Many times while preparing for the World Race I was asked, how can I be praying for you? To this I most often responded, pray for the unity of my team. The simple reason for this was that my team was literally formed from New York to Hawaii and a few states in between and we were going to be facing our own differences as well as being placed in a completely new culture. Taking six random young women from across the USA and asking them to live together (in one or two rooms) for four months is like asking for a disaster. Except with God we know the choice was not random and that he had a plan in it all.
We started this journey by sharing our stories with one another, this shed light on where we have been and what we may struggle with in the future. Choosing to be vulnerable was the first step in building relationships that worked. Three and a half months later I stood before the congregation of Cornerstone Victor’s Church and declared the power of unity among our team. After all John 13:35 says, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
This past month in Uganda was truly cherished by Team Conquerors. And I would like to thank anyone who honored my prayer request and lifted up my team’s unity. We have loved each other as family, sharing laughter and tears these past four months. I can truly say God has united us as ONE (Ephesians 4:1-6).
That being said, I can say that it was an honor for my team to be changed a bit before heading to Rwanda, because two members have been asked to lead the squad for the duration of the race. I knew from the very beginning that I had a very special team and it is bittersweet for me to see it change but Lynda and Ana will no longer be serving alongside me daily as they have been asked to serve the squad as a whole. I know that each of them was asked into that position for a reason and my team (now smaller) will continue on pursuing unity and love for one another. The four of us that were left have been joined by Diane, from one of the other teams and we’re working on the new name so please stay tuned.
In Rwanda we will face new challenges as a new team so please continue to pray for our team because God hears and is answering your prayers.
God Bless,
Emily
