With the start of September, I feel like I can finally take a deep breath and spend time in grateful reflection over the ways God has shared His goodness over the summer. With working at Adventures in Missions, our summer months are our most active months. We have hundreds of short term trips that have training and are launching during these months, not to mention the hundreds of World Race alumni that we welcome back to the States after being out of the country for close to a year. All across our office there is a constant, low-leveled buzz of activity and preparation. It’s exciting. For many of our staff, this is where they see fruit from the past months of phone calls, logistic reports, intentional prayer time, and administrative tasks. Staffers are able to meet our trip participants and send them out to complete the mission that God has placed on their heart. That’s what it’s all about here! So, although summer is busy and tiring and a lot of work outside normal “business” hours, it’s worth it to ignite believers and watch them make God’s Kingdom a reality on earth.
In August I welcomed a crazy bunch of world changers to our campus in Gainesville, GA, for their Training Camp for the World Race. Meet O Squad! They will be launching in October 2016 and beginning their 11 month Kingdom journey with the Lord and each other. My job as a squad mobilizer allows me to begin the preparation process as soon as each Racer starts an application. So for many of these people, I have been a constant presence in their World Race journey since October 2015 when they started an application! And we officially met, face to face, in August. With my job, I was part of a training team that specifically trained, mentored, guided, prayed for, and lead O Squad during Training Camp.
Some of you who have been a part of my personal World Race journey starting back in 2014 may remember my experience from Training Camp (read my blog about it HERE). What an humbling opportunity to now be an alumni Racer at camp, witnessing the revelation and movement of the Holy Spirit fall upon believers. I couldn’t help but think back to my own experience and watch the parallels between my walk and the walk of people on O Squad. There were moments that I traveled back to 2014, with a rush of emotions flooding my heart as I remembered the soft words spoken to me by the Lord and the invitation He gave me to trust Him in all things. I’m thankful that God gifted me those moments—to remember what He has done in my life over the past two years and to look ahead with expectancy and faith.
My job is hard to explain. I have had many people ask me what it is that I do here at Adventures in Missions. It’s hard being a missionary in America and raising financial support for work that I do IN COUNTRY. After O Squad returned home from Training Camp, I reached out them and my April Expedition (H Squad) that is currently on the field in Kazakhstan and asked them to help me describe to you my role, and I was overwhelmed by the gracious words spoken:
“The process of becoming a World Racer is scary. Laura is a huge factor in making this process go smoother for each of us. She’s a soundboard for fundraising ideas, she’s a beacon of constant encouragement, she’s an ear when people say what you’re doing for the next year is crazy. Not only does Laura help us logistically, but she becomes a confidant and friend. I can’t imagine what the last few months would’ve looked like without her and her ability to continually point each and every Racer she works with back to the Cross.”
-Katie Meredith, O Squad
“I was accepted to the Race very late, but Laura’s helpful and ‘on it’ attitude made me feel at ease with what would have seemed a formidable process. She was always there to answer questions in full and transparent detail and impart critical information in an easy-to-digest format. I knew I could count on her to help me get through the acceptance process, and I felt like everything was under control because Laura was so helpful, so knowledgable, and so very generous with her time. Her dedication to her role as mobilizer is a reflection of her joy in the Lord and passion for serving Him! She works hard to serve her teams, praying for them with dedication, and constantly uplifting us through her joyful attitude. What a wonderful woman of God, and what a privilege to have her as our mobilizer!”
-Amanda La Rue, Expedition H Squad
“As brand new, first time coaches, [Laura] made us feel so welcome…when we were lost in all the training, [she] took extra time and care in explaining all the details!! But more than that, [she has] been the absolute sweetest, most helpful, most genuine person we’ve encountered so far in the World Race process!! [She’s] encouraged US when we were really nervous!! Thank you for the difference you’re making in the lives of all the racers, but also in our lives as coaches!!”
-Jimmie Mayo, O Squad Coach (adult mentor)
“Laura was the one to give me the exciting and terrifying news that I was accepted to the World Race! I remember that first conversation well, the excitement and confidence she had for me from the start knowing that God was about to do unimaginable things in my life. It’s been almost a year and Laura’s excitement hasn’t lessened in the slightest, but now it’s coupled with advice, encouragement, and a whole lot of invaluable wisdom that has made preparing to go out and serve the nations in the name of Jesus, so much better. Finally getting to meet Laura at Training Camp was the icing on the cake! It was so comforting as we gathered in a room full of strangers, to hear the familiar (and hilarious) voice of Laura and be the recipients of her love in person! I know my preparation for the Race would have looked so different without our hour-long conversations and mini discipleship sessions over the phone in the months leading up to launch.”
-Victoria Bolduc, O Squad
“Laura Ficken, my mobilizer on the World Race, is a huge reason that the World Race became a possibility for me. When uncertainty and doubt filled my head, Laura was there to pray over my life and encourage my walk with the Lord. Not only did she ensure my paperwork and documents were in order, but she made sure my relationship with Jesus was moving forward as well. Now that I have been accepted to go on this trip and launch shortly, I know Laura will continue to pour into the lives of my team and I, be available for questions that may arise, and stay active in our ministry along the way.”
-Katie Sadowski, O Squad
“Leaving my job as an Army Officer, I knew about going overseas, but had zero experience with fundraising, travel documents, and the many other parts of the World Race. Laura called me and not only outlined the process putting me at ease, but also shared her own experiences with the race in an way that got me excited about all the ways to share Christ and invite people into my story. Her positivity is infectious!”
-Charles Payne, Expedition H Squad
“[Laura does] a lot more for us than [she] or others think [she does]! Besides “business” stuff, [she has] such a gift that just naturally draws anyone towards [her]. [She] lights up a whole room and brings such joy and, personally, made me feel right at home from day 1. [Laura is] so genuine and it shows that this is way more than a “job” for [her]. It shows that [she] truly cares for each of us as [she] not only [does] all of our paper work but [does] random check in’s on us to see how we are physically, mentally, and spiritually. [She’s] not just a mobilizer, [she’s] our mentor, coach, cheerleader, friend, #1 fan all in one!”
-Sarah Roccaforte, O Squad
As I read through these generous and life-giving responses, I felt the Father’s peace and delight over me. Sometimes I feel discouraged in my life and think about the differences that could be. But in moments of doubt and uncertainty, God provides Truth, and in this case, He provided it through my Racers that I’ve mobilized in their powerful and weighty words.
I am looking for a team of 16 people. I am praying for God to bring together a team of people that will be in this with me. That will commit to pray for me. That will commit to want to know how God is on the move through this position. That will financially support me monthly. What I need going forward:
5 one time gifts of $150
5 people to pledge $25 a month
4 people to pledge $50 a month
2 people to pledge $75 a month
Please email me or message me if you feel the Lord is directing you to be a part of this community of believers.
