Hi friends!
Preface
One of the most common responses I received once I returned home from training camp was, “YOU’RE ALIVE!“ which makes sense, because if you know anything about me, you know I am not super outdoorsy. (I emphasize so you don’t misunderstand.) But honestly, after a few days, none of that really mattered anymore. I mean, not having a bed, shower, or clean clothes kind of stinks (literally), but once the Lord stripped me of my comforts, He was able to work in me ways I didn’t think were possible. If you have any question about training camp in general or the change I experienced over those 10 days, please do not hesitate to ask!
When I was trying to think of what to write for my post-training camp blog, the most prominent thing that came to mind was Acts 2 – the early church. I experienced community unlike I ever have before, and it changed everything. I can’t think of a better way to describe this to you besides diving into the passage and letting it speak for itself with a little bit of contextual commentary.
Here is the passage in it’s entirety:
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
1. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching
Every day was spent in the Word. We had at least one session and/or free time per day where we studied scripture and learned who God said we were as well as His call for us. One specific instance that comes to mind is when a few of my squadmates and I were chillin in Hammock City (probably the sickest hammock set up you’ve ever seen) and we read through the book of Ruth. There is something powerful in reading scripture aloud and declaring it truth. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.”
2. …and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper)
We ate every meal in groups of 8 or more. (Except for that one time where we only had 7 people and we FEASTED!) We had to portion out the food as opposed to being used to eating however much of whatever we wanted whenever we wanted. We sacrificed for one another, we served one another, and we ate some weird stuff together.
We also took communion together when we verbally sealed the promise to both God and to our teammates that we were all in for the Race.
3. …and to prayer.
We prayed A LOT. We prayed for each other and our friends and families at home. We prayed not to freeze to death. We prayed for the teams that we would be serving with on the Race. Y’all. God handpicked my team and they freaking rock. I cannot wait to go to the nations and learn how to live missionally with them.
((Team Deep Wells, killin the game))
We prayed to God and He answered.
4. …and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders
I learned that the Lord can use us prophetically. God used so many of my squadmates to speak truth into one another and smother the doubts and lies that crept into their minds. Those words could not have come from anywhere but the Spirit.
We also experienced healing. Whether it was a pinched nerve, a hurt ankle, or even a food allergy, we prayed for them and the Lord healed them.
This isn’t just stuff that happens in the Bible, y’all! God is an unchanging God and will answer your faithful prayers!
5. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had
We had a lot of sleeping scenarios that may occur on the Race, but one of the most powerful and memorable one was when half of our squad “lost” their big packs and we were all required to share what we had left. Some people switched tents with each other to accommodate others. Others gave up their clean clothes to make sure others did not freeze to death (a TRUE sacrifice, let me tell ya). No one had to ask for anything. Everyone freely gave all they had for the sake of one another. (Disclaimer: we were by no means warm or comfortable, but we suffered together!)
And this was on day THREE! We barely knew each other, but because of the hearts on my squad, we were able to gladly sacrifice for one another.
6. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
One day, our squad went out to the city of Gainesville, GA to learn how to listen to the Holy Spirit and share Christ’s love with the people. Every team had an incredible story to share from this experience and although we may not have seen the fruits immediately, we received clarity from God that we planted seeds and tended to His people.
After the first day of training camp, our Squad Mentor spoke the word “family” over us, and that’s what we were. Family. But the best part about this is that it’s just the beginning. We have an entire year and the rest of our lives to live in community with one another, and I am SO STOKED to do so. God has a mighty plan for this group of people and I know it wont always be easy, but it will be pleasing to the Father because His children will be living together – just as He intended.
With Love,
Baileigh
(Here are the little cuties in the flesh!)
