Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am a shy person when I first get to know someone (unless I am in a group where I already know everyone). I am especially timid in large groups of people. How do you go through Training Camp where there are 150-200 people all there to train with 70 of those people on your squad? How do you get to know people in only 8 days?
I can tell you from my experience that I can’t think of a more amazing group of people than my S-Squad. I look forward to going on the World Race because of these same people! The hard part is being away from these “brothers and sisters” until we leave for the race! Although we are in touch on Facebook, it is not the same as hearing the laughter, singing, worship, prayers, and declarations of what God will do for our squad. As you can tell from the picture above of most of my cabinmates, we had a great time!
Can you go back to what you were after being in the World Race Training Camp? No! If you did the work wholeheartedly in Training Camp, I don’t think it is possible to stay the same person you were before camp. “Wrecked for the Ordinary” is a phrase that was referred to when in camp which has proven to be true for me. You can’t go back to who you were.
One of the songs that we heard while in worship at camp was “I Will Not Be Silent” by Jonathan David Helzer. The link to his website is: http://www.jonathanhelser.com/jonathanhelser/Home.html. It talks about not giving in to fear which often has been my problem. Maybe fear is what is holding you back. Could fear of not knowing anyone, of the unknown, of people being different/weird/judgemental be what is holding you back? Don’t give in to that. Step out in faith that God will be with you through it all! God will be your comforter and friend. He and the angels in the Bible say again and again “do not be afraid” but it is so hard to do. This is especially true when going into a new situation with new people in a new environment. God will be there for you through it all.
I especially like the poem “Footprints in the Sand” by Mary Stevenson that talks about seeing two sets of footprints until it is a hard or trying time and then you only see one. The person asks the Lord where He was in those times. “The Lord replied, ‘The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, is when I carried you.”
Another great song by Jonathan David Helzer is “Never Giving Up On Me.” This song talks about God wanting a relationship with us no matter what. He loves us relentlessly!
What should you expect in Training Camp? You are involved in wonderful worship, teaching, team-building activities, and meeting Christ in new ways! It is the hardest physical, mental, and spiritual experience that I have ever been through. Would I do it again? In an instant!
