Entering month four was an exciting time for W squad. We had just finished our time in Central America was heading off for the next leg of the Race: Asia. With this excitement came an underlying feeling of anticipation as we all knew team changes were coming.
Team changes this time of year is completely normal on the World Race. For the first 5 months squads are led by two alumni World Racers. They disciple, guide, and encourage us as we begin this crazy new life. In preparation for their time to end, they prayerfully select people from our squad to step into a new position of leadership. This means that teams must be reorganized.
Daughters of the Vineyard, thank you!
Teams matter a lot on the World Race. It’s through them that God changes you. In this way, I am so grateful for the time I had with my first team, Daughters of the Vineyard. I would not have grown as much if my team were not patient. DOV’s, you revealed the depths of Jesus’ love for me by showing me so much grace and mercy, telling me the truth in love, and pursuing me when it was hard to do. It’s also because of you that I’ve had so much fun on the Race. I am so proud of our reputation of loud laughter, bursting out in song, and an unlimited amount of inside jokes. Yeah, I’m glad I was a part of that teamJ It’s because of your faithfulness that I am a stronger leader, disciple, and in a place to serve and receive better in this next season. I’ll miss you and looking forward to debrief and travel day reunions!
Meet my New Team!
So, who is now walking with me on this crazy journey? Let me introduce you to Team Unveiled!
When I first received the list of my new teammates, I was excited, shocked, and nervous. My first thought: wow! These are some strong women! How was I chosen to lead them? God kindly spoke: You need them and they need you. Nuff said. So quickly the anxiety went away and I became excited about this new group of women God had placed in my life. I knew they were exactly what I need to finish this Race strong.
Team Unveiled from Left to Right: Lolita, Candace, Bridget, Susan, Me, Lynn
About our Name.
Choosing our team name was pretty simple. We sat down and Susan said “I know this may seem weird because we haven’t talked yet, but I think I know our team name. Unveiled.” She began to explain a vision God gave her for this next season along with the scripture 2 Corinthians 3:16-18
“But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”
Immediately everyone agreed that this was for us. During the last four months God had done a work of breaking us all down and healing us in many ways. We all feel strongly that this next season is about God empowering us to walk in the freedom we’ve received as He unveils who we really are, our gifts, and the way He plans to use each of us to share His love with the world.
My first impression of these women was right. They are strong. They are bold, vulnerable, humble and ready to fight for each other. In other words, they are exactly what I prayed to have in my new team. So, without further delay, let me introduce you to my new team: Unveiled!
Meet Bridget.
Bridget graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and English. The best way I can describe Bridget is through a story. One of my first memories of her happened during month 1 in Guatemala. The squad did an outreach that included sharing our testimonies. Our translator was an hour late and the crowd grew impatient. Bridget stepped up in that moment, humbly grabbed a Spanish dictionary, took the mic and told them who we were & why we were there. Needless to say, she more than saved the day. Bridget’s heart in that moment was clear: she was there to share the love of Jesus, even if it meant stepping into an uncomfortable situation by trusting that God would work through the Spanish she knew. I’ve spent one week with Bridget and I still see that same tenacity, passion for God & love for people. I’ve also learned that she is hilarious. I love to laugh so this is going to be a fun time!
How does Bridget inspire me? I love talking with Bridget. She carries a certain confidence and authority with her. She knows the Bible and how to use it. I am still challenged by her boldness and her willingness to step out on faith when others are simply afraid. In her I am able to see that God truly works in our weaknesses. I have no doubt that she will encourage me to not just read the Bible, but live it with confidence and love.
Check her out: http://bridgetcundelan.theworldrace.org/
Meet Candace.
In month one, I shared a room with Candace and she quickly became one of my closest friends on the squad! Candace is from Lake Charles, Louisiana. She has an awesome southern accent and I’ll even say that she can out laugh me any day. She spent some time in beauty school and completed a semester of Bible College before coming on the Race. Candace has a huge passion for women and their restoration in the Lord. I believe that God will use her passion in mighty ways on our team. She has a bubbly personality and tells it like it is, which I really appreciate it.
How does Candace inspire me? I don’t know anyone who wants to change during this season more than Candace. She encourages me to pursue the Lord daily and ask bold things of Him for myself and my family. She has the faith that moves mountains and coming home a different person is the only option.
