Training camp really happened. Two weeks ago, I was driving to Georgia to “Adventures in Missions” (World Race training camp). Ten and half hour drive from my house, crossed six different states to hang out with a whole group of people I’ve never met for ten days. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind this wasn’t what I was supposed to be doing. Let me repeat that, there wasn’t a single doubt that entered my head. Upon arrival I was greeted by my first two squad mates. By the end of the day we met the rest of the squad and were greeting each other like old friends who have been separated for years.
The first five days of training consisted of my personal relationship with Jesus, which was amazing. We focused on how to find and break down the walls holding us back from having a deeper relationship with him. We learned about worth, shame, pain, forgiveness, intimacy, baptisms, holy spirit, and discipleship. One of many things that stuck out to me was the need to be intimate. Intimacy with the Father is so important not “just because”. It’s where you find your identity, inner healing, and be able to pray to the Father. If you are in an intimate relationship with Jesus, you know what I’m talking about. Much of the things we still hold on too wouldn’t be a problem if we were more intimate with Christ. For those of you who don’t quite understand yet. It’s like having a relationship with someone, when you’re in the relationship they’re a part your everyday life. You think about them, you care about what they care about, you want to spend time with this person; same goes with Jesus, he wants to have a relationship with us. He wants us to be meditating on his word and share what he has to offer with the rest of the world. This has been a major truth that has transformed my life and relationships with others.
The last five days consisted of what community looks like on the race and being the church while not actually being in a church. All of us being and hands and feet of Christ, (1 Corinthians) we all play a specific role in God’s kingdom. One thing about being in community was learning to be vulnerable, not just in the sight of God but in the site of others within my new community. I learned being vulnerable is a strength, it helps us live in a healthy community. This is where there aren’t any elements holding us back from what we can do to bring God’s kingdom. In being vulnerable it leaves more space for growing, while allowing room for feedback, to become more like Christ. I, also, had the opportunity to take a class on teaching. This is a place I felt I lacked in, which after the class God really showed me what and how to teach properly. I learned to teach through putting on love (Colossians 3:11-17). In some of the countries we won’t be able to directly speak the Word, instead we will teach through our actions, how we love others, one another, by being our true selves, and how God created us to be.
Through the whole ten days I learned so much, God is truly moving everywhere I turn. He continues to amaze me on a daily basis with his provision and favor. He showed me what it is to make 45 some strangers from all over the USA and beyond my family in only ten days. To push me out of my comfort zone and into the calling He has for me. To be open and willing to do whatever He calls my squad and I to do. I can only imagine what the end of this next year will look like if I’ve been changed this much in only ten days. A personal thank you to the people who have supported so far through prayer and financial support. You don’t know how much this means to me. I thank you to all the future supporters out there too. For without all of you it would not be possible for me serve God through this trip. I would like to invite and challenge you to prayerfully consider donating to this mission. It’s not just an 11-month mission trip. This is so much bigger than that. This will impact others for the rest of our life’s. The work I do there won’t be done after that 11 months, God is continuously working to better his kingdom while using his children to do so.
If you are interested in knowing more about the type of things we did outside of classes (sleeping scenarios, what food we ate) stay tuned for the part 2 blog of training camp!
