When you are a World Racer, you get put on a Squad of about 40 people, but amongst those people, you get put on a TEAM of about 5 or 6. My team was called Oasis. We were put together at Training Camp in October of 2017 and our Squad Leaders and Mentors informed us last month that we will be going through team changes after our time in India. As our ministry in India is coming to a close, we thought we would come together and take some time to truly reflect on this God-given team and all that He is done in and through us. So the 5 of us (Chandler, Mike, Meredith, Annalise, and Jamilyn {JJ}) have taken time to invite you into our months together as Oasis and reflect not only on our team, but on each individual that has made these first four months unforgettable.
TEAM REFLECTIONS
JJ: Oasis has been such a gift to me. I saw right from the beginning how each of these people were going to challenge me and help develop me into a better follower of Christ. They each bring something to the table that I don’t have and they have rubbed off on me in incredible ways. As we finish our time as Team Oasis, I look back and am so thankful for these brothers and sisters of mine. I found myself the other day watching us all laugh and joke together like best friends and I felt a pain in my heart knowing these are our last weeks together as a team. I can honestly say these folks are my best friends. I couldn’t say that in Haiti- it took a while for us to open up to each other, be vulnerable and trust one another in our most painful moments. In the D.R., we walked through a rough road with one another but by the time we reached Jamaica, we felt like real friends and were able to do evangelism with confidence and strength. Gosh, I can’t tell you how wonderful our time is India has been and how these brothers and sisters of mine have brought me to laughing until I cry and have walked me through some of the hardest things I’ve ever seen. At times, I have felt like I’ve been standing on a mountaintop with these people, and they have also circled me in prayer and fought the enemy for me while I cover myself in tears. We came together as a team in October of 2017 and here we are almost 7 months later ending our time together. Our team name is Oasis. Why? Because we wanted to be that for other people; to be a sacred place they could come to to feel hope, joy, peace, and love- streams of living water in a desert place. What I have found out is that our team name also, without knowing it, was a place we could enter into with God and with each other. God is my ultimate refuge, safe place, and paradise- diving into more intimacy with Him has been the best moments of my life. He also showed me that these four people are my Oasis. They were the place where I grew. I will forever treasure their friendships and this time as life-changing.
Thank you Oasis for all that you gave me. My prayer as we go is that in our next teams, we can allow our ceiling to be their floor and bring all that we learned so that we can fly higher than ever before; that God will bring us deeper, farther, wider than we ever thought possible, even if it’s not with each other. You 4 will always be my home and safe place, my original crew. Love you to the moon and back.
Meredith: Oasis. That’s our team name. We strive to be a safe place, a place to rest and heal. A place filled with love and grace. We were unaware of the foreshadowing that happened when we picked the name Oasis.
I still remember the nervous adrenaline I felt at training camp seven months ago as we found out our teams. As we gathered together I looked at the five faces looking back at me. I was terrified. Never would I have placed us together, but God knew best. He knew the trials we would face and the grace He would pour out through each of us to each other. By the time we launched on the race only four faces surrounded me. One of our teammates is stateside and we miss her, but she will always be our teammate. More importantly she will be our sister forever.
Over these past four months God stretched us beyond what we could have expected. Tears, laughter, and pain swirled together to push us deeper into relationship with each other, but more importantly deeper in relationship with God. There were many times I ended my day in tears feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. But it is often hardship that produces growth. Grow we did. So much so that the thought of separating from these four people in a few days to join a new team breaks my heart.
Last month in Jamaica it was announced that after India our teams would change. As a team we decided to push in to the time we had left. As we talked about the upcoming changes we truly understood the meaning of bittersweet. Excitement about change filled our hearts, but with that comes separation. Separation from the people you have lived, breathed, eaten, and smelled alongside. The people who have seen you at your worst, held you as you cried, and caused you to laugh so hard that you do cry. They are family. Nothing can change that, and for these wonderful people I’m forever grateful.
I love you Anna, JJ, Chan, and Pickett. I could not have been more blessed by our time together. I can’t wait to walk alongside you all still, even if it looks a little different. I will miss you, but you are forever in my heart. Merebear out.
Chandler: During my time on Oasis I have seen each one of us grow tremendously! Each person has stepped out of their comfort zone and really bought in to what the race has to offer. It has been such a joy to see all these different personalities come together as one family. Although there were times that were harder than others, everyone never gave up on each other. We created a community with the core values of Respect, Growth, Serve, Quality and Power. Our mission statements says it all, “Let us walk in the power of God and grow and respect so we can serve others through the quality relationship that God asks of us.” One thing I have learned from being on Oasis is grace. I never truly understood the concept before joining this group, but these last 4 months have shown me what it really means to have grace in your heart. My favorite memory of Oasis was all the inside jokes we have with each other. I can honestly say I would do anything for these 4 people. My prayer for Oasis is that we continue to push ourselves even further than we thought we could go. I pray that we never forget our true purpose in life, and no matter how hard it gets we never give up. To my four friends, I will never stop loving each and every one of you with my entire heart. No matter where you may go in life I wish you all true happiness. Never forget the dinners, the movie nights, the team times, the tears, the pain, the prayers, and most importantly the love. Thank you showing me what it honestly means to love unconditionally. OASIS OUT!
