FINALLY! We have been placed into our teams for the Race!
For those who are not familiar with what teams are, they are small groups of 6-7 people on our Squad (those who are on your route for the Race). This smaller group of people are the ones we will live with and do ministry with during our months in each country. But, we still meet up with the whole squad for debriefs and travel days!
These are our people. This is our tribe. We are SurrendeR121.
Let me explain the name of our team before I introduce you to the members. During Training Camp we are given a day off with just our team. We went into Gainesville, GA and made memories together, got to know one another, and laugh. Laugh a lot. Our team decided to go to Mellow Mushroom to eat (If you don’t know what this restaurant is, Google it. You’ll be changed for life). Anyway, when we get our food one of our teammates, Dylan, takes on bite and throws his hands up. Almost like he is surrendering to the fact that this food is amazing … or because it literally tasted like Heaven after not having “real” food for 7 days. Whatever the reason, another teammate, Courtney yelled “Surrender!” And then we all put our hands up and said, “Surrender!” From that moment, we knew we wanted surrender to be our team name.
So why the 121? And the capital R at the end?
Romans 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
These verses encompass the word surrender. Surrendering to God; us to Him; one to one. But we took it a little further and said we also want to surrender to one another (our team). One the one; I surrender to you, you surrender to me. This means that we trust each one of our teammates to push us to be more like Jesus. And to not conform to this world. But to live surrendered to God. This is what 121 means.
And the R is capital at the end of the word because we want to recognize the scripture reference in Romans.
I hope that all makes sense!
Now, the best part, we get to introduce you to our team. Everyone has a nick name.
The Spriggs
You already know us! And if you don’t, just read our bio! Oh, our team nicknames are Sprilly Biggs (Billy) and Spriglett (Ashley). Thanks Wes 🙂 We are SO excited to work alongside and live with these 5 other people. And we know that each person on this team will play an important role in our lives and marriage this next year!
Dylan Ledford
Our little spark plug. He brings the laughter and joy to our group. He knows how to make us laugh, yet has deep wisdom from the Holy Spirit. Dylan has such a big heart for people and for pulling the greatness out in them. His passion is for worship and youth ministry. We cannot wait to see how God uses him on the Race!
He is often known as Dilbert, Dilly-bar, Dill pickle or Billy’s other half. They have this sweet bromance. Wes, are you ready to join in? Haha!
Wes Sanders
Wes is the peanut butter addict of the group. Seriously, you will always find a jar within reach of this guy. He is also our Squad Security (aka Body Guard). But Wes is so gentle and humble. He will do anything for anyone without saying a word. He is quiet yet fierce and when he speaks it is definitely worth listening. Wes has a passion for the next generation: youth and young adults. He has a gift for seeing the potential in young leaders and has a drive to see them walk with Christ. We love you Wes … to infinity … and beyond! (His nickname is now Buzz)
Janelly Chavez
Our little Dominican, Janelly. Or j-nelly. She has the sweetest voice that carries the cutest accent. Janelly is also the calm in any storm. She knows how to stay centered and focused, when waves come crashing around her. Her carefree spirit and deep love for people are inspiring. Janelly LOVES working with kids and has a heart for women’s ministry. She is going to thrive on the race and we cannot wait to watch her gifts and talents grow!
Oh, and after saying with us for a few days, she is now a proud addict of Chick-fil-A!
Courtney Cosgrove
Canada. She is from Canada. And that is what we call her. Canada. But more than where she is from, Courtney is bright and joyful. She radiates the love of Jesus in her actions. And she has a heart that beats with the Father’s heart for others. She is passionate about children’s ministry and loves holding little babies! Court will make an amazing mom someday!
Oh, and being from Canada, she has missed out on Chick-fil-A her whole life … until she met me. She also is now a proud addict of Chick-fil-A! Eh?
Julia Still
Julia, or Julisha, as I like to call her, is our fearless team leader. She is a true servant of Christ who leads in a very Christ-like manner. Julia is the “big-kid” of the group. She is a child at heart with child-like faith. And her light shines brightest when she is hanging with the little ones … and she will probably teach all of them how to play tennis because she is a killer tennis player! (*cough* college athlete!) Julia loves deeply and is one of the best advice-givers around. We cannot wait to learn from your leadership and serve with you girl!
Back row (left to right): Julia, Billy, Dylan
Front Row (left to right): Courtney, Ashley Janelly, Wes
{UGANDA}
We will be going to Uganda for our first month of ministry where we will be living in Mukono working with World Bridges Ministries. World Bridges is a church plant that has been growing over the last several years. Pastor Charles Lubwama is the church leader, and our ministry host. We will be living with and working alongside Pastor Charles and his team helping them with women’s ministry, children’s ministry, and hospital outreach. Pastor Charles is very passionate about evangelism and will often challenge us with days of door to door ministry and preaching in the streets. We are SO excited to see all that Mukono has in store for us! And we are also super pumped to dive into the culture and live like Ugandans!
Now that you know our team and our first month of ministry, we ask that you pray for us specifically; pray for each team member, pray for Mukono, and pray for safety.
Thank you SO much to each person who has supported us this far. We are blown away by the amount of support we have received!
We need $20,000 by August 21st in order to launch in September. We ask that you prayerfully consider sowing a seed into this journey God has called us on. Every dollar matters.
Loving the least,
Billy & Ashley Spriggs
