Training Camp for the World Race was this past month from the 16-26. It was overall an experience that opened my eyes and gave a glimpse of the beauty of God’s plans on what is to come. That is, His Kingdom come.
Quite a bit was crammed into 11 days, but every bit was essential and worth it. It was a time of worship; from every sunrise to sunset. It was a time of drawing near to God both personally and in community. It was a time where we got to hear teachings of the Word of God. It was a time of getting to know the members of the community that we will be living with as we share the Good News next year. It was a time of getting to know our squad leaders, squad coaches, and squad mentor. It was a time of growing and stretching. It was a time of boldness. It was a time of “rest” (in God). It was a time to reflect on all God has done in our individual lives and share it with one another. And it was a time that I realized soon and very soon I will be going to share it in 11 different countries around the world.
We heard sermons, lectures, sang beautiful songs to our God, ate different foods (yes, I had a cricket for the first time), slept in tents, used porta-potties, went through camp simulations (lost luggage, layover at the airport, etc.) to prepare us for possible outcomes next year, did door-to-door evangelizing in Atlanta, spent extra time together whenever we had the chance – whether early in the morning or late in the evening, all the while cold at least 90% of the time. But above all, my squad became a family; a family who loves each other as Christ loves us and a family ready to build His kingdom among many nations.
If you had a chance to read my previous blog, I mentioned my desire to hear God’s voice and respond in obedience; one of the deepest desires of my soul: to please my Creator. I would like to share a simple story from training camp.
After evangelizing Sunday afternoon, the team and I headed to a restaurant and ate dinner together. Not many people were there at the time when we arrived. Shortly after being seated, a Hispanic couple comes in with their family of three daughters and a newborn son. Immediately after seeing them, I heard the Spirit say to me, “I want you to go and pray for them.” Instantly I thought to myself “it’s probably just my own mind saying that…” and continued to ignore what the Spirit just told me to do, not even certain if it was the Spirit at all. So, I went back to finishing my dinner instead. When it came time for us to leave, I felt the Spirit’s presence even stronger. “Go and pray for them.” Heart beating faster, my mind racing with excuses, I knew I had to simply say, “Yes,” and obey His voice before it was too late. Long story short, my team and I went to the family and asked if they needed prayer. Come to find out that the mother’s parents were going to the embassy in Mexico the next day to see if they would get their visa’s approved to come and visit them. The mother was so excited, thrilled, and even started to cry when she saw we wanted to pray for her. She said she was so grateful and she “needed this.” …Okay, God. I hear You.
My prayer that night: “Help me to have ears to hear. I love You, Father. Help me to be obedient when You speak. May my life be pleasing to You.”
One of the many phrases that stuck out to me this week was, “God’s Kingdom is right here, right now.”
Matthew 6:9-10 reads, “Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven…” As His children, we are called to continue on in the furthering of God’s kingdom; leading others to Him so that Christ reigns in their hearts, too.
Three points pertaining to the Kingdom:
- We see God as King. God is sovereign and to know God is eternal life (John 17:3).
- The way He does things. He has a plan; we are His servants called to serve (Luke 4: 8-10).
- My role in it. The small things matter, too; don’t limit what you do; God always provides what is needed for His kingdom, we merely need to be faithful and obey. Those who love Him, also obey Him (Matthew 10:42).
Life is ministry and ministry is life (another often-quoted phrase from TC). This quote pretty much sums it up. No matter where we are in life, what we’re doing in life, who we’re surrounded by in life… our life has a purpose. God promises His children plans to give us a future and a hope.
And as long as I am still alive, I pray that my life fulfills that purpose and is used to build His kingdom here on earth.
Soli Deo Gloria
SZ
**Quick update on what’s to come: January 4 I will be heading to Atlanta for a couple of days with the squad before we launch and head to Colombia for our first month out.
