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Training Camp!

I spent this past week in Georgia at a training camp for the World Race.  Despite severely misjudging the weather, having fish eyes for breakfast, and falling behind on loads of homework, I had an absolutely unbelievable week!  Here are some of the highlights:

Worship 

I love to sing worship music, but after four or five songs my mind starts to wander and the words I sing lose their meaning.  At training camp, however, we worshipped for hours every day.  I was in a crowd of two hundred crazy-out-of-their-mind Jesus lovers, and I somehow completely forgot about myself.  The Spirit’s presence was tangible, and I sang to God in elation – unaware of time and of all the details of life that sometimes seem overwhelming.  This worship was definitely a little glimpse of what it will be like when I see God in heaven!

For a taste, check out this song by Jonathan David Helser, who led worship at camp:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re5t4GOYBn8&feature=related

U Squad 

U KNOW!

I am part of the U Squad, which, objectively speaking, is far and away the best squad that the World Race has ever attracted.  The squad is composed of people from all over the planet – from token Canadians to an absurd number of Texans.  (Only two represent the great state of Minnesota).  And despite our geographic diversity, the squad is ‘U’nited.  We have already started to share our lives with each other, and I am PUMPED.  Every single individual can bless our squad in a unique way, and I know that God is going to do amazing things in and through us this year!

My Team 

At the start of camp I was pretty anxious to find out who I would be spending 11 months with.  I mean, these are the people I will get to know more intimately than most of my best friends.  These are the people who will encourage me when I’m frustrated, challenge me when I’m complacent, and love me when I’m difficult.  These are the people who I will share my life, goof around, and do ministry with.  These are the people who are going to take care of me when I get sick because I ate a tarantula.  No wonder I was ANXIOUS.  And then I met them…

Team Johnny Gospelseed:
(from L to R)

Berdien Ephraim – Berdi has a quiet strength and power that just blows me away.  Her love for her Father and for others is so evident.  Her relationship with Him is so intimate.  I know that she is going to be a rock for our team this year!

 
Bri Arnold – Bri brings JOY to our team!  She has such a delightful and upbeat personality, and is seriously going to make every circumstance and situation brighter.  On top of that, she has the gift of hearing from God and speaking truth and life into others.  Already she has blessed me with her words! In addition, she is going to teach everyone on our squad to sing =)
 
Kasey Brinson – Kasey is a LEADER, she is strong, and she is a lover.  Kasey’s leadership is going to be such a blessing to our team through our difficulties and lows.  Her bold love is going to challenge us to go further.  She is also the designated team body sculptor – lookout for Team 6 Pack!
Misty Anderson – Misty has a heart of gold!  She is fun, laidback, and easy going.  When it comes to empathizing with others, and selflessly loving them, we all are going to learn so much from Misty’s example.  I cannot wait to be challenged by her love!
Steven Chun – Steven is one of the most hilarious people I have ever met.  He can make anything fun, and it’s impossible not to laugh and be joyful when he is around!  In addition, beneath his humor he has a wisdom that will bless everyone on our team.  He is the best of both worlds, fun and serious, just like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!
Me – I love my team a lot =)  I’m also going to be the Survivorman and alarm clock of our team!

 

In summary, training camp was like the dawning of Christmas Eve.  I feel like a little kid who gets to open presents tomorrow, and I can’t wait for Christmas day.  Sure, my presents might be full of parasites, brokenness, and more fish eyes, but I know that even these things will be a blessing.  If there is one thing I can take away from camp, it is the affirmation of Acts 1:8 where Jesus says,

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

I have tasted that power.  I am ready to go!