Check her out: http://candaceconner.theworldrace.org/
Meet Lolita.
Lolita was raised in New York and left a career as a mechanical engineer to pursue the Race. I got to spend time with Lolita in month 2 when our teams were together in Nicaragua She is silly, blunt, outgoing, and loves Star Trek. It’s great to see her passion for children as she goes the extra mile to get to know them-even across language barriers. Lolita has a strong desire to disciple others. This passion along with her wisdom and experiences, will be a great blessing to our team.
How does Lolita inspire me? Lo challenges me to think outside of the box when it comes to ministry. For her, it’s as simple as showing people you love them by just being with them. That includes stepping into a swamp and catching fish with your bare hands! She shows me that love isn’t designated to a schedule, program, or assigned duties. I’ve heard this before, but she challenges me to live it.
Check her out: http://lolitatam.theworldrace.org/
Meet Lynn.
Remember Lynn? She is a former teammate! It’s exciting to have someone continue on this journey with me. Lynn was born in the Netherlands, but comes to us from Canada. She has a degree in Dairy Management and loves animals. She is passionate about human trafficking and is in the application process for seminary. She is pursuing a Master’s in Christian Counseling with the hopes of helping survivors of sexual abuse find healing. She is a fellow nerd with me and loves to read and study. She is also hilarious and can dance with no music. Do I have to say anything else?!
How does Lynn inspire me? I really appreciate Lynn’s pursuit of people. No matter how difficult or uncomfortable something is she is always the first person to seek reconciliation and clarification. In this she fights for unity and understanding. She more than anyone has challenged me to not give up on people, but to fight for them. In this she is also extremely honest and vulnerable about her own needs which requires great humility and trust. Two things I hope to walk in this time around.
Check her out: http://lynndiepenbroek.theworldrace.org/
Meet Susan.
Susan is from New Jersey, but has spent the last two years teaching elementary school in North Carolina. One minute in Susan’s presence and you feel at ease. Genuine love naturally flows from her and her compassion is immediately evident. We immediately clicked as we both love coffee shops, long walks, and deep conversations. Yeah, she’s definitely my kinda womanJ Susan is wise, bold, and creative, which is a great asset for our team. She sees herself living in a remote village someday teaching children and sharing the healing power of Jesus. I have no doubt that this will happen and she’ll do it VERY well!
How does Susan inspire me? Susan takes everything to the Lord. She has a relationship with Him of such intimacy that she goes to Him first for everything. She talks to Him throughout the day and listens. Her heart is so pure in her pursuit of God and others. This challenges me as I still struggle with trying to do things out of my own strength. Susan encourages me to trust God when He says I can do nothing apart from Him and that He desires to do more than I can ever ask or imagine on my own. What a gift God has given me through her!
Check her out: http://susanjackman.theworldrace.org/
As our squad enters into this season of transition, please keep us in your prayers:
- Continued unity among our squad and the new teams, good health, and a continual burning fire to serve and love others
- Unity, wisdom, and endurance among our new squad leaders. Lincoln, Jessie, Ray, & Cam are going to do a wonderful job leading our squad forward!
- Financial provision that all of our squad will meet the upcoming final fundraising deadline. We hope to see NO ONE sent home.
- For blessings to be poured out on our alumni squad leaders, Laura & Amanda. They have done an incredible job leading and pouring into us. We seriously wouldn’t be the squad we are without their love and sacrifice. As they transition home may they blessed in every way possible!
- For team Unveiled that our passion to pursue each other, God, and people would remain a priority. That would push each other to grow and have a ton of fun while doing it!
- For me as I enter into a new season of leadership. That I will lead out of approval from God and not of people, for wisdom and insight into ways to serve my team well, and remain diligent in resting.
Thank you!
Love,
Sha’terika
MAKE A DONATION: I still need $3,751 to cover the cost for this trip. If you are able to support me financially, click “MAKE A DONATION” on the left to make a tax-deductible donation. Or, cut out the small online processing fee by mailing a check to:
Adventures in Missions
PO Box 534470
Atlanta, GA 30353-4470
Checks should be made out to “Adventures in Missions”.
***Put “PERKINSSHATERIKA” in the memo line of the check!!!!!***
