Training camp was absolutely incredible both spiritually and in community with my squad and team. The Lord did some incredible things in the 10 short days we spent in Gainesville, Georgia together and He is going to move mountains over the next 9 months. But anywhere that the Lord is moving, the enemy will attack full on.
Event #1
While at training camp, we simulated a 12 hour layover in Seoul, South Korea at an airport one night. This would mean my squad of 37 people and another squad would all sleep in one freezing cold, loud room with all of the lights on. Going into the night, we were all excited and looking foward to what is likely to be a real life situation. And it turned out to be so much fun getting to know people better!
The next morning I woke up and could hardly open my eyes that felt extremely swollen. I turned to a squadmate and asked if he could see anything, to which he replied “bro what’s wrong with your face?”
What an amazing thing to hear first thing in the morning! As it turns out, I had gotten poison ivy around my eyes. I was able to get a steroid shot that morning and God being the ultimate Healer helped me recover over the next few days.
Event #2
We leave training camp on a Sunday. Chick-fil-a is closed on Sunday.
Event #3
Sunday morning rolls around and I’m ready to head to the house. I’ve accepted the fact that Chick-fil-a is closed and have decided I’ll grab Bojangles instead. I go to start the car… nothing. We try to jump it… nothing. A couple hours later I get towed to a jam packed Sear’s auto shop.
Genesis 50:20 tells us “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” After dropping off the car, we head to Starbucks for some drinks. While there, the Holy Spirit told me to encourage the couple sitting next to us. For a while I tried to avoid it. I was tired and angry that my car was broken. After a few minutes of arguing with the Holy Spirit (which doesn’t work out too well), we struck up a conversation and through getting to know them, we were able to pray over this couple and their son who was at home.
Wow. God used a seemingly terrible situation to lift the spirits of people we had never met and encourage us as well.
The next day my car was fixed and I got my Chick-fil-a. (Shoutout to Grace Venning for letting me crash at her house that night)
Something the Lord told me while I was trying to tell Him why I didn’t want to talk to this couple was “People are more important than circumstances.” I want to challenge each of you to see people as being more important than whatever you may be facing. If you have a bad day at school or at work, don’t miss an opportunity to spread the kingdom and show His love because of it. God works in the most unpredictable ways and through tough situations. Listen to His voice, and take action.
Until next time,
Luke Troyanek
FUDRAISING UPDATE:
I am about $5,000 away from being fully funded!!!! Thank you so much to all who have donated! Please continue to pray for this trip and donate financially as you feel led.
