a surreal moment for me as I’m sitting here, typing my last blog of my 11
month-11 country world race mission trip. This year had so many things in it I
never expected, it has stretched my faith beyond what I thought was possible.
I’ve lived in impoverished areas of the world, seen the injustices that take
place daily, and witnessed corruption throughout governmental systems. I’ve
built shelters for the homeless, fed the hungry, taken care of orphans, preached
to people who were thirsty for truth, befriended men in prisons, and comforted
widows all with the love that only Jesus can bring. I’ve seen things happen
spiritually in my life and the lives of others this year that you wouldn’t
believe, well you could but it might take you out of your comfort zone if I
told you.
This
year has also included some unbelievably fun things I’ve had the opportunity to
do on days off. Scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, playing
basketball in a Philippine prison, seeing the temples in Cambodia, playing with
tigers and riding elephants in the jungle of Thailand, going on safari in
Kenya, swimming with a pod of dolphins in the Indian Ocean, going to the island
of Zanzibar in Tanzania, and rafting the Nile river in Uganda to name just a
few things.
Just a
few things God has shown me about myself this year is I’m a warrior; I fight
for people, the injustices that take place that break His heart, and for truth.
I protect those around me, not just physically but spiritually through prayer,
words, and actions. I have a big heart that tends to break a lot for people. I
love generously. God has given me a gift in communicating through words. I
easily see the potential in people.
A big
one this year is realizing that He calls me by my full name Michael, and
everything that name means to me now, people on my squad telling me how they
see the same characteristics in Michael the Arch Angel as they see in me.
Taking the courage to step out and ask people to call me Michael from now on,
rather than Mike. I feel like a new man after this year and Mike is the old me,
and Michael is this new man, with a firm identity of who he is in Christ, and
who is daily being shaped by God.
Just as
thrilling for me has been seeing the lives of my squad mates change over the
course of the year. I set out with a certain ministry in mind for this world
race, but God had different plans. My main ministry became the 49 people that I
have led and served this year, who are known as M-Squad. He’s also used me in
releasing people from their own personal bondages, helping them release baggage
they had no business carrying around. I’ve seen people walk into true freedom
this year on my teams and I have never been a part of something like this
before in my lifetime. It’s
addicting. I have been humbled to play a part in helping to raise up a new
generation of missionaries who are willing to take a stand for Jesus against
the tide of darkness sweeping over our society.
So the
main question that must be on your mind right now, is where does a person go
onto do after a year like this? What is the next step? Well those are excellent
questions. After months of prayer, consideration and seeking wisdom/advice I
feel the next right step in this journey is a leadership academy called G42.
G42 stands for Generation 42, and is located in Malaga, Spain. I will be
leaving in January and be gone for 6 months. At this school I will be under the
authority of some amazing men, fathers, and teachers helping continue the work
of God in me. The main objective of this school is to work on your “kingdom
dream” which is the ministry and/or business you feel God is calling you to,
the thing in life that brings you alive. At this point I have a few different
things I would like to work on, one of which includes a discipleship school for
men. . This next step will help me find that dream, make a plan, and at the end
of 6 months say amen and go do it.
I’ll be coming home on November 21st,
and then going to work for a buddy’s business hanging Christmas lights to help
contribute towards my next step. Another friend has loaned me a Honda scooter
as a mode of transportation to get around for the 6 weeks I will be home in
Orlando. I’m sad that I will only have limited time with friends and family but
it’s part of the sacrifice I have to make to do what I feel God has called me
to.
It is a big vision, but I believe that God will bring people alongside
me who will help make this a reality. Although I have committed to living
frugally, I still have basic financial needs to meet. Because G42 is a
faith-mission, my financial support must come from friends like you who want to
help send me out. I need a team of people who want to invest in my ministry
through their prayers and their finances. I will need $6000 total for the 6
months or $1,000 a month.
Please pray about the part that God would have you play as a member of
my team. Even if you can’t give, I covet your prayers. I want to talk with you
either face to face, or at the very least, over the phone about my ministry and
the part that you might play in it. Thanks for all of your love and support
this year. Many lives were changed and I hope we can continue on this journey
together in 2011.
I love you guys, thanks for the most amazing year of my life.
If you already feel called to support me and be a part of my next step please go to
http://www.g42leadershipacademy.org/donate
* click on “Intern Support” and decide if you would like to do
a monthly or one time donation. Make sure to enter my full name Michael
Schuerman / January 2011 term. **All donations are
tax deductible**
