left for India, Kenya and Swaziland to begin a three month adventure living and
serving among the marginalized in those areas of the world.
The trends with training camps are continuing to hold true
to some patterns. The first 48
hours is usually the hardest, then out of nowhere, something breaks and the
group falls in love with each other.
We battle through some hard truths; we break down independence and arrogance,
all so we can begin to see the Spirit of God move and work.
The “breaking point” for this camp was the night we taught
on “Listening to the Voice of God.”
It is always a step outside of the normal comfort zone when you’re put
on the spot and asked directly: what’s God saying right now? But God speaks.
I teach that God has some amazing attributes:
1) He’s incredibly creative. Often we think He only “speaks” in an audible voice when the
reality is that He speaks in colors, pictures, movies, Scriptures, songs, bold
declarations, still small emotions and a host of other ways. We listen for what HE is saying, not
what we want to hear.
2) He’s a great multi-tasker. We could take our time and let everyone go in turn, but that
only serves us, it doesn’t matter to God – He can sort through the madness,
speak individually, speak clearly and move powerfully – because He’s that kind
of God.
3) He speaks way more often than we care to listen. We shouldn’t wonder IF God is speaking,
but always be anticipating His next move (even if that move is a passive: “just
be WITH me”).
4) He WANTS to commune with us. We should never settle for a life where conversations with
God go one direction. We
all-too-often justify God’s lack of speaking as some sovereign, master plan
instead of us simply not being attuned to His voice. God is not aloof or distant, Acts 17 says, “He is not far
off.”
At Training Camp, these participants heard the voice of
God. They spoke these words in
faith to one another and the Body was encouraged, strengthened and comforted
(that’s what it’s all about after all, serving one another). It was beautiful.
In other news, our World Race alumni trip to Haiti returned
last week having had a great trip.
They traveled in true World Race fashion – trusting God for every move –
and He did!
On Thursday I head to Uganda, Kenya and South Africa for a
time of debrief with AIM’s Novas Project.
20 or so college-age students are serving for 6 months in these
countries and are learning so much about ministry, who God has called them to
be, the value of community and so much more. Not only am I excited to raft the Nile River (it’s on my
bucket list LOL) but looking forward to a great time of discussion and
wrestling with these guys.
On a final note, God provided and I met my January Support
Goal, quite miraculously I might add.
I’m gearing up for another $2,000 for February. If God calls you to support these amazing
efforts in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe in March,
click “support me” to keep this alive!
Praise God for His faithfulness!
