Something that we are all aware of on the World Race is the possibility of team changes and switches in leadership. This is almost inevitable on the Race because as people are continually learning, growing, and experiencing challenges throughout the year, there is a need for shifts and tweaks among teams.
This past month in Nepal has been a huge season of learning for me. The Lord has been challenging me in a lot of ways this month and has brought up a lot of opportunity for growth. Since the beginning of month 2, in Nepal He has been preparing me for a position of leadership for some point on the Race. I didn’t know what that would look like or what His timing was for it but I just figured He would make it apparent, which He has, and a lot sooner and clearer than I thought He would.
As of last week I have been asked to step up as team leader for my team!
When I was invited to be team leader I was initially taken aback because I wouldn’t have guessed that leadership changes would happen in month 2 or that I would be asked this early in the Race, however being invited into this position I feel peace. It was confirmation from the Lord that not only has He called me into this, but others have acknowledged His preparation of me for this season, which makes me confident to lead.
Last month in Nepal it was all-squad month so our whole squad of 45 did ministry together and the month before that, in India, we were doing ministry with one other team. This week marks the beginning of month 3 in Thailand where it will be just our team doing ministry together. I am so excited to begin this new season of leading in a new country! I know that it will be such an experience and that it will change the way my Race looks, but I’m ready for that. I am excited to be stretched in new ways, I’m excited to see what is in the works for my team in the next months and I’m looking forward to what we will experience as a team.
Being raised up as a team leader on the field means that I will learn to lead as I encounter different experiences, so I’m praying for wisdom and discernment from the Lord when those situations arise. I know that if I want to be an effective team leader I have to be dependent on the One who has given me the authority. I have to follow first, before I can lead. My hope and prayer is that God will produce fruit in and through my team, and I feel privileged to lead my team through what He wants to do!
“I am the vine and you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing”
John 15:5
