I have 4 days left on the field with F squad as their alumni squad leader. Four days and then we part ways- them to Nepal, and my co-leaders and I to Chiang Mai before we head back to the states. My 5 months as a squad leader with this crew has been such a sweet season. I’ve been stretched in challenged as a leader, I’ve seen the Lord move in incredible ways, and I’ve formed an even deeper appreciation for community as I’ve gotten to do life with these incredible people. It’s a role that I knew held weight and responsibility, but it’s also been one of the biggest privileges and blessings.
In reflecting on this season, I’ve realized that it’s been hard for me to convey to you all what it is that I really do and why I felt it important to return to the field in this role. It’s been hard to put into words how this time out is different than the last and what my main ministry is. As a squad leader, I get to do life with the people on F squad. I get to go out into the countries and do daily ministry with them. But my main ministry and focus this time is on the racers themselves. I get to come alongside them as they walk into a deeper relationship with the Lord. As they let go of hurts and burdens and discover sweet freedom that only the Lord can give. I get to watch them discover gifts and encourage them in them. I get to see them figure out what life on the race looks like- how to communicate and navigate as a team in a healthy way. How this lifestyle on the race really just translates to a life on mission. I get to lead with amazing co-leaders and plan debriefs and teachings. I get to laugh with them, cry with them, and journey alongside them as I share my own journey with them. As they teach me along the way. It’s a hard role to wrap up in words and much of it doesn’t really get shared in this platform.
I’m still not sure how to give you a glimpse into my ministry so, I asked a few of the members of F squad to write in their own words the value that they have seen in having alumni squad leaders journey with them. Here is what they said:
Squad leaders are crucial to our success entering the field. From day one, they were validating how we felt but still pointing us to God for strength. They seek us out and ask questions to help us navigate all that is the World Race. They pull us off the emotional roller coaster into reality.
I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside Sylvia during my first 5 months on the race. Specifically in Thailand, our month 4, she was with my team in Phuket doing bar ministry. Sylvia’s presence brings stability. She is steadfast and unwavering in her intimacy with the Lord which sets an example for the people around her. She and the other squad leaders pour life into us and call us higher in love. Sylvia showed me what humility in leadership looks like and how to boldly walk in spiritual authority without also trying to have the biggest or loudest voice. She has a gentle authority that demands respect but is also so honoring to the people around her. Sylvia makes me feel seen and loved and valued. She has spent countless hours in one on ones to truly take the time to know us.
Squad leaders are so important and provide discipleship that catapults us into exponential growth. I wouldn’t want to do the race without them. –Amanda
Alumni squad leaders on the race play a vital role in pouring into us (the racers). God has gifted them with 11 months of experiences, lessons, and growth in community, missions, and intimacy with the Lord that they have constantly encouraged us in these past 5 months! They have challenged me to grow and step out in ways that God has allowed them to see based on their past experience as a racer. It’s bitter sweet that Sylvia and the others leaders are going home soon, but they’ve been pouring into us so well! I look forward to seeing them again at our next couple debriefs down the line! –Kelly
Having alumni as squad leaders has been beneficial for our squad and for me personally. They’ve led with understanding, compassion and truth. Sylvia walked me through a deliverance while on the race, and inner healings for many others. Her spirit led guidance, knowledge and humility has made such an impact on my life!! –Emily
Alumni squad leaders. I am not sure I’d be on the race still with the mindset I do if it wasn’t for them. Sylvia in particular has been my day one. She was with my team, Beloved Daughters, in Côte d’Ivoire in a remote village and I can’t thank the Lord enough for having her with us. We were like a sponge Month one, trying to get as much knowledge and information about how to do this thing called the world race. Sylvia was the perfect squad leader for the role. Full of wisdom, poise, and a warm & welcoming spirit, I can honestly say she has helped me and taught me so much. As have all of the other squad leaders, but there’s just something different about the first squad leader you get to be with Month 1 & I’m so thankful that person was Sylvia. –Adriana
Discipleship and walking with others into freedom has been something the Lord has put on my heart over the last few years and was a huge part of my desire and pull to come out on the field. I’ve gotten to see the ways that the Lord has chosen to use me in this way and am humbled and honored every time. He chooses to let me be a part of what He’s doing in and through them- what an amazing thing! As my co-leaders and I leave the field, we are training and raising up new leaders and get to watch F Squad walk into even more ownership of their own race- I can’t wait to see where the Lord takes them!
Family, friends, supporters-you all played a role in helping me get here. You sacrificed financially to make it possible and your encouraging words continue to fill me up as I pour out. I was trying to think of a way to help you understand what I do and why your support and the part you’ve played in helping me be back out on the field has been so important, so I hope that this helps explain it and show you the impact. On the racers, and on me, as leading has changed me in some tremendous ways. So, thank you for believing in this role and all that the Lord is doing. I may only have 4 days left of it in this capacity, but I’m soaking every second up and am looking forward to how the Lord is going to continue to use and evolve this in the next season.
