As kids, a lot of us went to summer camp, and if we grew up in the faith, church camp. As we grew older we would go to different retreats, mission trips, and concerts that left us with a ‘Jesus high’ when we left for the next few weeks before you got back to your normal routine. This was my expectation going into Training Camp. Adventures in Missions would give us enough encouragement to last us the 6 weeks until launch, but that wasn’t the case.
I can say that Training Camp was life changing, leaving me with the tools to be a disciple for not only the next year, but with a lifestyle that I can use throughout my life.
Now, Training Camp was hard. HARD. It involved meeting 53 strangers and learning to live with them. Waking up (involuntarily) when the sun rose. Bucket showers leaving you with a chill down your spine. A 3 mile hike in under 50 min. With all of our gear. Shout out to my girl Gretta for getting me through! Port-a-Potties that were close to the point of overflowing. Exotic food that left you wondering if you ever wanted to eat again.
You were also left spiritually broken. It left you desiring a different life, craving the Holy Spirit, and eager to follow the will of God. Training Camp helped me understand and believe that my Identity is in Christ, I am Forgiven, the Holy Spirit is a real thing. Training Camp allowed me to let go of the things that were held in the deep dark corners of my heart. The question of the week was “Do you know (head knowledge) or do you know (heart knowledge)?”
I developed relationships that forced you to connect in only a few days at the deepest level, relationships that will help me grow in my relationship with the Lord, and friendships that are going to surpass this trip. I have a squad that helps me bring out my gifts and find new ones. A group of people that accept and love me for who I am. I am surrounded by women and men of God, and women and men of Honor.
I didn’t know that God was going to move in the way that he did. I thought I was solid, I let go of the things in my past and moved on from living there. Turns out I held a lot of anger, and I was unforgiving of myself. Once I was revealed these things I was able to allow God to move freely in my heart, to bring a transformation in my life and an excitement to do his ministry. I am eager to submit to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. I am ready to Feed the Hungry, Clothe the Naked, and Heal the Sick.
I also was placed with the best team… EVER. 6 girls ready to take on this calling together. God put us on this team for a reason, and I am so excited to dive deep in relationship with all of these amazing women. Plus, We are even cooler because for team bonding, we went and got piercings together. Nothing much better than that.
I have 6 weeks before Launch, and I am blessed to be able to spend it with my parents in Charlotte. Turns out that my entire Squad will be serving together, yes, all 53 of us, at a mission in Ecuador for the first month with Inca Link Ministries. As this process moves forward, I would love some prayers for me and my squadmates as we are preparing to leave our comforts behind.
A HUGE thank you to all who have donated to my trip so far. The fruits of your donations are already being used as they have just booked our flights! Also, I am 50% funded! How great would it be if I could raise all of my funds before I left in October?! If 100 people would give a one time gift of $70, I would be fully funded. If the Lord has put the desire to give on your heart, feel free to click the DONATE button above.
Blessings!
