Team change is something every world racer thinks about at some point or another on their journey. It seems to be inevitable even though some of us might not want it to come. We talk about it, journal about it, pray about it, get excited for it, dread it, or just avoid the topic. But the truth is that at some point on the race, team changes find every single one of us.
Recently we finished our 3rd month which apparently means many changes to our squad. Our amazing squad leaders (Robby, Hailey, & Megan) raise up and train 3 people from our squad to take their place after month 4. After those 3 leaders are chosen, the whole squad gets shaken like a pair of dice. All 8 teams from G squad get either a couple of new teammates, some a new team leader, and others are looking at completely brand new faces. But through all of these changes, we trust! We trust that those in charge of making these decisions are hearing from the Lord. We can trust that God’s will is going to be accomplished through these changes. We trust that even if we have had amazing teammates in the past that the new ones will push us to an even deeper walk with our Father.
So after 3 fabulous months with what we had grown to call family, Chelsey and I get a new family.
Sidney had already been moved to another team after month 2 and now she has been asked to be one of the new squad leaders. She is one of the best encouragers I have ever met and I know that God has her right where she needs to be as a new squad leader! Well hot dang, Sid…
In these new changes, Joan was placed on an all-girls team. I have never seen such a change right in front of my eyes as I have seen in Joan. Who she was coming into the world race is nothing like the way she will be as she walks out of it! God has softened her heart greatly and we have been blessed to be a part of that process.
Tia was asked to be a new team leader and I can’t wait to see the growth that comes from this next step she is about to take. She has been such a rock for our team and I believe she has been created to lead. Seeing God redeem some things from Tia’s past and watching our relationship grow was such a blessing.
Some good news is that Gabe and Drea will be staying on our team! Drea has become such a faithful friend and I think that Gabe and I (Luke) will continue to grow deeper in our brotherhood before this year is over.
More good news is that we have 2 new teammates for the next 8 months. Carter Gannon and Sara Shaneor are those new teammates!
Carter is a super funny and fun loving guy who I can see will be a great fit on this team. He’s a deep thinker and sometimes even analytical, but I see those as strengths, not weaknesses. Its super exciting to dream of the depth that I pray we can attain over the rest of the race. I pray that I can be a big brother and Godly example to him. With Carter, the guys are now equal with the number of girls on our team.
Sara has a very big heart and is bold in many ways. She wants to see people succeed in their walk with God and I know that on this team she will see the same success in her own walk. Sara loves to laugh and can brighten a room quickly with her smile and sly remarks.
So now Gabe, Chelsey, Drea, Carter, Sara, and I make up this new team. Our new team name is Living Faith. We long to see our faith come to action and live out what we believe in a tangible every day way! I believe that through all these moves, that God has placed this team of 6 together to bring His kingdom down to Earth. Please pray that we can go deep into the things the Father has for us, and also the people we serve each day.
Picture of team Living Faith at a train station in Romania