Mike: I think that God put the 5 of us together to help us become acclimated to the race. I, unfortunately, am just now coming to the reality of just how blessed I am to have been a part of this team. We all grew individual and together as a whole and it will definitely prepare us for a life of ministry. Our ceiling is our next team’s floor. I have seen team Oasis grow in intimacy with each other through prayer and intentional time together. We have in the last month really been able to dive into our ministry as a team and we have felt more unified than ever before. My favorite memory with Team Oasis would be when we did a dance party together with our hosts in India and everyone joined in, even our hosts at the time. My thoughts and prayers for us as we end our time together would be that we stay connected and not just think of it as a passing friendship that will fade with time, that we would constantly pour into each other and pray for safety and continual growth and pursuit of an intimate relationship with Jesus.
Annalise: Initially, at training camp the team clicked. They instantly felt like family. We could joke around and have fun for hours on end. In Haiti and Dominican Republic we grew roots. We let each other in. We saw the worst in one another, pushed into hard conversations, and loved through it. We developed real friendships. Going into month three, I could say with confidence these are my people, my best friends, my little tribe. We have each other’s backs. In ministry we are all working toward a common goal and, as jay jay says, “a force to be reckoned with.” This team challenged me to be vulnerable and open up. Looking back I can see God handpicked us because needed everyone needed to be challenged, supported, and grow in unique ways. I will forever be grateful for you Oasis. Love always. #teamtimeiseverytimeandeverytimeisteamtime
INDIVIDUAL REFLECTIONS
Michael Pickett:
– I’m so proud to see you walk in obedience and that you are so rooted in scripture. Thank you for challenging me to keep seeking truth and asking the hard questions.
– Michael has been one of my favorite people to watch grow. I watched him struggle with opening up and with prayer in the beginning and to see his growth brings a smile to my face. He allowed himself to settle into this team and this squad and he is a friend to everyone. He LOVES knowledge and studying the Word and knowing the WHY behind everything. He has made me want to know God more! He is a leader and his words carry weight AND he has such a goofy side! He has stepped into public speaking multiple times when he had never done it before he did it with such a willing spirit. He is a man that pursues truth and a man that wants to live life out loud and love the people around him. Mike, you are an intelligent and inspiring leader who I forever want to learn from.
– A humble teacher. Knowledge and a hunger to grow in God are so engrained in who he is. He sees beyond the picture before him. Though he is serious, beneath it all you will find a goofball with a big heart.
– Michael sees the best in others. He is a loyal friend. He sacrifices for others (he gave me his chai once). He studies God’s word relentlessly (ask him how many quail the Israelites got). I’ve never felt judged by Michael. P.S. Bob Goff
Meredith Seymour:
– Mere has been an incredible team leader for our team after Anna, our alumni team leader, left. She has served her team well and seeing the growth and self control that is in her has been very humbling. She always takes time to make sure that everyone’s heart is in the right place before herself. Mere has an incredible heart for everyone around her and she always wants to make sure that everyone is seen, known, and loved. She is a servant leader and it is evident to everyone around her.
– Mere is our team leader and it is so clear why. Her wisdom is astounding. She is the first person to ask if you are okay and the first to pray with you. I could tell the Lord anointed her from the very beginning- she is God’s humble servant. She leads us with humility and wisdom and patience in abundance. I can think back to big moments during my race so far and Mere has always been there. God told me once she would be my partner in crime and be my biggest supporter in whatever crazy idea I had and she fully stepped into that role. She has a “yes” spirit and walks in that with her relationship with God. Oh and SHOOT she is SUCH a prayer warrior. I have never met someone who prays with more sincerity and heart than Meredith Seymour. She is my dear friend, my cheerleader, partner in crime and wise counsel. Mere, you are a peaceful, approachable, fearless, and humble warrior of the King and I always want to do kingdom work by your side.
– Thank you for never giving up on me! Thank you for the hard talks and pushing me into being a better man of God. I love how you see each person, no matter how big or how small.
– Mere and I first bonded over donut socks which we all know is a wonderful way to start a friendship. First, Mere is incredibly selfless. She leads with the mindset of what is best for the team, not herself. She is compassionate. On multiple occasions, she gave some of her groceries to a homeless person on the way home from the store. She listens and actually listens. She is clumsy (in the past three weeks she has spilled chai, water, juice, soup, and soda on a single kurta-that takes skill). She’s great back scratcher and hair player wither. Her taste in music is bomb.
