This blog is dedicated to my cousin Leti and her cousin Pablo… they’re having a baby boy! Congrats, cousin! You will make such an awesome momma! And Pablo was made to be a dad! I pray your boy becomes the man of God he is made to be and seeks Him first always.
It’s hard to find MEN of God. They’re out there, but sometimes it is RARE to see a man who is after God’s heart. Did you know that one out of nine missionaries is a man? I wanted to write this blog to encourage men to seek God and also to lift up the men in our squad. We are a squad of forty-eight… there are eight men in our squad. Two are married and the other six are single. I remember thinking, “WOW! How amazing is it to have men that are so in love with God that they bring their marriage into ministry?!” And then I thought “And what about the single guys that are willing to dedicate almost a year of their life to God!”
I was reminded of the Bible verse that talks about how David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). These men are like David. These men are also like Jesus; willing to invest in the Kingdom (Matthew 19:21).
I asked some of the women in our squad to talk about the qualities they loved about the men in our squad. The following quotes are their answers. Thank you MEN for standing out, for being sold out for Jesus and following Him until the ends of the earth.
“I have never known a man to intentionally check in with the women on our team just to ask how they are feeling. Jack is amazing. I remember one day during my worship I found myself feeling sad. Before I knew it, Jack was right there beside me with his hands laid on me in prayer. I am so grateful for the heart and sensitivity that God has given Jack.” -Maddie
“I have such an appreciation for Kyle and the way that he uses words to bring life. His blogs are well thought out and his words so clearly reflect Christ. He has been given such a gift in communicating the Word of the Lord and he has SO MUCH to offer this squad and the people he meets. He walks humbly with the Lord.” -Kristen Coughlin
“I’ve never seen a man with a servant’s heart like Daniel. He is constantly looking to pour himself into other people. Whether it’s literally going out on a limb for people or just leading worship, Daniel demonstrates Jesus’ servanthood.” –Lindsay
“I told this to Brad the other night: I looked around the room during worship with our parents and realized how our society tells men they can’t be vulnerable. So many of the dads stood around so awkward and unable to express themselves in freedom. I really look up to Brad because he is taking the time to lean into the Lord and really be vulnerable with himself, his wife and others. I know he is a father figure to his sisters and I just can’t think of a more noble way to walk with the Lord and break through the tough wall that society tells men they are supposed to be.” -Regan Smith
“Daniel has a way of speaking and worshipping and living through the Gospel that his way of living reminds you that the Gospel is alive and moving. He inspires and pours himself into other people selflessly. His heart of servant is contagious and he encourages others to seek after God in an effortless way.” -Juliana
“Brad is not afraid to say that Christin is the one he leans on instead of the other way around, and he is constantly building up the women around him, especially Christin. Saying the awesome things he sees in them.” -Carmen
“Andy is such a good listener. He allows voices to be heard and takes them into consideration. He also reacts well in high-stressed situations. He stays calm and thinks about the ones he’s leading.” -Carmen
“The way Brad loves Cristine is a testament as how we should all be loved by our husbands one day. He is constantly there to not only encourage and love her, but he does it in a way that makes me want that in a marriage myself one day. Sometimes when she is talking, I can see how he looks at her and it is with such respect and love. So cool!”-Maddie
“Andy really takes the time to think, pray and love on people so well. He is so intentional with his interactions- you can just feel th presence of Jesus when he enters a room. He really reflects on his experiences and is able to learn and grow from the people and life around him.” -Regan Smith
“It’s amazing how I feel safe around each of the guys. Like, I just feel more confident because they empower all of us and also protect us and have our safety and hearts in mind as well. I just feel like I can trust all of them.” -Carmen
“John is freaking amazing!! He is such an amazing example of a Godly man who love his wife and family well. He makes it known on a regular basis how much he cares for us as a squad. He is always there to listen, work through, and mentor all of our squad. It’s amazing!” -Maddie
“The first thing I noticed about Brad was that he was a great husband to Christin and a beautiful example of a godly marriage, but as I’ve gotten to know him more, he’s also an extraordinarily caring man in all his relationships! He has an ability to individualize all his conversations and relationships! He can seamlessly go from playing baseball with the guys to graciously trying to keep up with conversations about the bachelorette finale with us girls! We’re lucky to have him leading our team!” -Janine
“Oh, man- I love John! He is an incredible leader. He really takes his time to understand what people are thinking or feeling and shares his wisdom in such a patient loving way. John brings joy to the room and presents God’s love in big ways. He truly cares about each and everyone of us and stands as a steadfast man of God; not afraid to be vulnerable and share his knowledge with others.” -Regan Smith
