One thing I didn’t know before coming to CGA was that we were responsible for planning a ‘Capstone Trip’ to practically apply all the things we’d learn. With all the hype that ensued that initial unveiling, and the dreams most people had of taking an international trip, I found myself not at peace with the idea of leaving the country for a week. I began asking the Lord for direction. Somewhere by the end of February, I believe the Lord started to seriously place ‘New Hampshire’ on my heart.
I knew then that there was no way anyone would want to pursue this dream, especially if we would be allowed to leave the country. I mean, who doesn’t want to go to Morocco, or India, or Nepal? Those are too cool to pass up, obviously. So, rather than sharing this vision that the Lord gave me, I decided to remain silent and wait, praying that he would also stir the hearts of other people in my class. So, two weeks ago, we officially received some direction from our leadership regarding budget, boundaries, and guidelines. Most of the class seemed surprised to find out that we were not allowed to leave the country, whereas, I knew in my spirit that the Lord had already confirmed this to me in private before it was announced. I was encouraged to see that I did hear the Lord’s voice clearly when he placed New Hampshire on my heart.
So, before we were given the okay, and before I even knew who my team would be, in Faith, I stepped out and messaged my former squad coaches, Jen and AJ, who are like parents to me, and asked them if they would pray about receiving a CGA/World Race team. They were excited, as was I!
Then, two separate times I asked two different people in my class where they felt like the Lord was leading my team, and they both said the Northeast coast.
Jen said she saw a vision of a tidal wave where we as a team were a part of that movement that they have been praying for, for a long time.
I knew that Jen and AJ had been praying about hosting a ‘Beauty for Ashes’ event for the women in New Hampshire, but I didn’t realize it then that the answer to those prayers would be through me and my team.
We picked teams, none of us knowing what we were getting ourselves into. All I know, is that I trust Jesus and he always has a good plan. I learned a long time ago that the quicker I say ‘yes’ to my team, the better and more open and available I am to be used by God.
I came to our first official team meeting with a proposal. I shared the vision and heart and how the Lord had confirmed it. They were excited, so I asked them to pray. The following time we met together, everyone had peace about it. Everyone! We decided we would pursue it, even though it was out of our budget.
We submitted our proposal shortly thereafter and, we got approved!
As we have been praying as a team, I believe the Lord is instilling his vision even more. I see challenge as our banner. Meaning, I see us choosing into hard things and then coming out stronger than before. I see us owning the Lord’s vision, coming to New Hampshire and seeing literal shifts in believers and nonbelievers.
So, what exactly is in New Hampshire? What will we be doing?
Jen and AJ started a nonprofit organization called ‘Roca Kidz’. They work primarily with at risk youth, foster parents and kids, and have a heart to see this state deemed ‘second highest rate of narcotic related deaths in America’ transformed into a city of greatness and restoration.
While we are there, we will be hosting a ‘Beauty for Ashes’ retreat and training to build up the long-term workers and teach them how they can host these events regularly. We will be working with at risk youths and partnering with a Human Trafficking ministry and Roca Kidz to see the reality of the Kingdom of God come alive.
So many prayers have paved the way, and I am excited to see our team step in and see Jesus move.
Tamara
