As October and our time in Chile came to a close we moved onto our final month in our final country: Argentina. As I write this I’m fully packed and ready for the beginning of our last travel days. Our destination? U.S.A. As I close out this season I know I have yet to share about the amazing month I’ve had in Bariloche. But, as I leave the field, I want to share with you something precious to my heart.
In the transition from Chile to Argentina our team dove deep into studying 1 and 2 Peter. We gathered together most mornings to talk about what stood out to us and God’s character. One morning in particular a thought occurred to me. Did Peter ever think that the letter he was writing to his people would be published? Let alone titled : “1 Peter and 2 Peter?”
In good fun I joked with team Fénix asking, if I wrote them or the squad a letter could I name it “1 Allison?” I by no means intend to compare myself with Peter but it was along the lines of the heart of the letter – written to Peter’s people, those he loved, discipled and longed to see grow closer to the Father.
In response to my question Amanda challenged me to a “1 in 10.” In short, “1 in 10” is a dare. Someone dares to another individual to complete a task and on the count of 3 they both say a number between 1 and 10. If they say the same number whoever was challenged has to fulfill said dare without question. So, Amanda dared me to write my next blog and title it “1 Allison.” It’s safe to say by the title above I lost. But in the end I was really excited. I had wanted to pray over this team and the squad as a whole before the end of our final debrief so why not call it 1 Allison?
So here are the words spoken to my beloved squad I have lived with over the past 11 months. They are words and prayers from my heart and from the Lord to encourage them in the next season of life, wherever God takes them.
1 Allison
To each one of my brothers and sisters of M-Squad, chosen by our Father to serve alongside one another these past 11 months:
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!‘” a
These words speak such truth. But I’m certain, dear family, none of us look at our feet as we conclude this year and remark at their beauty. I’m confident that there is plenty more than chaco tans and chipped toe polish to see. But it’s not about the state of our feet. Or our hands. Or our hair. It’s about the heart behind the work you’ve done and will continue to do that holds value and truth.
You’ve just run 11 months. A marathon. But I pray that you do not see your plane ticket home as the medal at the finish line. Just because this season has come to a close does not mean the race of eternity has ended. Karissa and I have been blessed to serve you these past 7 months and honored to walk by your side this entire journey. What can one say to 11 months of laughter, sweat, tears, food, fellowship, team-time and feedback?
I came on this race to serve the Lord. To sing to the nations of His truth and love. What I didn’t expect was to fall in love with 22+ other people and call them family. I expected to walk 11 months by your side as a sister in Christ, teammate and friend but never as a designated leader. But in serving you I have learned more than I ever could hope. You’ve taught me patience, you’ve taught me love. And I’ve learned even more what grace looks like.
It wasn’t all rainbows and roses you know. You’ve challenged me in many ways, sometimes bringing me to tears of frustration. But whether it’s in the heavy and ugly or overwhelming joy and laughter, I’ve still seen God’s hand at work for good in all of our lives. There were seasons of sadness, mourning and loss. And seasons of laughter, joy and celebration. In it all He has confirmed His calling for you in this place.
We are his chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that we may declare the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light. For once we we were not a people but now we are the people of God.b
In this season the Lord allowed me to lead you, to touch your lives, to speak truth and cast out lies. He gave me words and discernment to pray over you and on your behalf. My hope is that I’ve been able to shake up your heart to help you sift the desires, beliefs, hopes or expectations that were not from Him. And I’ve seen the fruit in your lives as you continued to pursue Him, seeing that He filled you up and rewarded you for your obedience.
This past month I have been praying for a word from the Lord for the squad as a whole to close out this season. But I received a vision instead. I saw seeds being sown into small pots. The seeds sprouted and were cared for, watered and fed daily by the gardener. He ensured that it was not too hot or too cold inside the greenhouse. The sun streamed in as they needed and day by day they grew taller and stronger. But as the seasons changed they outgrew their planting pots and were too tall to be kept indoors. They needed further nutrients that could only come from outside. Each flower, vine and seedling was carefully planted outdoors with hope and faith that they would take root. While they left the protection of the greenhouse they were never abandoned. Though they faced the harshness of the wilderness – strong winds, heavy rains, scorching heat and pests – the gardener saw to it that they were taken care of and did not wilt or die.
I see each of us as one of those seeds, planted in month 1 or perhaps back at training camp. We’ve been fed and filled with life in a structured, protected community. But we were never meant to remain inside the greenhouse. We were meant to grow, bloom and share our beauty to the world. A beauty that is a result and reflection of the work and love of our caretaker. We’re closing out our 11 months of constant care, cultivation and guidance. It’s time to face the wilderness. But we are not abandoned. We are being entrusted and tested in this new season. Take root in in the goodness of the Lord. Do not give way to fear.c For he has made a promise He will fulfill:
“‘They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD – the grain, the new wine and the olive oil, the young of the flocks and herds. The will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more. Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. I will satisfy the priests with abundance, and my people will be filled with my bounty,’ declares the LORD.” d
I look forward hearing and witnessing the fruit of the work the Lord has done in you and through you. As we part and go into the nations, continue to greet one another with a holy kiss. Do not withhold any good gift given to you from above but know that we live in abundance and that our heavenly Father will always provide. To Him be the glory and honor and praise forever and ever.
Amen y Amen.
a – Isaiah 52:7
b – 1 Peter 2:9-10
c – 1 Peter 3:6
d – Jeremiah 31:12-14
Cheers to my lovely M-Squad!
