As of December 15, T Squad reached the halfway mark of our Race. We celebrated with a Hunger Games/Survivor themed party, participating in ridiculous competitions until all but one team was eliminated. The prize for the victors? Getting to cover our squad leader Dan in shaving cream.
After all the fun and games, I began to reflect on my Race as a whole so far. There have been many times over the last 5.5 months that I’ve been frustrated with ministry- either the lack there of, the tasks we’ve been assigned, or not feeling as if I’m really accomplishing something. And there was the day I questioned, “Have we actually led anyone to Christ on this trip? What are we doing?”
Before we left for the Race, I had all these grand ideas of the people I would help over the 11 months, imagining the lives saved and the hearts moved. One thing that they teach World Racers is to let go of your expectations. I would never have dreamed that this is an expectation I need to let go of. But the more I pondered this, the more I realized God’s intentions for my Race.
Every person’s Race looks different. The atmosphere and dynamic from one squad to the next can be drastic. I know that it is true for my life, and I believe for T Squad as a whole, that God’s main purpose for my Race is to grow and change me personally on a deep spiritual level. Each aspect of ministry, teams, locations, etc, has been carefully crafted into His plan to accomplish this purpose. Sure, before I left for the Race I expected there to be growth and change in my life, but I did not expect it to be the focal point. Lookig at it now, I am so glad that it is. God is moving in and through my life in ways I never thought possible. Letting go of my own “lofty” goals and allowing God to move in His plans has brought such freedom.
Having said this, I do want to reassure you that overall our ministry has been great. Through God there has been huge impact made and lives changed. I just believe God is saying, “Open your heart up to me. Allow me to work in you, and the Kingdom Work will follow.”
I can’t wait to continue on with T Squad and the last half of our Race. God is going to do amazing things! So, watch out South Africa, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and China!* The T-Rexers are coming for you!
*Route subject to change…..especially for T Squad.
