Last Sunday I officially completed Training Camp and am one step closer to embarking on the World Race! Training Camp was easily the ten hardest days of my life. Between being physically exhausted, having limited food and little sleep, constantly interacting with people, becoming well-versed on my strengths and weaknesses and constantly being outside of my comfort zone, I was totally spent by day ten. But there was so much growth and bonding and fun as well. Here is a snapshot of some of the things we did:
10 Things I learned in 10 days of Training Camp
- Perspective
It’s all about perspective. I came to appreciate sleeping in my tent after the other scenarios we experienced, which were designed to simulate what might happen on the World Race. For example, one night my backpack was “lost” by the “airline” and I had to rely on my teammates to get me through the night. I slept in a hammock that night, which to my surprise was quite comfortable. I think my perspectives will change a lot throughout the coming year.
- Bucket showers
I learned how to take a bucket shower, our means of bathing throughout the Race. The concept is pretty simple:
- Fill a bucket with water (try to take your shower later in the day so the water is not ice-cold. I learned this the hard way on the first morning!)
- Use a small cup to throw water over yourself
- Lather up
- Use the same small cup to rinse off
- I am confident that I’m in very capable hands with Adventures in Missions
I was so impressed with how meticulously the staff prepared us for the mission field. They fed us cuisines from the countries where we will be traveling and taught us about the cultural peculiarities. Rather than just giving us a list of rules, they explained the heart behind everything they do. Everything was backed up with Scripture and they did an amazing job of walking by the Spirit. They also gave us practical advice, like how to best show love to orphans or be safe in local markets.
- Putting God in a box
So often we limit God by our comfort level, our faith, or our expectations of how we think He should move. Expectancy without agenda is the posture I want.
- Need to grieve our losses before we can effectively embrace the present and future
I must face my own issues before leaving for the Race. Otherwise, I will be trying to get something from those I am serving instead of giving something to them.
- Freedom from technology
Living out of a tent has an added luxury: no electrical outlets. The inability to charge my phone freed me from the incessant notifications that prevent me from living in the present moment. I think I am a much more pleasant, engaged person when I’m in the moment rather than staring with glazed-over zombie eyes at my phone.
- Goal: Make disciples who make disciples
The top of my blog says “More than a mission trip.” Initially I thought this was just a clever marketing phrase, but now I see the truth in it. The World Race is all about making disciples of Christ who will then go out and make more disciples. This is much more than an 11 month trip; it is something that will continue long after I return from the World Race. The World Race is just the first stepping stone in a lifelong adventure serving Jesus.
- Amazing people
It is incredible how much fellowship and community my squad cultivated in just 10 days. My squad has a diversity of different gifts and talents, all unified by Christ.
- Response = worship
One night we were bussed out to a state park with a couple of tarps, some rope, and some food. Had it not been pouring down rain, this would have been an enjoyable night of camping under the stars. But alas, it poured most of the night so we quickly constructed a teepee-like shelter out of the tarps, ate some soggy chicken and raw vegetables (too wet to build a fire), and then huddled under the tarp to wait out the night. Someone started singing a worship song, and people joined in. Despite the fact that we were wet, cold, uncomfortable, and cramped, we knew that our identity is not affected by circumstances. It was amazing to see people respond with worship. Like the hymnist said, “Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.”
- Man Hike – positive attitude
The guys on my squad went on a 2-day hike on the Appalachian Trail so we could do man-things like chopping down trees and carrying heavy loads long distances. It started pouring down rain in the middle of the night and continued throughout the entire 14-mile hike on Day # 2. Despite the saturated clothes, sopping wet shoes, muddy and slippery trail and waterlogged salami and cheese sandwiches, no one on my team complained; not once. Everyone kept a positive attitude and that made all of the difference, as we finished the hike 90 minutes ahead of schedule. Keeping a positive attitude no matter what I face during these next 11 months will be crucial to success. One way I do this is by listing out the things for which I’m thankful; those little blessings are always there in the midst of a downpour.
I am even more excited for the World Race now and feel much more ready to serve. In order to launch with my squad on June 28, I need to raise $7,500. Would you consider partnering with me by donating a little, a lot or any amount you can to help send me on this journey by clicking on the “Support Me!” link at the top of this page?
With Gratitude,
Zach
P.S. Here is a video my teammate Josh made, with some highlights from training camp. Can you find me?
