*Coming to you from Jakarta, Indonesia*
The surrounding area is bustling with activity: hustling mopeds, barking dogs, the clank and clatter of evening life. Yet, I am channeled into a tunnel vision of stillness, comfort, and peace. I’m worshipping out loud on our hostel’s balcony with 31 squad mates and I can’t even hear my own voice; I’m listening to the Holy Spirit speak truth over me. Every night over the course of ten days the atmosphere was changing. Relationships were being cultivated and a community was being built.
The location is Canggu, Bali. Our focus was engaging with spiritual gifts, intentionally listening, preparing for warfare, and the power of prayer. This time together of teaching, learning, and ministry is what we call Debrief. This happens five times throughout the course of the year where our mentor and coaches meet us out on the field and intently pour into us so that we can re-center and recharge.
Bali came with our first major cultural shift. Having spent time in five Asian countries studying abroad I sort of knew what to expect, but the thrill of a new place never ceases to amaze me. Everything from the religion, language, roads, weather, food, architecture, etc. it’s all so vibrant, unique, and alive. For me, this was the start of, “Wow, I’m on the World Race”.
I made some incredible relationships while in Canggu. One day I went for a walk and God called me to stop by this salon. I was hesitant because I didn’t need a pedicure, but I stood there anyway. Shortly after a young girl about my age steps out and greets me. I knew instantly that I was supposed to follow her inside. Typically, while at the spa it’s easy to be silent and close my eyes while getting pampered. But my now friend, J, spoke in English quite well and I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to make this connection. We talked the entire time. For the next couple days, I felt this tug from the Lord that I was supposed to visit her again. I stopped by the salon three days later and asked about her; she wasn’t working and they told me she was at home. In situations like that it’s easy to feel deflated and believe that I read the situation wrong. But instead, my team leader Taylor and I, asked if her house was nearby. They gave us the general direction of the alley and we walked down calling out her name. Crazy right?! Eventually we stopped by a gate and an elderly woman walked out. I said “J?” She excitedly ran inside and came out with J. She was so shocked! I mean I would be confused as to why this girl who had come in to have her toes painted was suddenly at my doorstep too. But we ended up talking for three hours. Don’t miss opportunities to recklessly pursue people. Connection is what makes us feel seen and known. Even if it seems crazy – pursue relationship.
Our hostel owner, G, was an absolute bright light. Our large group filled his hostel with joy, worship, community, and love. It was so fun to build a community within the walls of our hostel. He listened to us worship and pray with excitement in his eyes. It created such a safe space for us to debrief and process with each other and the Lord. Moments such as us all jumping into the pool with our clothes on, eating together, worshipping on the balcony, and connecting with each other was made special by him and his family’s joyful servant hearts.
B is a woman with the one of the most inviting smiles. Around the corner from our hostel was a small little restaurant where she and her husband would cook delicious food. Over the course of our time there she recognized us and always greeted us with such delight. It was a sad moment when we told her it would be our last meal due to moving, but her smile will travel with us.
My squad. Deep conversations, laughs, adventures, late nights, sharing our hearts. Moments that last a lifetime. Connection and relationship are what was causing an atmospheric shift during our time in Canggu. Our outward sign of praise was being reflected in our actions and words. The beauty of relationship is that intentional pursuit of people is not limited to moments and seasons of life such as this. Engage with service workers, business owners, the same people you cross paths with regularly. It’s a simple message really, God called us to love Him and love each other well.
