Squad Leader: [skwaad leeder] An individual called by God for a position
way too big to lean on their own wisdom, understanding, gifts, strengths, and
good looks for (and they are good looking.)

 

Talk about expectations getting blown
out of the water.

I bet if you asked Michael, Liz, or Noe about the
ministries they were dreaming of being a part of last year at this time, they would
have answered- orphans, sex-trafficking, evangelism, reaching out to the poor
and destitute of this world…

The faces they envisioned ministering to probably looked like this…


And instead, their primary ministry goes to peope with faces that
look like this…


A fabulous face… but different
than probably what was expected.

At the end of March these three individuals
were asked to step up and lead the entire squad of 52 people.


I’m sure they battled fears and insecurities… there is nothing harder than leading your peers.

As a World Racer, supporters and readers get to see the stories through the blogs, of the people we come
across around the world. We get to talk about the places we live in for a
month, the people we get to love and encourage, the missionaries we partner
with. We have tangible stories to
speak about what we have spent the year doing.

For Squad Leaders… it looks a
little different.

They are a little more mobile, they don’t usually settle into one place for very long,
but spend time visiting the teams.

They don’t always have the
chance to engage in organic ministry
of the countries we are in, because they have to engage more in the health of the
teams.

They hear the highs and lows of everyone’s week.

They make hard decisions concerning teams… I know tears have
been shed.

They handle logistics.

They get asked probably close
to 1,345,392 questions a week.

They seek to encourage the many members of this squad and
invest in individuals.

They are responsible for the overall behavior of the squad.

They reach in and challenge individuals,
having hard conversations when necessary, to push and make us better so that we
can go out and truly be more effective for the Kingdom.

We, the squad, are their primary
ministry this year- and the truth is we do not function without them.


Leadership is lonely.
Anyone who has ever been in leadership knows that- you do a lot of out pouring,
and don’t get a lot poured back into you.

Personally I have been encouraged, called out, loved, and gently
reprimanded (when necessary), to
push me into a more Christ-like reflection… and these three have cared enough
to do that.

Because of their ministry and
love to me, I am able to love the world better.

So here is a thank you Michael, Liz, and Noe…

For loving 50 broken missionaries through their own
insecurities and ugliness… for seeing us for who we are, and the greatness that
God has called us to… for fighting for this squad, your squad, to be men and women who walk a holy calling.


I know, though at times you’ve felt the burden, that
you do really love the position God put you in, because you love the people on this race.

Roy Lessin wrote..

“A Godly leader … finds strength by realizing his weakness
finds authority by being under
authority
finds direction by laying down
his plans
finds vision by seeing the needs of
others
finds credibility by being an
example
finds loyalty by expressing
compassion
finds honor by being faithful
finds greatness by being a servant“

You three bring a lot of joy and honor to this
squad…

And that’s not just fluff…

That’s real talk baby!