Training Camp
I recently returned from training camp in Gainesville, Georgia. It was 10 days spent primarily in seminars outdoors under a large tent or if the weather was bad, in the upstairs room of their office building. We slept in cabins furnished with plywood bunks, no electricity or plumbing. Our showers were whatever temperature nature provided in a very simple structure that had garden hoses hanging from a pipeline as the water supply. It was training indeed for what life might look like out in the mission field.
The first 6-7 days focus on personal ministry. The thought behind this was that you need to begin unloading your own emotional and spiritual baggage before you can be an effective vessel for the Lord to use out in the field. We had a few wonderful and gifted speakers come minister to use and help us to begin the process of unloading that baggage. Some of the topics covered included grieving past hurts, understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives, how to deal with stress on the mission field among many other topics.
We were able to meet much of the Adventures in Missions World Race staff as well as our coaches Seth and Karen Barnes. They will not only be praying for us but also will meet up with us on the mission field to lead our “debriefs” after each month. Our squad leader will be Stephanie Fisk and she is absolutely wonderful. I am very excited to know all the members of our team better.
We also spent a lot of time participating in team building activities. These provided a great opportunity to get to know different squad members and see how people work. It also provided opportunity to see how things and people don’t work together. Overall we have an amazing squad. I really enjoy each and every member.
Support
Prayer
Prayer is vital to the success and safety of every mission trip. As I travel around the world I will definitely need lots of prayer. Please consider praying for me on a weekly basis. Please pray that I would be an effective vessel for the Lord to use. Pray also for safety, provision and unity among my team. In addition, rejoice and thank the Lord for this amazing opportunity that He has given to me.
Financial
Now that training camp is over and the paper work is complete I have much more time to focus on fundraising. I need to raise $13,800 by July 1, 2008. My goal for May 1 is $8500. I currently have $2000. Please pray about whether the Lord would have you support me financially. Donations can be made via my blog site www.maithilijohnson.theworldrace.org or a check with my name written in the memo line can be sent to Adventures in Missions PO Box 534470, Atlanta, GA 30353-4470. THANK YOU to everyone who has already sent in financial support.
Relational
Being out in the world for eleven months away from home and family can get lonely at times. Please keep in contact with me either through my blog site www.maithilijohnson.theworldrace.org or through email [email protected]. Pictures, comments, encouragements or even just a simple “hello” is always a very welcome and an encouraging sight at the end of a long day.
Thank you very much to everyone who is supporting me and encouraging me through this process! May God bless you richly over this next year.
