For those of you who follow my blog and haven’t met the five fabulous women I’ll be doing life with next semester, I’d like to introduce them and tell you a little about the logistics of team-building on the World Race.
At training camp, we broke into random groups and did a few activities to see how we all worked together. In between team-builders, we debriefed with WR staff about who exhibited leadership qualities and any concerns we had.
Our amazing squad leader (Laura Meyers) and trainer (Katie Hannon) spent hours in prayer, asking God where He wanted each one of us. Team leaders were selected, and the next morning, they announced the teams.
I have to admit, despite my best efforts to let it go, I was a little nervous. But God is faithful, and my team is amazing!
Team Freedom 5:8
Back row, left to right: Alicia Britton, Lauren Hett, Nani Poulson
Front row, left to right: Jenna Guthrie, Julie Tellin, Kristin Bruce
Our team leader is Julie Tellin, a bubbly sweetheart from Florida. Julie is a freedom fighter and a born leader, but one who leads by example–she’s not in your face about it. Peter Nulty says that “of all the skills of leadership, listening is the most valuable.” Lucky for us, Julie is a fantastic listener and always has a smile on her face.
Jenna Guthrie seems quiet and shy, but this girl is full of spunk! She’s from South Carolina, and goes by the alias “giggles and smiles,” if that tells you anything. 🙂 Jenna will be our team’s finance person while we’re on the race.
Michigan native Alicia Britton is the youngest member of our team, but she’s incredibly well-spoken and mature, not to mention a warrior in prayer! I didn’t get to spend much time with Alicia at training camp, but I’m definitely looking forward to getting to know her better on the field. Fun fact: Alicia was born on my half-birthday!
Kristin Bruce grew up in Indiana but currently lives in Florida. She’s an awesome photographer with an eye for shadows and angles. This girl’s knowledge of the Bible seriously impresses me, and her heart for people who have no voice is breathtaking.
Nani Poulson was born in India–how cool is that?!–and grew up in Minnesota. She’ll be upset with me for saying this, but an Indian girl with a Minnesotan accent is pretty awesome. 🙂 Nani and I hit it off right away, and I’m really honored to serve alongside her in an area we’re both so passionate about.
Together, the six of us form Team Freedom 5:8.
We chose our name because we desire to bring the freedom and light of Christ to each person we encounter. We were talking about being light in dark places, and Kristin read Ephesians 5:8-14 aloud.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness,
righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible.
This is why it is said:
‘Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.’ “
Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness,
righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible.
This is why it is said:
‘Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.’ “
It was perfect for us!
We believe that God brought us together to be the flame that exposes the darkness, to shine the light of Jesus in the blackest night. We will walk as women of light, knowing that the power of God dwells in us, that when we enter a bar in Thailand or a side street in Cambodia, darkness no longer reigns there. We will speak words of life over ourselves and those we meet, breaking down walls and declaring freedom. We will go in boldness and courage in the name of Jesus Christ.
We are Team Freedom 5:8… Hear us ROAR!
