Q Squad
So we just returned from Training Camp for the World Race. The week was absolutely intense, insane, incredible, hard, tiring and challenging. Every day was a new experience that tested us to the extreme. We were able to experience just a taste of what this next year will be like. And because of TC I'd like to provide you my Top 11 Reasons NOT to go on the World Race.
Camp
Why you SHOULD NOT go on the World Race:
1. You will be living in extremely close community with people whom you've just met. (We spent the week with our 47 squad-mates and personal space was non-existent.)
2. You will be pushed to the extreme, physically, emotionally and spiritually. (Every day we were expected to partake in physical challenges, including an unintentional 2 hour hike; we engaged in spiritual exercises that challenged us; there were many, many tears and lots of emotions.)
3. You will try new things (food, activities, spiritual exercises) that may be different and completely uncomfortable for you. (You will be expected to completely demolish the walls of comfort.)
4. Your views, perceptions and theology will be tested and tried, and you may not come back with the same views, perceptions or even theology that you had when you arrived.
5. You will have to have an open mind and at times check your understanding at the door. (You may think that what you've always been taught, what you've always seen, and what you've always experienced is the only truth, but God is not confined to a box.)
6. Your sin and darkness will be exposed to the light, and you will have to deal with your crap. Don't think you can hide.
7. You will have to be completely open and honest about everything, and some of it may be ugly.
8. God will absolutely break you and reveal to you your desperate need for Him.
9. You will be challenged to stop living a life of comfort and leisure, and start dealing with situations that could be uncomfortable and challenging. (You may lose your luggage and have to sleep in someone else's tent; you may not shower for 3 days; you may have to sleep on a bus with 48 other people; your 20 minute walk may turn into a 2 hour hike.)
10. You will be called out. (Don't think that just because you have a quiet, reserved personality that you won't have to be engaged or even lead. We're all called to be leaders, and your voice will be heard.)
11. You cannot have your own agendas. (God is not concerned about your agenda. The only expectation you can have is that God can and will move, and He wants to so long as you're willing.)
Geared up
I know some of this sounds harsh. I know some of this is uncomfortable. And I know that this may actually scare some of you so much so that all of your interest in the World Race completely dwindles. Please take heart. I am not wanting to discourage anyone from participating in the World Race or any mission trips. So, let me offer now my Top 11 Reasons to GO on the World Race:
Why you SHOULD GO on the World Race:
1. You will be living in extremely close community, the way it was meant to be.
2. You will be pushed to the extreme, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
3. You will try new things that may be uncomfortable. (EMBRACE IT!!!)
4. Your views, perceptions and theology will be tried and tested, AND IT'S OK IF IT CHANGES!
5. You will be challenged to have an open mind. GREAT!!! (I hope by now you're sensing a pattern.)
6. Your sin will be exposed! (And it's AWESOME! God's healing power is waiting to completely cleanse those who want to be cleansed by Him. God's grace is sufficient, and His love is everlasting.)
7. You will have to be completely open and honest, and it may be ugly. That's ok.
8. God will break you and reveal to you your desperate need for Him.
9. You will be leaving your comfortable life behind. You will find yourself smack in the middle of God's perfect will for you.
10. You will be called out. You are a leader.
11. You will leave your own agendas behind. There is only one agenda: "YOUR kingdom come, YOUR will be done". That's all that matters.
Are you ready? Are you willing? Is this the journey, the adventure you've been waiting for? Is God calling you to something incredible? We are meant for more than this. God is working, He is moving, and He has a purpose and a plan, and you're in it! He wants to use you and me. "YOUR kingdom come, YOUR will be done". That's what I want. What about you?
Ashlie's Baptism
Photo credit: Marina Razumovsky & Tina Chiang.
We would never have made it to training camp without your support. We currently stand about half-way to being fully funded for our trip! If you would like to partner with us, please click the "Support Us!" link at the top left of this page. To everyone who is supporting us financially and through prayer, thank you!
