“You are not alone!”
I stood amidst dozens of other World Race alumni, facing the new generation of World Racers. As I looked into their eyes, I saw myself in them. I was in their shoes two years ago, on the brink of this life-changing journey, fighting back the fears.
“Did you hear me? You are not alone!”
Clint Bokelman, the director of long-term missions at Adventures, stood in front of us, filling the gap between the alumni and the new generation. With passion and love, he was speaking out against the fears that were undoubtedly filling the new Racers, as they had filled me two years prior.
“Look into the faces behind me. These people have walked before you! They’ve done what you are about to do, and they are proof that YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Are you hearing what I’m saying?”
Clint then told the new Racers that if they needed prayer, we were there for it, to fight through the crowd and find somebody to pray with them.
The power of what followed was undeniable.
A girl approached me, and I reached my arms up and hugged her. We stood there for a few moments and she wept. I held her with all the love I could, and then spoke what I heard the Lord saying. The tears kept coming, but with them, I saw fear release and strength rise up in her. This precious daughter of God was being readied to run the Race.
As the evening continued on, as I was able to pray with more ladies and see them walk into their callings, I think I saw myself walk into mine as well.
Two days previous, my small group of long-term missionaries in training joined up with D Squad 3rd Gen as they were taught about and activated in listening prayer and prophetic ministry. That teaching at my training camp two years prior had been the most powerful and impacting for me, and it was such a joy to be able to watch D Squad experience the same thing.
As the listening prayer teaching ended and an activation time began, I heard the Lord speak very clearly to me.
Go intercede for my children.
I immediately stood up and left the meeting area, and began to pray for the squad, for clarity as they listened to the voice of the Lord. This moment was pivotal for them, full of potential, and the Lord had tasked me with the job of fighting for His children. As I prayed and worshipped, I was filled with the joy that comes when you know you’re doing what you’re meant to do.
After a few moments, the Racers began to share what the Lord was speaking to them. Some were words about the squad and the journey that lay ahead, while others shared of words the Lord had spoken that helped heal their hearts of past hurts. There was a new sense of authority building in that room.
Returning to camp as a Race alumni was definitely a new experience, a beautiful one. All throughout the week, I saw myself in the faces around me. I saw the potential growing in this group of world-changers as they stepped into their calling.
At the same time, God was growing me and calling me into new things, to new ministry. It was such a beautiful time of preparation for this new season in Guatemala! As part of the long-term team at camp, I was given some incredible teachings on things like resilience, culture and leadership. I walked into the week unsure of why I was there, and walked away with a whole new tool-belt to carry into ministry. I have such a greater understanding of my identity and my calling!
I am still in need of about $920 to be fully funded for my time in Guatemala this summer. Additionally, I am looking for financial partners who will commit to giving on a monthly basis. Any amount is a huge help and blessing!
