Team Changes A~GAIN
AGAIN – is with a gain.
With a continent change, came an unexpected team change. But one led by the Spirit, and one that reminds all of us to hold everything with open hands.
On Easter Sunday, our last night in Cambodia, our squad gathered together for dinner, worship and communion. We partook of the bread and the wine in a new team.
For me, this team change wasn’t as drastic as the last (a completely new team in January).
But even with the change of one person, we have an entirely different dynamic and are something new (which also means a new name). Jake was drafted to another team (let’s be honest, he is quite the tall athlete). Our team has gained a man who can prove white men can jump – Greg Houghton (click on his name to meet Greg).
(Left: Greg taking air in the Philippines, where Team Raised and Team En Gedi – Greg’s former team – did ministry together.)
So who are we?
Coming up with a name proved to be a frustrating and almost brutal brainstorming session. We appeared to be divided. Some knew the Lord had given us the word – reckless, as in reckless or relentless pursuit of God. Some knew the Lord had spoken the words joy and fun, meaning we were to invite the world to enjoy God and the abundant life Jesus promises. But how could those seemingly opposite concepts (hard core pursuit, and fun) combine in a team name?
And then it came.
The Rodeo.
No longer a team, we are an event. A crew of people who recklessly pursue God and invite the crowds to enjoy His presence and bring Him praise.
The Rodeo: Greg, Cassie, Amanda, Alex, Christy, Ginger, Allan.
In the words of Garth Brooks…
Well, it’s bulls and blood
It’s dust and mud
It’s the roar of the Sunday crowd
It’s the white in his knuckles
The gold in the buckle
He’ll win in the next go ’round
It’s boots and chaps
It’s cowboy hats
It’s spurs and latigo
It’s the ropes and the reins
And the joy and the pain
And they call the thing rodeo.”
Get ready Africa, here comes The Rodeo.
