Friends, family, and loyal supporters…
I am doing the World Race yet AGAIN!
1. But I thought you already did the World Race?
Yes, I did! I launched September 2013, with 2nd generation W squad and have only been stateside since August. This time I won’t be a racer, however I’ll be Squad Leading.
2. So you’re doing it again?
Yes and No. As a Squad Leader, I’m leading the entire squad of 28 racers with three amazing co-leaders Ashley Francis, Lauren Argue, and Kathryn Law. We will be joining the squad for five months on the field. At the end of that time, we will raise up squad leaders from among the squad and returning stateside.
3. What do you mean by “squad?”
My Squad is 3rd generation M squad. The squad has 28 individuals broken down into 4 teams of 7 people. The entire squad travels to each country together before the teams spread out around the nation to their ministry contacts.
4. Why does the squad need Squad Leaders?
The World Race can be draining emotionally and spiritually. Racers suffer continuous culture shock as well as homesickness. Squad leaders are someone you can go to in order to talk, process, cry, laugh, and rejoice with. You need someone fighting on your behalf, advocating for you, and getting down and dirty in the mess beside you. That is exactly what my role will be.
In addition, we have the unique opportunity to set the culture. If we want our squad to be a squad of unity, we fight for that. If we want our squad to walk in boldness and obedience to the Holy Spirit, we go there first so that they may follow.
5. How will this time be different?
As a squad leader, my primary focus will be the 28 racers as they go out to the nations and do ministry. I will spend each month with a different team. I will do ministry with them, encourage, challenge, mentor, disciple, and develop the racers. My primary ministry will be serving as a spiritual leader for the squad as opposed to racers focus primarily on the in country ministry.
6. Why Squad Lead?
Let’s be honest here, who wouldn’t jump at the chance to miss out on another bone chilling Midwest winter?! Before I team led on the world race I never considered myself to have spiritual leadership potential. As my race ensued I felt I had more to give and I see squad leading as an opportunity to serve others and usher in what God has for this generation. Spiritual leadership is challenging and a bit scary, this season is about being a part of something bigger than myself and leaning into God in dependence of my strength and guide.
7. What do you need?
The cost for my 5 months on the field, plus travel to month 8 and 11 debriefs is $6500. This covers all my travel, food, insurance and lodging expenses during my time on the field. If you would like to help me financially, please click here or on the link that says “Support Me” in the upper left of this blog. I am still raising support for my time at CGA here in Gainesville. CGA is preparing me for my role as a squad leader by teachings on spiritual leadership and discipleship.
8. Where will you be going?
I will be traveling to El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica with M Squad. M squad is an all-Spanish route. They will venture on to Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, and Chile! Part of the support I will be raising is to help cover costs for me to travel to Ecuador and Chile for a week month 8 and 11 to encourage and invest into the racers as they prepare to finish the race well and transition home.
9. When will you be leaving?
M Squad launches at the beginning of January! I’ll be returning home around the end of May.
10. What are you most excited about?
I am most excited about the relationships I get to build and the freedom in Jesus that will be unleashed in the lives of these racers. I have the honor of being a shepherd and encourager for these 28 racers and walking with them through their season on the World Race. I have a heart for seeing this generation awaken to the dreams God is dreaming through us. Discipleship is a calling I am responding to and it is exactly what squad leading is about. As M squad sets the captives free, God is faithful to reveal their identities as sons and daughters. I’m humbled to be a part of it all as I get to speak truth over their journeys and cover them with encouragement and prayer.
