Change is inevitable; we all know that. Change is also expected when you’re on The World Race. You’re constantly changing. Changing ministries, changing countries, changing languages, changing diets, changing routines, changing cultural norms. We are trained to change our attitudes too: to let go of any and all expectations and to choose joy, regardless of the situation. I even expected-yet dreaded- some team changes this year. What I didn’t expect was to have team changes at the end of month two.
As we arrived in Siem Reap our squad leaders brought us, Team Relentless and Team Living Water, into a room and told us the news. We would be exchanging two of their girls for two of ours. Assurance and encouragement lathered on, they explained the prayer that had gone into the changes. Our dear Allison would be stepping into a leadership role for Team Living Water, and our sweet Hannah would be joining her there. We would be gaining Jen and Lindsey as the newest additions to Team Relentless.
Shock. Shock is the best word I can use to describe my emotions at the time. The changes seemed so out of the blue. I wondered to myself, could God really have given our squad leaders enough assurance to make this change? It didn’t seem right to me. My heart felt the familiar sting of an unseen breakup. I was losing the daily fellowship, laughter, and communication with two women that I love dearly.
Later that evening, Allison led a few of us in worship one last time while we silently wept out our grievances. We knew that everything was about to change. It was during that worship session that God spoke to me very clearly. He brought comfort to my soul as he whispered his intentions into my ear. This change, this surprising change, was what he had intended for our team. He promised growth. He promised joy. He promised his sovereignty.
I can honestly say that I now understand. I may not fully understand why the team changes happened or why they needed to, but I am more aware of God’s faithfulness because of it. The new Team Relentless is bursting at the seams with joy, growth, love, and fellowship. What God had promised our team, he has already delivered.
I am also falling in love with the sweet souls of Jen and Lindsey. They are so full of wisdom, passion, deep care, humor, humility, and boldness. God has truly blessed us with the gift of their presence on this team. But above all, the most important aspect of our new team is not the presence of Jen and Lindsey, but the continued faithful presence of the Lord. The beauty of it all still seems unreal to me.
God, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you that when nothing else is constant, you are. I pray that the new Team Relentless would bring your name glory in crazy ways. I pray that we would seek you with all that we’ve got, encourage one another continually, and challenge one another spiritually. I pray that we would leave no country the way we found it, but catch fire to each place we step with your glory and love. Amen.
Love,
Kara
