Each month our team spends time in prayer and then we come together and do what is called “super feedback“. It provides space for us to share something encouraging and something constructive to each other (which should also be encouraging). This is something that sounded terrifying Month 1 but now it’s something that is essential to why community is so precious. As a community of believers God works through us to sharpen each other, challenge eachother, and most of all, love each other.
In Jamaica (Month 3) during super feedback it was a unanimous consensus (which is all God because we don’t share what we are going to say before we say it) that videoing is something I was encouraged to step into CONFIDENCE with in Month 4-India.
Before I went to training camp for The World Race in October 2017, videos were something that drew me and appealed to me. I had this desire (that I don’t think was from me because I’m usually the type who is totally cool with not being in pictures, drawing attention, etc.) to just try.
I didn’t know how to even make a video or how you go about doing it but I decided to wing it and see what came from it. I got an app and made a fun little intro and thought I’d give it a go at training camp.
At training camp I got a lot of footage (so I thought) and was ready to try to make a video at the end and my phone was too full and most of the videos had not saved. . That was discouraging and added to not thinking I could or should even try, but the desire, or fire rather, still remained.
It wasn’t until a few days before launch in January 2018 that I began to face my fears/ insecurities/lack of confidence to make a video about my team and a packing video. What I learned was that, even though I had a lot to learn, it was so much fun! (Team Tent Intro: https://youtu.be/MDmjUlSVAM0 and packing video:https://youtu.be/w0CXl_VzNRk )
Then as time progressed…encouragement, endless support and involvement from my team were catalysts to the proceess and developing love that was beginnning for a tool to show tangibly what God is doing through us! (Love you Team tent)
Each month has presented opportunities and each month looks so different. In Haiti, I was able to learn from my squadmate Kaydan (who is very talented and you should check out his YouTube channel) and we made a video together about the Ministry we were working with (Link: https://youtu.be/KRORtzzY9qoi and I felt really inadequate in the process but him and his wife Katherine were endlessly supportive and encouraged me to continue moving forward in the video realm. (Thank you, you two)
In Dominican Republic I took a lot of time away from videoing but was able to capture A talent show we did as a squad which was our sweet host’s daughters wish (our 10 year old friend directed the ”talent” the team I was on, unfortunately the judges weren’t wooed by our free candy 😉 ). That was fun and rewarding to learn that videos are a tangible way to share what’s going on but they are also a way to save memories. Talent show video: https://youtu.be/tu5gIAWfeNg
In Jamaica … I was struggling with confidence in filming during door to door Evangelism but it’s beautfiul how videos can be a way of blessing others. We had new leadership that month and our treasurers made a lot of sacrifices to make sure we had food/water all on our budget which was a challenge due to the small difference in currency exchange rate. They all did a wonderful job. I also was inspired by Jamilyn who has many gifts but one is photography/cinematography and it was a blessing to learn from her, be encouraged by her, be inspired by her confidence and have her guidance and help with making visions for videos come to life. (Thank you JJ! Also, thanks Tee, Kaysha, Laura, and Anna!) We made a compliment video for our leadership, you can find that here https://youtu.be/aXx49soprK0
Also, Jamilyn created a kingdom minded video inspired by the Greatest Showman and she invited us into it. It was super fun. Please Check it out here https://youtu.be/pNq1FQoEmXY
So now… India! I feel truly transformed after our time at Awakening (which was where our squad met up with another squad and shared what God is teaching us, it was seriously incredible) and was so excited for this month in India. One of the things that our team was asked to do was to video our time in the villages to help with church planting that is happening through an incredible non Profit organization. This motivation really helped teach me that if I’m willing and just do it, God will make it all beautiful and use it in some way. So in the newsletter I make (soon :).. today hopefully!) I will include links to all the videos in that email. My videos for India are unlisted to ensure safety of those in it due to prosecution so if you’re not on my email list for newsletters and you want to see the videos then please comment on this blog and I can talk to you about it!
Okay! So confidence is something that God is helping me walk in in all areas of my life and this month He grew me in big ways and videoing was a small part of that. He really equips us if we just say yes. I had to walk through excuses that I made..I thought that I needed fancy equipment (computer/camera) and that it was something I’d never be able to do well.. but it’s possible! All I have is my iPhone, hard drives, and a sweet friend that lets me use her computer to transfer footage to store via her Mac (thank you Lauren) but that is enough! I have all the tools I need and the best director of all, the big man upstairs. Im excited to continue on this path and see how God uses it. It amazes me that in countries far away from home He’s given us a way to share the journey all over the world. You’re just the coolest God.
I just want to thank you for those of you who have subscribed to my YouTube channel, those of you who comment on blogs/videos, those of you who voice how they’ve impacted you… thank you so much!!! Your encouragement means the world!
Thank you to my team who never ceased to build me up, inspire me, were willing to be video taped all the time :), and always made time to watch the videos and share their feedback. Thank you team tent!
We are just about finished here in India and then we make our way to Nepal. more videos to come!
Blessings,
Courtney
