“You’re doing a great job, God,” was the first thought I had as I looked out the Starbucks window this morning. I’m reminded of how many people are on this planet that God cares for, yet he cares for me like I’m the only person on this earth. (1 Peter 5:7) His love for me doesn’t skip a beat. I hope today you walk in that truth & understanding. God cares for you, His love for you is as faithful as the sun, even on these freezing Minnesota mornings. (Lamentations 3:22-24)
Anyway, I wanted to check in with you all and give you a glimpse into the two weeks I was down in Georgia for Training Camp. I got to Gainesville a few days before the racers arrived to participate in Squad Leader Training. The moment I arrived, I had all the nostalgic feelings as the memories of my Training Camp came flooding back.
Training Camp is a hectic time; even as a racer, you don’t get a lot of free time. As a leader, you get even less free time. I was responsible for having one on ones with some of my racers, planning different things for our squad, and having check-ins with the rest of the people on the leadership team.
I’m genuinely impressed by everyone on my squad and how they reacted to Training Camp. This Training Camp was harder than my own for a few different reasons, but through it all, I saw the faithfulness of God in a new way. God is ruler over all time and all space, and His timing is better than anything I could ever put together in my strength. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
I will admit that a few times on this journey, I have felt less than prepared to Squad Lead. In my flesh, I could never do that, but throughout Training Camp, I was reminded that I am not doing this on my own. In Mark 16:20, it says, “Then the disciples went out and preached the gospel everywhere, and the Lord worked with them.” The Lord went with them; he worked with them! What a beautiful reminder that we’re not out here doing life on our own. He is with us every step of the way.
I mentioned in my first blog a few of the things I was feeling in regards to Squad Leading. I said I felt incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and all of you guys supporting me. I also feel SO thankful that when God placed Squad Leading in my future, he had C Squad and every individual in mind for me to lead and be lead by (I mean seriously I got the best of the best with this Squad.)
I said I felt a holy sort of anticipation when I thought about all the things God was going to do. And Training Camp was just a fulfillment of that. I saw so many of the people on my squad get free from things of their past.
I feel very ready and excited to go back out on the field with C Squad and watch all they will do for the kingdom.
C Squad, all of you are incredible. The way you loved me and the other leaders show the depth of your character and commitment to a servant lifestyle. I’m honored I get to do life with you guys.
I’ve been praying Ephesians 1:15-20 over this squad as long as I can remember and specifically would like to encourage anyone reading this today of verse 18. “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you.” I pray a new revelation for anyone reading this that you would be reminded of the glorious hope to which God has called you.
Thank you all for reading this blog and hearing a little about Training Camp. If you want to help me invest in the next generation of World Racers, you can donate through my blog here, or through an electronic service like Venmo (Ashley_Collins) or PayPal. Thank you all in advance for partnering with me.
The last thing, I’m still looking for people to be involved with one of the countries I’m going to by adopting a jar. With selecting a jar, you commit to praying for that country, now and while I’m there and filling the jar up with spare coins before I leave. Let me know through a comment below or a text which country you’d like to adopt!
