As we are wrapping up week two in Thailand, I have realized the Lord doing so much in my heart. I had no idea what to expect with squad leading. During Training Camp and Launch, we had many meetings and teachings about being a Squad Leader. To be honest, it was a little overwhelming. I questioned myself so many times…am I really qualified to lead this group of racers? I was scared of failing or letting my co leaders or racers down. I was scared saying the wrong thing to someone. Fear overwhelmed me at Launch and I was so nervous about leaving the U.S. and being the only one with a team.
In the Thai culture, it is so important to build relationships with the people first before sharing the Gospel. There must be trust there before they will listen to you about your faith. They also advised us to share stories of our lives in order to get the Gospel out, instead of reading a ton of scripture. It’s important to share them a verse or passage, but sharing what the Lord has done in our lives is the best way to witness to them.
So when I was praying into how to lead and be with a team for a couple of weeks, the Lord gave me so much peace about how to approach leading. It’s simple really. Building relationships with the racers like we build relationships with the Thai’s is key, so they gain that trust in order to open up more, and then sharing what God has done in my life can help encourage them on their journey. I have approached leading that way and so far it has been great. Yes, we have other responsibilities other than building relationships….like keeping in contact with team leaders, doing logistics, finances, skyping with the mentor and coaches back in the States each week, and having one on ones with each member of the team we’re with. And I am not the only one who is encouraging, the racers are so encouraging to me as well. I know there will be trying times, it’s only been 2 weeks but I know that continuing building relationships with each other will help those times be easier to approach them and deal with the issues we may have.
While I am here, I have had so much time readying the word and listening to the Lord. The fear I had at training camp and launch has dwindled. When a bit of fear creeps in, God brings up these lyrics of this song:
I’m no loner a slave to fear, I am a child of God
No longer Slaves by Bethel.
I know this will be a life changing experience for the racers as well as me. I know there will be times where I fail, say the wrong things, or not make the best decisions…but I know the Lord is with me walking with me through this one step at a time.
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24
Here are some pictures to show you what’s been going on here in Thailand.
First day of teaching English!
We helped at a work camp with Japanese and Australians
