My team was chosen to be the featured team for the World Race homepage! We were each asked to submit a small bio on all our teammates and this is the article that can was conposed!
They Like to Move It, Move It – The Body of Christ in Action
Bodies are meant to move.
Each part of the body has a specific purpose. Feet are meant to walk. Hands are meant to hold. Mouths are meant to speak.
The body of Christ is also meant for movement. It's meant for action. On the World Race, prayer guides the squad leaders in the formation of teams, with the hope that each will exhibit different aspects of Christ. Team Aletheia of the September 2012 L Squad is just one display of this community in action.
Nathan Swedberg – The Listener
Nathan leads Team Aletheia by exemplifying someone in charge who listens – both to the Holy Spirit and his team. His discernment is trustworthy because he immerses himself in both the Word and the community around him. Through his leadership, onlookers see an example of Jesus' listening ear: one that hears the cry of his people while submitting always to the will of the Father. Because Nathan walks in these truths, we know prayer is real. And without Nathan, the whole picture of God would have a piece missing.
Josh Mendenhall – The Protector
Josh’s strength and steadfastness bring protection and provision to the team. His deep knowledge of the Bible protects the listeners' hearts as he finds fresh ways to communicate the gospel. His servant’s heart and attention to detail care for both the seen and unseen needs of those around him. He not only protects the hearts of those he ministers to through his sensitivity, but protects the girls on the team by walking behind the group. If it weren't for Josh, we'd have a less tangible glimpse of our loving, protective Heavenly Father.
Jen Mendenhall – The Comforter
Jen brings gentle wisdom to the team. Her tenderness draws people in, making them feel cherished and valued. She attracts the children she meets with her incredible storytelling ability. Jen counsels and acts as confidant to the girls on her team, reminding them that their fulfillment is in the Lord. She leaves the kingdom of God in her wake. Jen displays the Holy Spirit's presence with grace as she brings wisdom, comfort, and nurture to her team and to everyone they meet. Without Jen, we'd have less of a picture of the love of God.
Johnny Eastman – The Presence
Johnny is the team's self proclaimed "resident cool guy." He leads them into worship through his thirst for the gospel. Johnny has a sleeve of tattoos, the ability to write amazing songs, and a deep desire to lead the team and the nations into God's presence. He reminds the team that God’s word is living, active, and applicable today. His heart and guitar pair together to usher people in to the presence of God, such as when he sang on the radio to over 200,000 Hondurans. If not for Johnny, many may not have experienced the presence of God.
Brittany Cantrell – The Joy
Brittany is the smile of the group. She personifies a joy not rooted in circumstances, but in the Lord. Her contagious attitude shifts the atmosphere of ministry and brings laughter to crammed bus rides. She feels deeply both the joy and pain of those in her path – and has even given them the coat off her back. Much like Jesus, she delights in doing the will of the Father. If Brittany wasn't around, the team and the nations would know a bit less about the joy of surrender.
Angela McKenzie – The Passion
Angela calls people out of mediocrity and into greatness. Her firecracker spirit brings quiet adventure to the team. Her pursuit of the Lord shines through her heart for children, giving them a glimpse of Jesus. But her passion is not just an emotion. It drives her to action. As she tangibly shows God's heart, many children have felt loved, possibly for the first time. If Angela had not been there, they may not have experienced the passionate, relentless love of God.
Tiffany Carty – The Tiffany
Tiffany brings a coolness and unity to Team Alethia. She motivates the team to declutter their lives and hearts. Her fierce loyalty to her loved ones pairs with her Scriptural authority and cultivates true biblical community. She chooses Christ, even if it means doing menial tasks like working on an old roof or killing cockroaches in a teammates’ bed. Whatever the need is, Tiffany shows up. Her presence reminds us that our God is unique – unlike any other God – and he meets our needs.
The Body of Christ is not just displayed on the World Race. Nor is it only displayed on the mission field. The Body of Christ can move to action anywhere at any time. All it takes is commitment to each other and the choice to move. We dare you.
