If the title sounds like a contradiction, welcome to World Race Training Camp.
Training camp is created to prepare you for life on the mission field, but what exactly does that look like?
Losing your luggage:
When the airline “loses” your luggage and you have to share stuff with a squadmate, you realize you can live without your luggage. This also applies to the luggage of shame, unforgiveness, and feelings of inadequacy/unworthiness that hinder your relationship with God. You can only give to people, what you are receiving from God.
Taking bucket showers:
A bucket. A measuring cup. Freezing cold water. You are nervous at first, but you kinda have to dive right in. Experiencing the Holy Spirit can be much the same way. At first it may seem uncertain, but once you dive in, you come out refreshed. (And my hair felt healthier after only getting washed in cold water)
Eating Crickets:
Let’s just say it didn’t stay in my mouth even long enough to taste it. In life, there’s gonna be crickets or things that aren’t perfect. That’s ok. Give yourself grace to get through the ugly times and give others that same grace. Some people handle crickets well and others handle them not-so-well.
Sleeping in a variety of situations:
A tent. An airport. Sleeping Pad. Floor. Snoring. Talking. Outside. Inside. Sometimes you’re not gonna be comfortable. It’s just a fact. On the field we’re gonna end up in situations that make us uncomfortable and feel really deep things. By allowing yourself to face and feel those feelings, we’ll be able to grow.
Praying through the night:
We had three people up and praying all night. In organizing this, some of our squad got upset because the way we voted on organizing it was not the way it was done. However, the goal was just to pray throughout the night. Sometimes the means by which a goal is achieved is not what you thought it would be. Be able to jump right in instead of being upset by it.
Hiking 3 miles with your pack in
Often our physical journeys, can impact our spiritual journeys. Jesus cares about all of us, even our physical bodies. I prepared for this hike for over a month before training camp. The physical discipline I was experiencing did a lot for me in my heart and mind as well.
Not having a phone:
I didn’t realize how much I rely on my phone. In fact, I didn’t have an alarm because my phone was off. However, in absence of my phone, I was able to truly build connections with my squadmates and be present in every moment at training camp.
Living in Community:
In all these things, I wasn’t alone. I had 57 amazing squadmates going through it with me. We need one another. Jesus lived in community with the disciples. When people see true, loving community it causes them to questions why you are different. I also was put into a team of 6 great girls who I’m excited to spend the first couple months with.
What I’ve come away from training camp is with the realization that if I’m secure in God, then I can always show the love of God even when my circumstances are uncertain. My friend, a current missionary in China, told me, “I find myself in situations all the time where I realize I have no idea what I’m doing.” Training camp prepared us to handle those situations with grace.
