The World Race is a crazy concept. It is so difficult to justify with any worldly values or ideals: to completely and intentionally give up a year of your life to invest it in the future kingdom of Jesus Christ. To us who call ourselves Christ followers this is good. All of my new brothers and sisters can attest, the crazier we are, the more questions get asked. This is what we want. These are clear openings to share the gospel with those who have either not heard it or are still confused by what and why these young adults are serving so selflessly.
Going into training camp I would have called myself a Christian. Everyone who looked at me and saw what I did would have called me a Christian. By the world’s standards I was a Christian. I thought that if I tried to fake this personal relationship with Jesus, our dad, for the benefit of looking like I had it all together, that it would just come to me naturally. I was struggling internally with my personal relationship with Jesus, hearing Him, and seeing His intervention in my life. I thought training camp would help me learn how to hear from God and how to grow in this relationship with Him. It did. God used the leaders of this amazing mission to speak into me a new found love and life.
God has been trying to get my attention for a while now. He has let major downfalls and lows into my life to obtain my focus and look toward Him. I think He finally had enough of my ignorance and clear indifference. Oh God, you are a jealous God and I thank you for that. I look back and imagine each day of training camp as a door. Door 1=day 1, door 2=day 2, door 3=day 3, etc… As I stepped through door one, I stepped into a shallow river of what was to come. God was getting my feet wet and trying to give me any preparation of what was to come. Door 2 was now in front of me, I opened it and more water came to my feet. It filled the room I was standing in until the water level reached the my knees. I don’t think anyone, including God, could have prepared me for what was waiting for me behind door 3. As soon turned the knob, ever so slightly, I was put flat on back with a tidal wave of His love rushing over me. As I tried to stand up that day He kept knocking me right back down: Never think you aren’t loved by Me, You are My son, I have a new life and plan for you. I lost it. To be so overwhelmed with the love of my Heavenly Father and all I had to do was accept it. Ephesians 3:16-19
For the first time in my life, I knowingly felt God’s voice in me. “Now you are on My path for you, turn my son and walk.” To now know that my path is now His path is incredible. He has poured so much of His love into me that there is no room for anything else but love. It’s not just leaking out but pouring out onto others. This quick and radical transformation in my life has given me the joy and confidence, and has released me from any fear, anxiety, apathy, or pressure that I felt was on me. We will soar on wings like eagles. Isaiah 40:31
I now believe I have a responsibility. During my quiet time in training He gave me one simple command: Share my love and joy with everyone as I have with you.
A lot happened in those ten days: hammock sleeping, cricket eating, dance offs, and freezing bucket showers to name a few. I won’t be able to cover it all but here are a few highlights and pictures.
Q Squad camp site
Hammock town. Where I did most of my sleeping (when I had a choice on the matter)
My new brothers and sisters in Christ, all of Q squad
Meet my team, who I will spending almost all of my time with.
The men of Q squad and my closest brothers
God answered so many prayers of mine and many of my new family’s as well. If He has done this much to change me in ten days, I’m beyond excited to see what happens in the next 11 months. I have been overwhelmed by all of the love and support I have already received. Thank you to everyone.
