In 2018 when I was in my second month of the race (Indonesia), I knew I wanted to return someday as an alumni team leader. Here we are about one year later and I recently got home from my new squad’s training camp in Gainesville Georgia.
First off, training camp looked a lot different for me this year than it did last year. In every way possible I was so unprepared for MY training camp; I struggled spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally. But through this the Lord was teaching me Proverbs 17:3 -The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. Oh boy did He ever.
This year I returned a healthier warrior for the kingdom, knowing my identity and ready to fight the battles for my squad, not to mention 30 lbs lighter. That weight didn’t just represent my physical body; it was a lot of pain, anger and shame that I was caring for awhile. Needless to say, I would not have been ready for leading anybody in anything. And to be honest, I probably am still not ready, but with Him I can do so much more than I think I can. Thank you, Lord, for the struggles and testing my endurance. “You are the vine and I am the branch. If I remain in You and You in me, I will bear much fruit and apart from You I can do nothing” -John 15:5. Literally there’s nothing unless I want to indulge in the world and we all know that takes us down quickly.
The Lord has been humbly preparing me to lead my team into their first leg of their race (but let’s be honest, this race never stops once it starts). I am ready, Lord. Meeting my new squad at training camp gave me so much joy that it’s hard to put into words. I am blessed. I feel honored and privileged to simply have met this group of young individuals who have a heart for Jesus.
My prayer for this next season is that He continues to sharpen this squad to be more like Jesus. I pray for us to always be fighting for unity, to look at every individual with the love of the He has for them, to humble ourselves when we think we have the answers and ultimately, to simply point everybody to Jesus. He’s the King of all kings and the only One who can save us.
Thank You, Lord! Amen
Please be praying with me and my squad as we continue to live out the callings He has put on our hearts.
“The place where God calls you is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Frederick Buechner
Whether you want to support me with your prayers or financially, I am blessed. Thank you!
