Wow. Where to start. Hands down one of the best, yet most challenging weeks of my life! Challenging physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. We were asked to step out of our comfort zone MANY times and lay aside any expectations we had.
Throughout the week, we heard some great talks about the Holy Spirit and His role in our ministry throughout the next year. Only recently have I been exposed to the very real presence and power of the Holy Spirit but not at all like I experienced at training camp. I learned that God is moving in the lives of His children today and He wants to bring HEALING and RESTORATION in our lives both physically and emotionally. I witnessed many people being healed physically, including a professional dancer from LA who came to camp with a walking cast on her left ankle. After being prayed over my some of her squad mates, her ankle was completely healed and she danced beautifully on the stage one night during worship!! To see her dancing, check out this awesome video one of my squad mates, Jen made –> http://vimeo.com/46181146
On a more personal note, I certainly experienced some much needed emotional healing. I learned to forgive, and I mean to truly forgive. We have all been hurt by someone in the past and even though we may not realize it consciously, we tend to have some pent-up subconscious bitterness or anger if we have not forgiven the offender. This can manifest itself in many ways. For me, it was in the lack of self-confidence/self-esteem department. Due to a recent breakup, I began blaming myself for getting hurt (again), which led to me perceiving myself as unworthy, rejected, a failure, etc.
Well, I am here to tell you that that is a straight lie. I am a daughter of the heavenly king. I am loved and accepted. I am cherished and I am worthy. I will no longer believe the lies that I am not good enough, that I am unworthy or the like that satan feeds us women to feel unfit for the kingdom of God. As God was working through these lies buried deep in my heart, I could see a picture of chains being shattered as I was being set free to live as God has called me to. Because of this freedom I have experienced in my relationship with God, I am now EMPOWERED to speak life into other hurting women across the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RmZFaruXhs <– This song “You’ll Come” also resonated with what I was going through. The chorus says: “Chains be broken, Lives be healed, Eyes be opened, Christ is revealed” 🙂
Another very exciting part of training camp was being placed on teams!! I present to you… Team FIRE STARTERS!! God has set our hearts on fire for Him and we are going to set fires in the hearts of men and women all over the world. We all believe we were sovereignly brought together and we each bring something unique to the table. It really is pretty awesome how God constructed our team.
From back left to right: Meg Hill, Jackie Gu, Kaitlyn Keyes, me, Jen Goeking, Andrew Walberg and Bryan Reski
Just for a little context: Literally, 3 days before training camp, 4 of us switched routes. Meg, Jen and I switched from I squad, Brian from K Squad. A few months prior Andrew switched from a July route. Jackie didn’t apply until 2 days before the deadline. Kaitlyn applied after a friend (who is also on our squad) told her she wanted to do it and to be praying for her as she made the decision. Clearly it was an opportunity too good to pass.
I love the stories. I love the way God has interceded in our lives to bring us to this point in the journey. I am so excited to share my stories with you in the coming weeks, months and year! If you haven’t done so already, please click the ‘subscribe to my blog’ link on the left side of the page to follow our journey as we follow God to the nations 