“I love the joy that is in Luke’s spirit. I love that he is free to be himself because he knows who he is in the Lord. He is patient and inclusive and he always reminds me that I have a seat at the table.” -Kristen Coughlin
“I have admired how all of the guys on our squad interact with each other and genuinely love each other. They truly exemplify what it means to be brothers in Christ.” -Alex Banks
“Matt is such a servant and is so inclusive of those around him. The way he values people, relationships, and unity make our squad closer and stronger. He listens intently and seeks to understand others. So thankful for him and each man of God on our squad!” -Jess
“I love Luke and Kyle’s knowledge and love for the Word of God (I mean, I’m sure all of the guys know the Word very well), but I specifically see how Luke and Kyle so clearly have the Word written on their hearts and are ready and able to speak it out at any time. It really brings a special fire to our squad!” -Mikayla Hartel
“Ben is attentive to the needs of the people around him and focused on pouring into others, despite the cost that it might be to himself. In the times that I’ve needed it, he’s been there with a word of encouragement and a reminder of what reality is. He would be the guy I’d want to hide behind if a bear was attacking me, and somebody I’d find when I need a bear hug. He is gentle and kind-hearted, and his focus is the Lord.” -Diana Dvorak
“I’ve noticed that every single guy makes effort to know everyone, instead of clamming up and following their wives/other women around. So often in Christian culture, I see men just follow behind women, not making relationships or reaching out on their own. It’s beautiful that our men are so confident in themselves and in the Lord that they aren’t afraid to be who they are. They know they have value and experience to bring to our table.” -Ashley Guinn
“I love how Matt wants to know your story. He is attentive and caring. He lets you take your time to share and is sincere. He is also gentle and patient. I needed to climb this mountain in India and I was freaking out. He stayed behind me the entire time giving me small pep talks, keeping me distracted and confident. So blessed to have him on my team!” -Jackie
“Ben has such a kind heart and is so forgiving. He loves to encourage, he likes hearing people out and is willing to take feedback. He has so much wisdom to provide. I was having a hard time giving my testimony during our ministry month in India. When I shared this with him, he was able to share his story, and give me the courage to share my own. I love how he constantly reminds me that I can lean on him.” -Jackie
“Andy is the funniest guy in our squad. He and Maddie are relationship goals! He knows how to balance leadership and friendship. I remember during our fitness hike he was able to stop, give me water and encouragement to keep going. I see him and I am reminded of Jesus characteristics. He is definitely a man after God’s own heart.” -Jackie
“We as women are so blessed with the men God has chosen to be on the squad with us. I love seeing Andy interact and care for each of them and they are all able to bond and develop deep relationships so quickly. As we go to the ends of the earth together I am so thankful not only to have the wisdom they all bring but to watch them grow closer to God, knowing that they are being raised up to become the leaders of our generation.” -Madi
“I will say I am so thankful for all the guys we have in our team, they are all the time willing to help us and make us feel cared. I have been spending time mostly with Matt, Ben and Andy. Matt is an example of perseverance and braveness. His testimony is amazing and is so cool how he wants to encourage others with it. Also, how he wants to be listened, listens to others and lets them know their stories matter.
Andy has such a gentle heart. It’s so amazing to see the way he loves Madi and how he is always encouraging her, making her feel loved; or the way she inspires him to be a better man and vice versa. Also, it’s so impressive to see him playing with kids and just having fun no matter if he is tired or not. That’s so cool!
Ben is so wise and he is always ready to show God’s love and preach. It’s so cool to see that even when he made a mistake he has the humbleness to come to you and talk to you and apologize even when sometimes he knows that maybe wasn’t his fault.” -Andrea
“I have been so blessed by the men on our team. They take care of the ladies of M5:5 so well.
Matt is fun-loving and goofy but also encouraging and patient. He makes it a point to always ask how you are and he listens to your response intently. He is passionate about sharing, not only his, but all people’s testimonies. The Lord has given him tremendous talent in telling stories and he utilizes his craft well. He does everything with the intention of blessing those around him and bringing glory to God.
Ben is in equal parts adventurous and steady. Although he loves running after adventure, he also knows how to be calm and a single sentence from Ben can put you at ease. Ben is always aware of the beauty of God’s creation and is quick to point it out to us. I have much to learn from the awe that Ben has for the splendor of what the Lord has created.
Andy is a wise, gentle, and kind leader. All of Andy’s behavior points to Christ. He displays a servant’s heart in his interactions with the children even after a long and tiring day. The way he loves Madison is a beautiful reflection of how Christ loves the Church, and the words he speaks over his team are full of a wisdom that only comes from someone who is seeking the Lord first. Over the last month many walls around my heart have been breaking down and Andy has been an encouraging and wise presence along the way. I have learned a tremendous amount from Andy and look forward to learning even more.” -Jolee
