Take a moment and think about how you would feel if you were suddenly picked up and moved to another country. You don’t know anyone, you don’t speak the language, and you have no way to contact your friends and family at home. Little intimidating, right? BUT, you get to bring 25 friends along with you—there’s a catch, they all have to be strangers.
For the last few months my squad and I have been talking via google hangout sessions once a week. We all get on and have an online video chat face to face. With 10 or so people, you can imagine how smoothly that goes over! Everyone talking at the same time, or no one talking at all! Now imagine talking with strangers you’ve never met before! I’ll be honest, I had my hesitations at first. I wasn’t sure if I would even be able to relate to the people on the other end. I’m from South Dakota after all, I feel uncomfortable in a city of 80,000, and we don’t hear the news or pick up the latest greatest fashion and music trends until 3 years down the road when it’s out of style. South Dakota is basically the hand me down store for US culture.
Well, those fears can be put to rest. I have been overwhelmed by the joy that I have found in talking to my squad. It has been amazing to hear each one of their stories and be a part of each one of their lives. Even if it’s just in small ways: Praying for funding, hearing about new job opportunities, encouraging each other, praising God together for work he is doing and the people he is saving, or celebrating the safe delivery of a new born. They are each uniquely gifted and I can see how God has his hand in bringing us all together. Each of us has a story and each of us has a purpose for being on this trip, even if we don’t yet know it.
Ever since meeting Andrew in Scheels one year ago, it has been amazing to see this story, this adventure, falling into place. I’ve been praying for the team since the routes were first released in August and have been filled with Joy as I watch each new person join the squad. So, I want to take a moment to give a shout out to the rest of this squad! Each of you are here for a reason and God has set us apart, together, to serve for this next year. I pray God continues to strengthen our community and grow our Love for each other.
Now… that’s only half the team. The other half is right here at home. If we stopped at our squad, we would be forgetting the thousands of others that are also part of this team. God has brought and is bringing more and more to share in this journey, to be a part of what He is going to do. I’ve had people give to my trip that I haven’t talked to in years! I’ve seen donations come in and feel thankfulness fill my heart for those who are giving. People read my blog! (that’s a miracle folks) But no matter how it sits, God’s team is growing and more and more are rallying behind this mission. (and I’m only 15% of the way funded! God has a lot of team building left to do!) I feel a deep peace and joy, a smile comes to my face, knowing that my team isn’t just going on this trip, we are being sent on this trip. That in a few short months, 20-30 of us will be taking to the air headed towards a new mission field, and thousands will be right here at home praying and cheering us on. Let’s Go!
If you’re not already, I want you to be a part of this team. If you’ve given, if you’ve prayed, if you’re subscribed to a blog, you are a part of this team. God is going to work through us.
If you haven’t yet, take a moment to check out the rest of my squad’s blogs. They are all awesome people! Meet My Squad Here! My heart’s desire is that we would each know and feel that we belong and would be included in this team effort. I haven’t had the joy of meeting them all yet but look forward to seeing how each one of us fits into God’s plan. Because, let’s get this straight, it’s not about me, it’s about them, about us, about you, and most of all about God and His kingdom coming on this earth. I’m just once piece of the puzzle that is coming together—Together we get to live this adventure!
Join the Team!
Fund, Pray, Follow
One of the things our squad has been praying for together is that we would be fully funded before launch in August. Join us in praying for this and if God lays it on your heart, donate to my trip or any of my squad members trip! Even if it’s $1 we want you to be a part of this!
With Faith, Hope, and Love,
Nathan
If you haven’t already, subscribe to my blog! I’ve love to have you all hearing all that God is doing and be with me on my travels.
I am nearing my first fundraiser deadline. Will you help me get to $5,000 before May 15 and support my trip? You can donate right here on my blog at the top of the page ??
605-951-2751
