After being gone for 11 days (July 9-19th), yesterday I arrived home from World Race Training Camp! It was filled with many moments that I will not soon forget. I went in to camp with no expectations except that God was going to show up. Let me tell you, HE DID! I’ve never witnessed the Spirit working so actively in my life. I will be blogging about the particulars in a few days. There are a lot of things I still need to process. God has shown me my strengths and weaknesses over the past few days in ways that has pierced my inner being. My prayer is that God would continue to wreck me.
On the surface, here’s what I experienced at Training Camp:
Tiredness
We started things out with two days and seventeen miles on the Appalachian Trail with all of our gear. Long, tiring days and sleeping outside in the Georgia humidity doesn’t call for the best nights sleep.
Hunger
Small portions leads to a shrinking stomach.
“Failure”
A lot of men attach their worth to their performance. Not just their own performance, but in relation to others. Comparison squeezes the life out of people. When a team is given a physically demanding task that is unknowingly designed to produce failure, a feeling of defeat can set in.
Rank
I’m not talking about order here, I’m talking about odor. I know it’s bad when I can smell myself. I’ve never been so glad to take a bucket shower no matter how cold it is.
Helplessness
Being in a difficult situation where I can do absolutely nothing to help myself or others around isn’t a pleasant feeling.
When spelled out like that, Training Camp doesn’t sound like much fun at all, but it doesn’t end there.
What I truly experienced deep within my soul:
Rest
There’s nothing more restful thank soaking in the presence of the Lord. Even after going two full days without any sleep, I was still more spiritually awake than I’ve ever been.
Satisfaction
“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” Deuteronomy 8:3
Success
Our success does not rely on whether or not we accomplish the things the world tells me to. The Word says to “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3. As long as we can honestly say that we did my best for the Lord then we can rest with a clear conscience. Even when we don’t, His grace is sufficient.
Cleansing
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”Psalm 51:10. Cleanliness is next to Godliness, right? In this case, yes. I pray That Papa continues to cleanse my heart.
Help
“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2. Even though I can’t control my circumstances or always be of comfort when my squad mates are struggling, I can still look to the Lord. “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4.
Community
This is the first time I’ve experienced true community that looks like the early church in the book of Acts. It’s a beautiful thing and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I can honestly say I love all of my squad mates and team mates. I’m so excited to work alongside them.
A few more takeaways:
1. Be thankful for what you have.
2. Worship is your weapon against the enemy.
3. To lead is to serve.
Bless this mess,
Chris
P.S.
I’m officially 50% Funded! Thanks to everyone who has given monetary and or prayer support! I still have a little over $8,000 to go. I ask that You would help send me to accomplish what I’ve been called to do. Thanks so much!
Third Generation H, I and J squads (I’m H). Photo Credit: Adventures in Missions
