When I was first approached about squad leading, my initial response was, “No, no way.” Five more months hopping around developing countries? Five months of being in an intense period of leadership? Five months of pouring out, investing, and going deep with a new group of people?
No, thank you.
But here I am on the opposite end of those five months. And what I found was that they were five incredible months, five months of blessings and memories, five months of loving others and pouring out and investing and going deep with a new group of people that have marked me forever.
Amanda and I knew that we would raise up new squad leaders at the end of month four and that there would be accompanying team changes as a necessary result of that. Since the beginning, we’ve be observing, praying, and discussing those we felt the Lord may be calling to take over for us when our time on the field with W Squad was drawing to an end.
Inevitably, that time came. And it is with great honor and expectant hope that I present the new squad leaders for W Squad.
My first memory of Ray came from the first day of training camp back in July. He has forgotten his tent and as a result, I ended up lending him mine for the week. Except he never set it up and one morning was found sleeping under a table near our campsite. He loves to laugh and is the first to poke fun at himself, which demonstrates the deep humility and joy that he embodies. Ray is compassionate, intentional, and wise beyond his years. He is the first to admit failure and the first to repent, walking out his faith journey for all to see, both the good and the bad. He seeks the Lord constantly, listening to His voice and boldly speaking it out. Rarely do you find a man so sold out for the Lord! Ray is bold, powerful, and a mighty man of God who is going to dive deep with the squad and lead them to deeper humility and openness.
Lincoln started off as one of our Unsung Heroes coordinators,
reportedly the best one the World Race has ever seen. That testimony about him speaks volumes about his intentionality, passion for others, and heart for ministry. Lincoln is charismatic, genuine, and truly wants to connect and get to know everyone. He is one of the most bought-in racers I’ve ever seen and pursues feedback, the Lord’s heart, and loving the people he meets with a tenacity that makes me want to do the same. He is an influencer and thinks deeply about every aspect of race life to make sure he is on track with the Lord and listening to Him. Lincoln will take the squad and press into them, imparting into them the values he holds so dear.
Cameron is a little visionary, seeing the big picture and the grand scheme of the Lord’s heart for others better than almost anyone I’ve ever met. She loves others deeply and seeks to serve them at every turn, communicating her heart and value for others in her words and actions at all times. Cameron seeks after the Lord, comes to Him prayer constantly and is never afraid to use her voice to encourage, construct, or pray for others. One of Cameron’s biggest strengths is that she’s never content with the status quo, but is always seeking to grow, to learn, to improve, and to mature. She will push the squad in the uncomfortable areas because she knows the potential for growth waiting on the other side.
One of the first characteristics you notice about Jessie is her wisdom,
which far surpasses her 23 years. She is deeply intimate with the Lord and continually listens for His voice and leading in all things. She is bold to call out areas for growth and has a passion for holiness that is contagious and causes those around her to take notice of the ways she submits to the Lord and pursues His heart in all things. Jessie has a confidence and a peace about her that will allow her to be a pillar for the squad, giving her a platform to speak truth and love and wisdom into the lives of every single person on this squad. She inspires growth and stirs in others a passion for the Lord.
There four men and women are anointed in leadership and we have received confirmation after confirmation that they are the ones the Lord has called into this position in this season. They will take the squad deeper and farther than Amanda and I could have ever hoped to, and I am confident in their influence over the squad. They are going to bless W Squad tremendously!
As I’m looking forward to returning to the States in a few short weeks, I have a few requests for my wonderful supporters:
- Please continue to pray for me as I’m seeking guidance and the Lord’s leading into the next steps after this season of leadership. I’m currently looking for jobs, particularly in ministry, and would love it if you have any leads or ideas you would like to share with me! Message me with any info.
- I have the opportunity to return to the field with W Squad twice more in the future – once at their 8 Month Debrief at the end of April, and once at their Final Debrief at the end of July. Please prayerfully consider continuing your financial gifts and donations, as I’m still in need of approximate $1,500 in order to make that a reality.
- As W Squad goes through a more intensified season of change, please continue to pray for them and their journeys. They are entering the middle of their race, which is when things get more difficult and the time away from home, loved ones, and comforts much more obvious. Pray for continued strength and commitment to what the Lord is doing in and through them as individuals and as a squad! You can check out their blogs here and continue to follow them throughout their race.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support! What an incredible journey this has been, and one that could never have happened without your love and generosity. Thank you for standing behind me as I run after the Lord’s heart for me in His Kingdom.
With Love,
Laura
