Training camp. It’s hard to know where to start when writing about it. The week was saturated in sessions, worship, sweat (because Georgia heat is no joke), bucket showers, spiders, and fellowship with some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. It was wild and challenging and fun and stretching and life giving all at the same time. I feel like God used this week to not only teach me about missions, but to show me more of His heart, which somehow always ends up healing mine.
The week held a big emphasis on the love of God. The relentless, pursuing, never-be-the-same-once-you-encounter-it love of God. It was refreshing to be reminded that I was created to be loved on by the best Dad ever. There’s something about knowing how loved you are that actually sets you in motion to be and do all God created you for.
In all the tidal waves of teachings and information that training camp hurled at us I had to continually check in with myself and give myself permission to be open and embrace everything going on around me. A lot of what took place opened the door for reflection on where my identity was rooted, consequently exposing some of my biggest fears and insecurities. God clearly showed me areas of my life that I’ve let the fear of rejection steal from me, and then graciously created space for me to choose to walk in freedom. I rediscovered the truth that on the other side of uncovering the lies is a covering of deliverance.
Somewhere in sorting through all the internal debris that uprooting lies leaves behind, I did manage to learn a few other things too. Like the fact that I have a voice and a story worth telling, and that there’s actually power in that (Rev. 12:11). In that same breath I learned that vulnerability is a sign of strength, rather than weakness. I was given a new perspective on evangelism and the urgency of the need to spread and share the gospel. I was also challenged in my faith as I watched other believers live out theirs.
As I tried to soak in all these things, I was met with the most intentional discipleship from the leaders at camp who were willing to pour into me and fight on my behalf through prayer and encouragement. They called out gifts and strengths they saw in me and deemed them valuable to the kingdom. I’m so thankful for every beautiful soul that played a part in my life that week, even if only for a short while.
Though pretty much everything about training camp was glorious and wonderful, I do have one thing in particular that was my absolute favourite; Meeting my teammates and getting to know their stories. Fun fact, it only takes 10 days for strangers to become family. Every ice breaker and team building activity got me so excited to do life with them for 11 months. My squad is incredible. These people have already blessed my life tremendously. They’ve inspired me and encouraged me in many ways and I’m honoured just to know them.
There’s a whole world of opportunity (pun intended) on the horizon and I wouldn’t miss it for anything. What God is doing and how He is moving on the earth is so much bigger than me and I can’t wait to see it firsthand. I love that I get to be a small part of His big plan. Before missions was ever on my radar, God whispered to my heart that “there is more”, and I feel like I’m on the edge of my seat about to experience just a taste of what that looks like.
Training camp, you were like the greatest pep rally to the soon to be greatest adventure.
All the love,
Kaelyn
