Praise report:
First of all everyone….drum roll……I AM officialy 100% FUNDED!! I have been so grateful for the outpouring of love and support since day one of fundraising, and NOW…it is finished! The weight of that being lifted before I leave is such a HUGE blessing. Witnessing His provision, meeting the amazing people on my Squad and all He did in me at training camp have all made words difficult to find. Instead of trying to explain all that I can’t explain adequately and which I am still processing, I am simply going to tell you about the amazing squad that I will get to do life with this next year and let them speak for themselves.
Now look at me!…..U SQUAD
Was it sweaty, sticky hot and smelly? Yes, most of the time. Did I like bathing out of a 5 gallon bucket? After the stench I had somehow fermented…absolutely. Was it rainy and damp? Sometimes. Muddy? Most days. Did I like not having my cell phone on for 9 days? Very much so. Was it fun living out of a nylon tent? At times and it put into perspective what was actually important inside of it. Did I really form deep, meaningful relationships in such a short amount of time? Somehow, it happened. It really did…
Vulnerability brought Unity. We loved God, served each other and lifted one another up and I bore witness to a real life version of gospel community that is talked about in Acts. And the Holy Spirit was everywhere. He always is, but my eyes were opened to see Him more clearly. In the safety and comfort of this community, wounds were exposed and healing came. He did it through prayer, sessions in the Word, worship, encouragement, confession, doodling (more on that in a later blog ;-), feedback, prayer, prayer, and more prayer. Gradually, the weight of the ashes from all the death left in my heart were lifted and life was born. Freedom found ignites a fire of hope and love and brings endless gratitude. At least it did in me. And the process is beautiful. He has walked me through all of this and more alongside some truly incredible God-loving brothers and sisters.
People whom I can call family, not because we look anything alike on the outside, but because our hearts are aligned toward the same thing and the expression of that internal heart-beat is revealed in how we love each other.
These new family members of mine from so many different places with so many different backgrounds and past experiences have not been brought together accidentally…we are THE U SQUAD: United, Undaunted, and Undeniably Christ’s. And God is going to Use Us to Uncover His love for the nations. Our Squad of 54 will travel to South Africa together on July 1st and break off into our teams to our different ministry contacts in different cities.
Meet my Team:
Team Sonflowers, because we all have a desire to plant seeds and spread life through generous hearts as we endeavor across the world together and with our Father and because of the Son.
Olivia has such an incredible sweetness about her that makes me just want to be around her all the time. She is quiet, but her words are powerful. I can’t wait to see how God grows that in her this next year!
Christi, the therapist, who is so full of life and wisdom. She was the first person I met at camp and I instantly knew we were going to be fast friends. She is incredibly kind and brings so much life and encouragement to our team.
Melissa is the playful and fun-loving one. She, Christi, and I put leaves in our hair, ash on our faces and skipped around the field while viciously guarding our territory during capture the flag (which we DID in fact win, no matter if it was publicly recognized during camp. Go Elizabeth!)
Amanda, the fire starter. Y’all, this girl is going to rock this world with her amazing heart for Christ and how she expresses that in the love for those around her! All during camp, I never heard her complain and she always, always had a smile on her face. She is just 22, but the way God speaks through her is astounding.
Jenny is the last one to make up this team of six and all I can say about her is watch out world! She has an infectious joy about her that everyone on our team recognizes as a great strength and that I see God using to bring such love and life to those we will minister to.
Watch out, South Africa: You’re first! We will be in Bloemfontein (city of roses) where we will serve at the Eden TC Bloemfontein Center. Did you catch that “coincidence?” Flowers going to a city of roses to minister in a place called Eden. Yep, God’s going to show up in Big ways. He already has. Our ministry site is a shelter for mentally challenged, disabled, those living with AIDS, recovering drug addicts, orphans, the unemployed, the aged, etc. As we have spent even a few short moments throughout the last few days of camp together, I can feel the peace our team brings and I know God is going to use that to draw people with restless hearts in search of something that satisfies; the love of Christ.
(the following was as of May, 2015. They are now fully funded):
However, right now, two of these amazing women need financial support! In order to launch with us July 1st, they each need about $2,500 by June 17th. I wouldn’t want to do it without any of them and to think two may not go on this journey with us makes my heart break. Many of my friends and family have donated items towards a garage sale which I am having this weekend and now 100% of the funds are going towards these lovelies.
I am so grateful to those who have already supported me and I know there are those who still want to help somehow so THIS is how you can: help support my sisters whom God has put on this team with me! Just think of the extension of Christ’s love you could be used for to support even more Racers to reach the nations! If you are interested and able, their info is below. Please prayerfully consider giving to them. The deadline for their funds is June 17th.
Amanda Allen: amandaallen.theworldrace.org (then click ‘Support me’ or copy/paste the link below)
https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=worldrace&desc=Amanda%20Allen&appeal_id=ALLENAMANDA
Melissa Presley: melissapresley.theworldrace.org (then click ‘Support me’ or copy/paste the link below)
https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=worldrace&desc=Melissa%20Presley&appeal_id=PRESLEYMELISSA
Thanks for hanging out on here with me and hearing my heart. I love you all!
