Right now I’m sitting on a porch in Phnom Penh as the rain is pouring down as it does every afternoon here. I’m on my second day of officially not being a squad leader. I don’t think things have really set in of what I am doing in this next season or what I have really done over the past 4 months.
I am at such peace right now because I know God has it all under control. And I’m not just saying it to try and convince myself like I sometimes do. I really believe it. This is such a miracle too. I remember being at training camp back in October when I had a thought about leaving my squad in 7 months and I almost started to cry. I’m sure the tears will come, but right now its just peace.
I was able to leave the squad knowing that they were in a better place than I could have asked for all the while knowing that the new squad leaders are going to take them further than I could have ever taken them.
I would love to introduce you to the fruits of our labor, the answer to so many prayers, the perfect people to carry on… the new squad leaders! (In no particular order)
Jamie (Diego) Smucker
Once an Amish boy in his days of old, Jamie has grown up to be a strong man of God. The humility and peace that he walks in has the power to change an enviroment. He is not one to boast about what he has done or where he has gone because he knows that what God thinks of him is enough. He is such a pleasure to be around.
He has led his team over the first few months in some amazing ways and I know he will lead the squad to even more greatness. I’m not only privileged to call him a fellow leader or a brother in Christ but also a friend.
(Has a tendency to get weird)
Joshua Savage
As you can see this man not only has incredible style but you should see him on the dance floor! You would never think he was funny unless you listened to what he said…does that make sense? He is only 21 but God has given him wisdom above his years and a beard to go with it
I’m so confident in the man of God he is and his passion for the Brotherhood that I am a part of. He does have the same spirit of Joshua and I know God is calling him to rebuild the Kingdom of God in some amazing ways.
(Also has a tendency to get weird)
Leah Johnson
An eagle among the beasts! Ok maybe that was a little intense, but even though she is the only female leader she is such an example of how a woman of God needs to speak out, hear from God, serve, and humbly lead. I know she is going to call the women of our squad into so much truth, healing, and life that God has in store.
She has just recently stepped into leadership and God has her in such a time of acceleration and stepping up, but she has taken it with so much grace and gratitude. I have been privileged as a man to spend time with her. God has given her so much favor as she always has a desire to go deeper still with the Father and to take others with her.
(She doesn’t know what to do when others get weird)
I could say so much more about these new leaders but I would like to go to sleep tonight. It has been such a privilege to live and learn new things with them over the last month as we all walked through transitioning to a new season together. I can speak on behalf of me Hannah and Lindsay that we could not be prouder and more hopeful for where God is taking our squad.
It’s always hard to see the little birdies fly out of the nest but it is so worth it. I won’t see them again until late August at our month 8 debreif but I’m excited to see where God is going to take them. As for the plans that I have an the path God is taking me…that will be in the next blog!
