I’ve officially been home from training camp for 3 days now and I am still having trouble putting into words what I experienced over the course of 10 days in Gainesville, GA. God showed up there in every way I could have imagined plus some.
While I was at training camp I experienced the Holy Spirit like never before. He overwhelmed me every time I invited him too. The amounts of peace, grace, and love that I encountered were astounding. Not only from the Holy Spirit but from my squad-mates as well.
I met 36 strangers who became family over those 10 days (even the ones that I thought I wouldn’t get along with). The community that I experienced there was overwhelming but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Here are some things I found valuable from training camp:
DO text your parents and tell them you arrived but DON’T spend all your time worried about your phone.
DO expect to work out but DON’T complain (there is a reason for it)
DO try all of the food even if you think you may not like it and DON’T complain that you are hungry (you had a chance to eat)
DO read the posted schedule but DON’T worry to much about what is coming next
DO come expecting God to show up in BIG ways but DON’T put Him in a box
DO make sure there are 8 people at your table but DON’T be afraid to share germs
DO find time to pray/worship/talk to Papa everyday but DON’T forget to just listen sometimes.
DO take time to discover past wounds that still affect you today and forgive but DON’T dwell on them. God will bring many things to the light at training camp.
DO participate in worship 100% and DON’T worry about what anyone else is doing. This is an intimate time for you and the Lord
DO be open to learning new things about Abba, Father and DON’t be upset when those new things challenge your current beliefs (He wants to stretch you)
DO come to terms with the fact that you are worthy and God loves you. DON’T have a poverty mentality (there’s not enough to go around EX.)She’s pretty so there’s not enough for me)
DO take time to recharge (if you are an introvert like me) but DON’T forget to be interactive with your community even when you might not feel like it
DO push yourself to new places you’ve never gone but DON’T be afraid to be vulnerable when you reach those places
AND………………….
DO come with the expectation to grow & be stretched & challenged. You cannot conquer what you will not confront.
The challenges were tough. They were draining physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally but you know what…….God refueled me daily to get ready for the next challenge that would be coming my way.
There were plenty of moments that I felt like I didn’t belong there or that I wasn’t good enough to be called to this ministry called the World Race.
There were moments that I knew I was being attacked by the enemy and had to seek refuge in my Papa. He tells us too!!!! Psalm 94:22
Training camp is exactly that!!!! Training to prepare each squad for the missions that lie ahead while helping us to be better equipped with the proper armor. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
I cannot wait to embark on this adventure that Papa has called me too with my squad. My prayer is to touch lives not only across the nations but here at home as well through my blog and the stories I will have to share from overseas.
Check out my team that I will be doing ministry with everyday
Team Submerge 427
“Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me.”
Psalm 42:7 ESV
Top Jason Chang from Colorado, Middle left Yen Ngo from Australia, Middle right Amber Kopecky from Louisiana, bottom left Lizete Dos Santos from Swaziland, me in the middle and bottom right is Dylan Douglas from Virginia
Here is everyone on W-Squad:
These are all the squads at training camp:
