They say the journey of a thousand miles begins with a
single step. I guess it’s only fitting
then that a journey of 20,000 miles begins with quite a few leaps. I’m not even really sure what exactly I
expected of training. In fact, I pretty
much just didn’t let myself think about it too much. For so long, everything about this trip has
just felt so distant. Even now, the
start date seems far away although I know as soon as I blink we will be in the Philippines,
beginning our ministry to the nations.
We are a
little more than halfway through training camp and it is evident from
everything I have seen and witnessed that God is about to do some absolutely
amazing things through this October group. And it is equally undeniable in my heart that God is about to do some
truly incredible things in me. At times
I am almost overwhelmed with everything that I’m experiencing, and even more
overwhelmed when I allow my mind to wander to the next eleven months – which is
quite often.
At the same
time, I feel ready. I am ready to serve
His will and help build His kingdom. I
am ready to embrace my team with all the love we share as brothers and sisters
in Christ. I am ready to leave
everything and everyone behind, although it would be a lie to say I write this
sentence without moisture in my eyes at just that very thought. My friends, my family, whom I love with such
a passion that I already long for our reunion next September, I will carry you
in my heart; and all the influence anyone has ever had on me will be a
tremendous part of the impact God allows me to have around the world.
And
finally, with every fabric of my being, I am ready to become a Man – sold out
for my savior. One phrase for the guys this
week is “Men not Males.” Christian men,
rise up! For our sisters who need us,
and for every soul that remains separated from Christ’s love, I say, RISE
UP! I am now one hundred percent
convinced that this next year will challenge me more than I can ever
imagine. With that challenge and
adversity, I am now one hundred percent convinced that the man I return as will
not at all be the boy that soon departs.
Oh, how
easy it would be to stay. But instead,
it is time that I – we, October – take this leap of faith and dive into this
journey head first. The nations are
calling. And God is answering through
us.
