I never thought that I would consider a simple folding chair an important part of my training for the World Race until it became my reality. Over the last ten days, I was told at least 3 times a day to remember four crucial items.. My Bible, Journal, Pen and of course my chair. These four items became the essentials for truly processing what we are about to embark on. I have not taken this many notes since college, only difference is.. these notes will help me throughout not only the world race, but life in general, help me grow in my ability to minister to others, my faith and relationship with Jesus. Between learning, forgiving, trusting, worshiping, letting go, laughing, crying and growing with my peers; these four simple items, brought us all together in one room to be spontaneous, take risks, learn to work together and honestly just be crazy and have fun.
When it was time to be told to bring your bible, journal, pen and chair to the training center, this meant we were out of the cold for at least a couple hours, it meant we got to enter a room filled with music and dance offs, laughter and hair braiding. Entering this room with these 4 items meant, there was another lesson to be taught and another mind to be shaped. Different speakers and different stories, new activities and new beginnings. Tears shed, and hearts mended. Relationships formed and lives changed. Strangers become friends, friends become family and family becomes an amazing ministry team!!
Growing up, I always considered myself Christian but I was always pointed to biblical knowledge, not to a relationship with Jesus Christ. I want that relationship with JC and by bringing my Bible, journal, pen and Chair…I have more knowledge and guidance on how to achieve that. Here is a little bit that I have in my Journal about the power of the Holy Spirit and how this happens in our lives:
1. Love God, Love yourself, Love others (Matthew 22)
2. have to trust the Holy Spirit
3. Don’t be scared to step out in faith
4. Understand its about his Kingdom (NOT ME)
5. Quickest way to grow in Holy Spirit is to just DO IT!!
At training camp, I was discouraged for a bit.. comparing my experiences and my faith to the ones around me. I was getting inside my head and felt as though I was not a good enough Christian. Well, that was obviously a lie. The enemy tried to push me away, but thanks to the community I was in and the support I was surrounded by; I have more eagerness and an open heart. Recognizing that we are all in this together, figuring it out and walking through it alongside one another. “don’t put a fence around your yard, it is your choice to put it up or let God in!” – Sam. I am choosing to let God in and take my fence down!
In just a few short months, I will be embarking on the journey of a life time, and this training camp, as unpredictable as it was, has equipped my squad as best as possible to prepare us for what’s to come…including bucket showers in 40 degree weather! Please keep my team and I in your prayers the following months!! Being done training camp does not mean I will lay my bible, journal and pen down.. I will pull out my chair, pick up my pen, continue to journal and begin a new journey in my Bible!!
Training camp in a few shorts words:
laughs
tears
inside jokes
frozen toes…and everything else
cold bucket showers.. or baby wipes
packing=unpacking=packing again
best friend was a folding chair
crazy food from all around the world
7am hikes, workouts and dance lessons.
crickets
Unbelievable worship
lost voice
Eggcellent
Tutu baptisms!
