S E R V E W E L L
T H E S E V E N
Istanbul, Turkey debrief. We were all so anxious about new team changes. Rumors. Whispers. Anticipating the big announcement at the end of the week. The night finally came. I remember hearing the names of the people who were going to be on my new team thinking, “this is going to be interesting, but hopefully it will only be one month.”
We hopped on a bullet train and headed west to Ankara, Turkey where God would continue to challenge us – in love, in grace, in respect of leadership, and in self-control. We decided on the team name “The Seven” – our idea coming from scripture:
“Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of Spirit and wisdom.” -Acts 6:3
That was our goal. To be full of the Spirit. To spread the wisdom of Jesus Christ. But overall, we decided our team goal was to simply serve well.
Fast-forward three months later and I can confidently say we, as a team, have exceeded our goal. We have successfully not only served the locals of the places we have lived, but we have served each other – so well. Of course we have had bumps in the road; intense feedback sessions, frustrations, and challenges – but we overcame – through love, through grace, and through self-control. And I am so proud of us.
As we sat around our dinner table last night, we began reminiscing and celebrating the past three months with each other.
Where did the time go?
What were some of our favorite memories?
What does the next month look like?
What will we miss the most?
I had an idea.
This is my attempt at it.
I hope you enjoy!
J O H N – M O R G A N
What is one of your greatest accomplishments as a Team Leader for our team and where do you think we have grown the most?
“My first response is: I SURVIVED 5 MONTHS AS A TL!
But, on a serious note, I feel like my greatest accomplishment was growing in communication and individual empowerment. My team has given me complete grace and it’s helped me to grow so much in love. And if there is anything that I’m sure of, it is that we love each other so well, and it shows through gifts, acts of service, and quality time. We have all grown so much in just meeting each other where we are at.”
The only person I’ve been able to watch grow since the very beginning – and the amount of growth I’ve seen in his leadership amazes me. I’m so proud to have served under him for 5 full months. His servants heart has been so evident in his willingness to tackle tough tasks from hosts. He is truly talented and we are lucky to have had him to follow.
S H A N
What is one of your favorite memories with our team?
“Honestly, my favorite memories are a compilation of the little things; playing darts in Turkey, cuddle puddles in the girl’s room, random sing-a-longs, and family outings to the barber – it’s getting scared by crazy cats in the middle of the night, photo shoots in front of random houses, janky carnival rides in a park, and all the moments in between where we always say “Is this really our life right now?” My favorite memories are just simple everyday moments – moments I will always cherish.”
This sweet soul is the glue that holds us together. She holds us accountable, is always the first one to help, and is willing to do whatever it takes to show the Father’s love to His children. Her story inspires. Her heart overflows. Her passion for serving is so contagious.
T O M
What are some ways that our team has enabled you in your walk with the Lord?
“Being on The Seven has enabled me to be vulnerable. They have shown me that being vulnerable with God means being vulnerable with His people. It has allowed me to be open in the moment with what’s going on. Now, not only do I bring my current issues to God, but I bring them to my team – knowing that they will speak life and love into my struggles. We are not meant to go through difficulties alone, and I have full confidence that each one of one my teammates is willing to stand by me, no matter the situation or struggle.”
JOY – contagious, overflowing joy with the Father as his source. His passion and enthusiasm has pushed our team closer to the Lord on a daily basis. His humor (even his puns) keeps a smile on everyone’s face. He has truly been the powerhouse of joy for our team.
K E L S
What is the first word that comes to mind when you look back on the last three months with our team?
“Thankful: I’m thankful for all the days and nights that we’ve spent together. Thankful for the obvious growth that I am able to see in each person on this team. Thankful for all the crazy moments that we have experienced over the past three months. Thankful for the many inopportune and harder times that brought us closer together and closer to our Father. Thankful for all the love that has been shown daily. Thankful for the vulnerability (haha). Thankful to have built the Kindgom with each of you and for seeing how you all have hearts that truly love God and others. Really, I’m just beyond thankful to have been “The Seven” with y’all!”
When she’s not belting out the wrong lyrics to a song or saying “Spaseebs” for a Snickers bar or Peach tea, she has her nose in her bible study. Constantly seeking the Lord first thing every morning, she is an influence to the team. She brings a ton of goofiness and laughter, but even more faithfulness and commitment.
L U K A
What has our team taught you that you are going to make an effort to take to your new team?
“Each of you have taught me that we constantly have a choice – whether it’s learning to pick your battles, whether you decide to let your emotions rule you or not, or even just thinking before you speak. I hope these are things I can bring not only to my next team, but to the entire squad. I hope I can help push the squad to choose love to allow us to build a stronger unity.”
His generosity has blown me away this month. He is always looking out for his team, even if it means sharing his leftovers. His obedience and willingness to share has helped our team grow so much in trust and vulnerability. He is a light for so many.
R O X
How has our team challenged you to grow over the past three month in your relationship with the Lord?
“They have challenged me to receive God’s grace and extend it to others by seeing our worth through Jesus’ eyes. They have challenged me to walk in authenticity through the messiness of life. They have challenged me to keep a heart of gratitude by focusing on the Holy Spirit’s work in each one of us. They have challenged me to gain a deeper understanding of the true freedom that our Father provides. And their enthusiasm, positive outlooks, and humor in all situations has challenged me to always choose joy.”
Her wisdom and words have helped me, and the rest of the team, overcome so much. Whether it be encouraging me to do one more burpee, sharing her food, or rubbing my feet – she has loved me so well, along with the rest of the team. She constantly challenges the team to press into the Father.
Thank you, Lord, for these sweet friendships that have helped me grow closer to you and have allowed me to genuinely serve well.
(Also, let me know what you think about my first attempt at portraits/head shots! I had so much fun with these mini photo shoots on the streets of Jalalabad, Kyrgyzstan today!)
