back in May and certainly even more during our first week here in Romania. I don’t think I’ve ever met a group so enthusiastic and so energetic. Their hearts are burning with a passion to live for more than the ordinary. They know they were born to bring the Kingdom of God here on earth. As much as I’ve tried to encourage them and equip them for their journey, they have in turn been a blessing and an encouragement to me.
As I said at the outset, this task has felt daunting. So that’s where I need your help. I ask that you would cover me in prayer. Pray that I will learn what it means to show Christ-like grace and pray for wisdom in situations where I feel unequipped. I know this is the right fit for me and I’ve already felt myself come alive in so many ways. Although I don’t feel like the most qualified, someone once reminded me that God doesn’t call the prepared, He prepares the called! This has given me so much peace as I’ve stepped out in faith. Please pray for continued peace each and every day!
Fortunately, I don’t have to raise any additional money on top of what I’ve already been required to raise for the year. However I am still about $3,000 short of my required support level. If you aren’t already, I humbly ask that you would pray about supporting me during this next season of ministry for me. Thanks again for being such an encouragement during this year of transition for me. Your prayers and kind words have been so appreciated!
For His Renown,
Dan Lidwin
