Comfort vs. Challenge
A/C vs. Extreme Heat
Fear vs. Wise Caution
Self-reliance vs. Reliance on God
Isolation vs. Community
These are just a few of the challenges I faced during the 10 days at World Race Training Camp. It wasn’t the automatic confirmation that I was expecting that this is exactly what I want to do with this coming year. Instead, it was through a moment-by-moment battle to open myself to what God is asking to do through me and throwing out what is the most comfortable and even what makes the most logical sense. This wasn’t expected, but it was one of the greatest gifts that God has ever given me! He allowed me within the first hours of arriving at Training Camp to be hit with the uncomfortable and seemingly unreasonable reality that we call the World Race. I was lonely, sweaty, exhausted, and had already decided that this is NOT what I had agreed to do for Him. During the next couple of days, a battle waged within me between my dreams and His. I was constantly throwing out the thoughts and fears and ideas of why I shouldn’t do this. But God is faithful, and He had already won that battle! By the conclusion of Training Camp, I had a new definition of the Church, an expanded understanding of “possible”, a new excitement and anticipation for adventure, and a long list of things to grow in! I cannot wait to see what God’s dreams for me and my squad are as we unite as members of His Church Body to go out and minister to others and expand this Church!
What a blessing it has been to watch His body unite in the sending out of us who are being given this gift/challenge to go! Please continue to partner with me in prayer, and consider giving financially as well! I’ve still got about $8,000 left to raise. Will you help send me?
Below is a picture of all of us at Training Camp gathered around our brothers and sisters in Christ who chose to make the public declaration of their faith through baptism. We stand as ONE, dressed in His armor, ready to stand in the gap for one another! THIS is the Church! And behind every one of us pictured are thousands who have said “yes” and chosen to stand in the gap for us and support us as we prepare to go. For that, I cannot express enough gratitude! God is AMAZING through His Church!!!