Chandler Whidden:
– Chandler is someone you want as a friend. He has been such a joy to everyone he comes into contact with; never failing to make anyone laugh (or shake their head in disbelief). He is also someone not afraid to call you out when you are not walking in how God intended. He has helped me burn my shame, he has helped me let things go, and he has been the ultimate friend to challenge me. I’ve watched him walk through some tough stuff but he was persistent and didn’t give up and inspires me to keep pursuing God even through the pain. Chandler is also someone who serves and cares for everyone through his actions. He is always looking for ways to take care of the people around him whether through cooking, cleaning, unclogging toilets (with his HANDS {yeah, I KNOW}), budgeting, or buying little treats for everyone. I have loved my conversations with Chan and the perspective he brings to my life and the encouragement that pours out of him. Chandler you are a hilarious, talented, persistent and servant-minded man of God who I hope never loses his sense of wonder (I hope you dance, Chan).
– Wonder and respect. Chan respects the creations of God. If you wish to see someone in wonder of God’s creation it will be Chan. He loves hard, radiates joy, and constantly grows into the man God created him to be.
– Chan is a goofy, extraordinary guy. He definitely knows how to joke around and lighten a room but at the same time can break down those barriers and have a very serious, intentional talk. Seeing the growth he has had over the past couple of months has been inspiring to say the least and I’m confident that by the end of the race, he will be a new person entirely. Chan has challenged me in stepping into the uncomfortable and doing and believing things that don’t always makes sense. But things that, whether you succeed in them or not, will give glory to God and are worth the effort.
– Chan is kind. He wouldn’t hurt a fly- literally- Michael has to be the designated spider and scary bug person. He is quick to apologize and quick to forgive. He makes us laugh and opens up intentional conversations. Chan taught me a lot about grace. As of yesterday, he has a mustache.
Annalise Wood:
– Anna has challenged me in that she is an amazing and humble servant. She serves her team and those around her so well and never even thinks twice about receiving any praise for it. She does it because she enjoys it and she’s honoring God. Anna is amazing at taking time to focus and pour into herself so that she can pour into others lives.
– I love how you serve our team! Your unique personality has been such a joy to be around. I’m so thankful that you kept calling me higher and loving me like your brother.
– Annalise was my first World Race friend and it is clear to me that God wants and needs us as friends. She is one of the most generous humans I have met, always willing to share her essential oils, bug bite cream, or her newest treat found at the local snack shop. She has a gentleness that is so evident that allows my “steamplow” personality to settle down. She brings people peace and laughter wherever she goes. She is someone that when I got to know her prayed to God “Lord, can she be someone who is my dear friend forever?” It has been so wonderful to see her step into things she felt uncertain or scared about- she can now preach the gospel to a stranger and preach in front of a church service with incredible bravery! Also, don’t be fooled by this human, she has a goofy side that has a new level of weird that comes out. We all have our favorite Annalise quotes from our time together 🙂 Annalise, you are a strong, nurturing, compassionate and life-giving sister that I hope to stay friends with forever.
– My gentle yet fierce friend. There’s not a soul she won’t love, or a baby she won’t adore. Her humor, kindness, and giving heart will blow you away. Yet amid the great love she carries is a woman rooted in Christ. A storm rages around her, but her eyes will be fixed on Christ.
Jamilyn Joy Cummings:
– JJ is relentless. Relentless in pursuing God however He calls her to. Choreograph a dance number, she’ll do it. Call those around her higher, she’ll do it. Shave her head in obedience, she’ll do it. Relentless sacrifice, obedience, growth, and love. That is JJ. She has grit and shines God’s joy brilliantly.
– JJ has definitely challenged me in the area of dreaming big and being creative. She has such amazing dreams in her mind that she is so passionate about and is confident that God wants her to pursue. She has pushed all of us into pursuing our own dreams. JJ does a great job at pushing all of us to a higher standard. She doesn’t want us to settle at the place where we are but continually wants us to grow to be the very best we can be.
– Jay jay is insanely creative and talented. She uses her gifts to serve and share God’s love. She is a natural leader and challenges our team. She is driven, hardworking, rooted, and passionate. These qualities result in her making a huge impact for the kingdom. She is vulnerable with her story and uses it to inspires others. She has a way with words and public speaking. In a big group, she will befriend you make you feel welcome. On top of all this, she is an amazing friend and adventure buddy. She will never talk about anybody behind their back. She will intercede for you. She is also quite quite fun.
– JJ I can’t thank you enough for teaching me how to not fear people. You have been such a great example of what it truly means to walk in boldness.
Dear Sweet Jesus,
Thank you for this team and how you handpicked each of us to walk through life together for these first months on the Race. Thank you how you used each of us to grow and challenge each other and you never gave up on us. You took us around the world in adventure and allowed us to truly step into what our team name means. I pray you continue the good work you started in each of us in Team Oasis for the rest of this year. Thank you for these best friends of mine and brothers and sisters in Christ. Walk with them as they go into new teams and continue to allow us to be an Oasis for other people wherever we go.
We love you no matter what team we are on, we just wanted to take a moment to thank you for this one.
So, thank you.
All our love,
Team Oasis
#oasisout
