It’s month 5!!! Whoop! The Race has seemingly flown by so far. At the moment we’re at our debrief in the Jampui Hills of the state of Tripura, in a place literally called Eden. Well, Eden Tourist Lodge to be exact. It is unbelievably beautifull here. We’re on top of a mountain overlooking a valley of hills that roll like ocean waves. It’s the perfect place for refreshment and new beginnings.
We were informed a week ago about team changes happening during our time here. Emotions were definitely mixed. I loved Collective Pursuit so much, but we knew we needed a change because we were getting too comfortable with each other. We had a great team debrief, where we closed this season with encouragement. The following day the new teams were announced and I am so excited for this next season!!! Here is my new team; me, Paul Duesing, Ryan Griffin, Nick Loper, Joe Simpkins, and Jared Celosse. It is the only all-guys team on the squad at the moment and the first one put together on this Race. It was a pleasant surprise, and it filled me with so much joy when I heard.
In our very first team meeting all of us started talking about how we didn’t want to be just bros, but rather brothers. It’s pretty clear that expectations are low from squad-mates. It’s understandable; folks have to wonder when six guys are together what’s gonna happen. In our meeting though we made it clear that we want to defy those expectations and blow all preconceived notions out of the water. We want this to be a team where iron sharpens iron, and where we use our influence to push (not force) people further into their walk with the Lord. It is going to be a most interesting journey.
There’s something I want to let you all in on that I haven’t thought to inform you of. Back during our last debrief in Ecuador (beginning of month 2), on our last day in that Eden, one of the squad leaders approached me. He asked me to step into the position of Team Leader for Collective Pursuit. It was quite unexpected, but after praying for a bit I heard the Lord tell me to accept, so I did. I have been a TL since then. Being a TL doesn’t mean I’m the type of leader people expect. In fact I’m no different than my team, save the fact that I have weekly paperwork to fill out, and a phone to try not to lose.
Last week I got the call asking me to keep going during this next season. I initially wanted to say no, so I can be free from the stress (and boredom) of filling out paperwork, but the Lord said something different. It was clear that He wanted me to keep going, so I had no choice but to say yes. Please keep me in your prayers as this new season begins and as I continue to be a TL. Also keep my new team in your prayers as we prepare to set out into the same season.
