If there is one singular lesson God has taught me on the World Race, it is the value of community. This thirty-something person family called iSquad has been my rock these past nine and a half months, and I am so grateful for them. They’ve pushed me, they’ve hugged me, they’ve challenged me, they’ve loved me, they’ve laughed with me, they’ve cried with me, they’ve motivated me, they’ve prayed for me… And when it comes down to it, they’ve been about the only consistent thing I’ve had this whole journey! (Along with God, of course! 
)
The last time I posted a blog, I was struggling hard in Laos. I was hearing so many lies from the enemy and trying with all my might to battle them with Christ’s truths. Well as soon as I posted that blog and shared my struggles with my teammates, family, and friends, God quickly began outshining the darkness the enemy was trying to cover me with. Through community, God was able to completely turn my month around!
My friends and family were lifting me up with love, encouragement, and prayer, and my teammates and squadmates began praying over me and rallying around me.
As I shared, it opened the floor for real conversations, as a team and one-on-one; other teammates shared about the lies they were hearing and fear they were feeling, and we rallied together as a team as we cried out to Jesus.
The next day our team received an email from our Thailand host, saying exactly what I (and all of us) needed to hear – that when I cling to God’s truth, I have power over the enemy as a son of the King!
The day after that, I got an email from my Squad Mentor. It was full of encouragement, wisdom, and motivation. She also challenged me to consider doing a 3-day fast…
A few days later, I did it – I fasted for 3 days. It was daunting at first, but it ended up being exactly what I needed. By pushing myself physically, I was forced to rely on strength from the Lord, and that led to some serious breakthrough!
During that fast, we got to go to the Gospel Music Festival that just happened to be going on in the closed country of Laos while we were there! As a team, we got to see God use us to perform many healing miracles!! So many people were praising God and coming to know Jesus, and I was reminded of how powerful God is and that He lives in me!
At the festival we also met three awesome missionary friends, Wendel, Jeremy, and Scott. We ended up getting to hang out with them a few more times, which was awesome!! They loved us, they taught us, they prophesied over us, they prayed for us, and they really motivated us to finish the Race with perseverance! I even ended up experiencing new gifts of the Spirit!!!
…and I could go on and on! This all happened within two weeks, and it was all because I chose to walk in the light and reach out for help from my friends. I asked, and I was overwhelmed with the love, grace, and encouragement I received from the people God placed around me! This is community, people!!!
Community loves. Community challenges. Community is selfless. Community is real and raw. Community encourages. Community motivates.
Community pushes you towards God.
So here’s my encouragement to you: The next time you’re struggling with something, anything…walk in the light! Share it with the community of believers around you and let God use them to push you closer to Him! Sometimes it’s hard, but it’s always worth it.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” – 1 John 1:7
Thanks for reading! Speaking of community…iSquad still needs your help!!! As a squad we are more than $20,000 away from being fully funded, so we could really use your prayers and support! Please check out this blog to see who still needs funds and what fundraisers they’re doing!
