The World Race and AIM organization is all about following Jesus. The decisions that are made are based on Jesus and His will. From the beginning they've striven to focus on the best solution, according to His will. One aspect of the race are teams within squads. Although the squad is all going to the same country, we may not all be going to the same city or ministry, therefore seven teams have been formed within the squad. Each team will live in close community over the next 11 months as we embark on this journey.
Rewind to Training Camp: During the “interview” process of forming teams we worked through miscellaneous team building activities. The last scenario we worked through they asked us to rate how successful we think we would be if we were a team. The fact was that we hadn’t spent time getting to know each other and thus it was a little harder to picture us as a team. When we realized that our names were called together and we were a team we embraced it. As we continued to bond we realized that we have similarities and differences that complement each other. We strive to create the “perfect 10” team, humbling ourselves to God’s plan in order for us to successful. Pictured below, from left to right, myself, Rachael Miller, Ham(ilton) Dillbeck, Sarah Moore, Cindy Nickell, Athena Papadopoulos and David Garretson.
We are currently at launch this weekend and were sent out on our first street ministry outreach this afternoon. The instructions were simple- listen for how the Lord guides you. He each showed us a different image/action to take. I kept picturing footsteps, but thought it seemed too obvious and cheesy to mention, so I kept it to myself. The images were cardboard boxes, footprints, Waffle House, Sarah would know what to do and the idea of paying for someone elses dinner. I can't speak for the rest of my team, but I can honestly say this was the first time I've ever just followed an image/sign in pursuit of ministry.
As we were walking we came across this car that had a line of footprints at the bottom with the words “Walk by Faith” running alongside the side of the car. Immediately I started to laugh at myself because it simply confirmed the “cheesy” image that I tried to ignore. After we crossed the street we got stuck and decided to head to the Waffle House, where there happen to be cardboard boxes in the dumpster, and just wait until we got any more information of where we were supposed to be. We ended up staying there the whole time, bonding and listening to what the Lord wanted us to do.
As we were talking, waiting for what to do next, I observed that Sarah and Athena kept their eyes peeled for someone to serve. After we had been there for about an hour and a half, Sarah sought out a couple to pay for their meal. Her intentions were to pay for it discretely without them noticing, as we were leaving. That did not happen, instead her and Athena ended up praying over the couple and for a new hope for peace in their lives.
Later on, as we headed back to the hotel, we learned that the couple had crossed out three options for dinner and finally decided to go to the Waffle House on Virginia Avenue. Of the three to choose from they chose the same one we were at- not a coincidence. It was such a neat experience, learning how to simply follow Jesus, and the best part is that it's only going to get better as the time goes on, for the rest of our lives.
We start our journey tonight as we fly out of the Atlanta Airport towards Romania for the first month. Please pray that God's will be done throughout our travels and that we embrace this journey with open hearts, eyes and ears.
Side Note: Although I'm not completely funded yet, I have confidence and take comfort in the fact that God will provide. If you are interested in financially supporting me there is another option- in the left menu bar there is an image of two women with children in their laps that supports Feed The Hungry. Check it out. Last but certainly not least, I would like to extend my gratitude to those who have helped in any way, shape or form to help get me to where I am today and have this blessing of beginning this life-changing journey.
James 4:10- Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up.
