There is always something new and exciting happening on the Race. From new countries to new contacts and new ministries, change is something you get used to. In fact, it’s just a regular part of World Race life. Sometimes, though, change comes in big ways. For me, it came in the form of becoming a Squad Leader.
We started the Race off with 3 alumni squad leaders (previous Racers who commit another 5 months to a squad) who stayed with us, guiding and discipling the squad. They poured their hearts out to us through prayers and encouragement. Before alumni squad leaders leave at the end of Month 5, they are tasked with raising up Squad Leaders from within the squad who will lead in their place the remaining 6 months.
It has been such an honor to take on the role of Squad leader alongside the lovely Allison Hencke. I love the people I am doing life with and I could not believe that I would be asked to lead them. This invitation to step into a new role has dramatically changed my race. My focus of ministry has now become my squad, and I love that. After 5 months of traveling and seeing different ministries, I have finally come to find a ministry I am passionate about: serving my squad.
Our first month of Squad Leading, Allison and I shadowed our beloved Alumni Squad Leaders in Panama. I had an awesome time visiting my first team “Échale Ganas.”
We spent our month together doing a program called Unsung Heroes, in which we look for ministry contacts to whom AIM may be able to send groups in the future. This means a lot of moving around and praying and relying on the Holy Spirit to show you where to go and whom to reach out to. It was beautiful to see how God responds to the prayers and petitions of His people. We asked for contacts, and He provided. Not only did He provide places to stay, but He sent us a wonderful family to share amazing memories with. From the moment we walked into their home, we felt like family. The mom, Yanet, even called me “Kari,” a name only my family and very close friends use. The experience was made even more memorable by the fact that they celebrated my birthday, cake and all!
Squad Leading comes with many challenges, but getting to serve and love on such awesome people makes it all worth it. And, yes, my responsibilities have shifted, but my purpose for being here has not. My goals are still the same: to love others the way Christ has loved us, to serve without wavering, and to experience God in a whole new way while growing in intimacy with Him. I know that this role I have stepped into is going to push me in all these areas, and I can’t wait to see the places The Lord is going to take this squad and myself.
*Newsflash*
I have been given an extension on my financial deadline! Please donate TODAY to help me stay on the Race. I don’t want to be sent home early, there is still much work to be done. DONATE TODAY and keep me on the Race (please!). We are only $2350 away from being fully funded! Follow the link on the left to donate.
