Coming home from the race was the hardest thing i’ve ever done. After 9 months of living in close nit community that was constantly challenging me, encouraging me and bringing be closer to God; reverse culture shock back to the American life, felt like to much to bear at times. I tried the best I could to keep it together, which normally meant doing things that made me feel comfortable, ex: watching Netflix, eating Chic-Fil-A and hanging out with the few people who I thought would understood me. During this time I was so consumed in trying to fit back in, that I took the new identity God had given me the past 9 months, and buried it along with all the healing and freedom God had so generously poured out on me during my race.
Coming into Project Searchlight my expectations were fairly low. I had been told that the best part of PSL would be getting to meet with my squad again for the first time since being in America; since I knew that most of my squad would not make it due to many circumstances, I was almost hesitant to go. After a few squad-mates persuasions I decided there was nothing to lose and came anyway.
After the first night of worship God revealed to me that I had much to anticipate, for and he was already beginning a new work in me. My closed-off brain could not begin to imagine the amazing things that were in store for me and the 2 other squads at this point.
During the first worship set something shifted. I had forgotten how important true and intimate worship was, being filled with the holy spirit, and a community of young men and women in complete pursuit of the one true King.
Chains were falling off Lonely people were set free All Glory was given to GodI thought this had to be as good as it gets. God had filled me and I was done receiving his blessings, no expectancy for anything more…. but then day 2 came. On this day I attended a prophetic room; which is basically a space where people listen to God on your behalf and share with you whatever they feel like the father wants to speak into your life. This also wrecked me. I was reminded how good God is, the faithfulness he showed me on the race, and the continual goodness and mercy that will follow me all the days of my life! He reminded me about my passion for community that is in reality a worship to him and a life giver to my soul.
That day was incredible and this time I knew it couldn’t get any better. I had already experienced my heaven on Earth, what more could God possibly have for me? But he was faithful. That night I had the opportunity to come together with some of the people that I didlife with for a year, and we reminded each other all the gifts that the spirit had freely given to us over the course of our race. After being filled with so much life and truth, several of us had the opportunity to go out to a near by apartment complex to share out of the abundance of what we had received. We told testimony after testimony of Gods faithfulness, and now we wait with expectancy to see what God will do in the hearts of the people he placed in front of us.
This week I was able to take back my freedom. I was able to dance and sing for my Lord. I took back every stronghold that the enemy had stolen, and I was reminded that complete authority in the Kingdom had been given to me through the Holy Spirit.
As I was driving home I began to count each blessing and relationship that the Lord has blessed me with this year, and I began to worship. It started as a prayer of praise as I invited the spirit to fill me in the car, (next time I will try to consider my location before I pray that prayer because before I knew it I was ugly crying and trying my best not to miss ALL of my roads). I was able to worship the creator of the universe as his presence encompassed me.
Millennials get a bad rep in todays society, but what I witnessed this week was a powerhouse. A group of world changers willing to risk it all. People who don’t listen to the nay-sayers of the world, and are willing to test the limits on what it means to be a follower of Christ. I saw a room full of men and women who were changing the question from “What do I have to do?” to “How much of myself can I give away for the sake of the gospel?” I don’t know what’s about to go down but I just want to let you know that a group of planet shakers just landed in America and things are about to change around here. God is taking back the reigns and we are expecting big things
I could tell you story after story of:
–tumors shrinking,
-legs being healed,
-people being delivered,
-revivals starting,
-lives changed and
-hope restored, all because some crazy kids fresh out of high school heard a call from the Lord and responded with a yes in their spirit.
Gap F, G, and H; we ran a good race. Be proud of yourself, but remember IT DOESNT END HERE. Today is the first day of the rest of your life, live a life worth of your calling.
I could go on all day but I’d rather tell you in person, so please if you have any questions or just want to talk feel free to call me and I’d love to meet with you in person and talk some more! 478-538-7632
