Mike and Stacey, our squad leaders for the past four months, have returned to the States. Kayla Spencer, Thomas Wensil, and Bobby (Ryan) Banko have taken over. These three cats are pretty cool. Taking ownership of their new roles, they are leading B Squad into a new season of abandonment to the Spirit. Check out their blogs.
Starting with our 4-month debrief in Siem Riep, Cambodia, God has been wrecking me. I have been walking in a new state of dependence on Him as I seek His kingdom. The following inserts are a few things God has recently stamped on my heart. Enjoy.
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The following paragraphs are excerpts of a letter I wrote to Mike as he left Cambodia.
I keep thinking about the B Squad war cry. “I see a squad sold out to Jesus. He’s the King that’s come to free us. I see a people packed with purporse. Come see all that’s under the surface.” This is you, Michael. The Lord gave you these words for our squad, but they’re largely for you. You are sold out to Jesus. He has freed you, and you own it. You walk in the freedom that comes with being His son. You know your purpose, and your life reflects your knowledge of this. Your words are purposeful. Your actions are guided. And what’s under the surface is life and love.
You will never know the scale of the impact you have had on our squad. Or on me. You reflect God’s heart for the world. When I think about all that you’ve done for our squad, I get an overwhelming feeling of thankfulness to God for you. I stand with my arms raised in thanksgiving and praise to Jesus. And it’s you who taught me about this heart of worship. I wish I could communicate my heart more clearly, but know that I am more than grateful to have walked through these four months of my life under your leadership.
Mike sacrificed a lot to lead our squad, and God honored that sacrifice. I would not be where I am in my walk with the Lord had Mike said no to leading B Squad. I'm now asking that you make a sacrifice for him. Mike is in North Carolina, working as a youth director at a Methodist church. He is in need of financial support to pay for 18 Inch Journey, as well as other previous financial commitments. Email him at [email protected] to offer your support. You're blessing me through blessing Mike.
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Human Trafficking
A passion in my heart has been ignited for this form of modern-day slavery. I still want to SCREAM for this injustice.
In a teaching called, "Compassion", Jennifer Toledo talks on the reality of life for children living today. She says, "To be a child is to be sexually exploited. It is estimated that there are ten million children living in the sex industry. This includes forced child prostitution, child pornography, and sex trade tourism…Sex trade tourism is a huge multi-million dollar industry…The number one choice of sex in the world is a child…On average a child prostitute will turn over thirty tricks a day…Most of these girls are dead by the time they are 18 from AIDS…To be a child is to wake up in the morning to be used solely for other people's pleasures."
The men on B Squad had experiences in Siem Riep that made me squirm. Tuk tuk drivers would ask them, "You want boom boom? You want lady?" One guy was followed by a young girl persistently asking him if he wanted sex.
The sex trade is horrific. And real. God is stirring my heart. I want to fight for this injustice.
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Ministry in Phnom Penh
I'm ready for this month. I'm ready to see the Lord move in ways that I haven't yet seen Him work. I'm ready to be bold. I'm ready to speak. I'm ready for heaven to come to earth.
My team (Siloam) is living and working with team Salt Shakers. We are living on the first floor of a home on the outskirts of the Cambodian jungle. It is beautiful, hot, and infested with mosquitos. I'm thankful for fans and mosquito nets. I'm thankful for the opportunity to increase my dependence on Jesus.
Our ministry is going to be focused on building relationships with people in neighboring villages. We will also be teaching English three times per week. We have the opportunity to preach in church. We will be working with an organization that fights human trafficking. It's gonna be great.
