Well you remember those middle lands, I’ve walked out of them and into a lot of excitement.
Though I decided to commit the year stateside, I was still open to God’s leading in whatever way He decided to take me. I wasn’t actively pursuing anything, but I did decide to apply to the International Mission Board for their 2 year journey man program. I knew the process would take a while and I figured it was worth a shot.
I’d also thought about squad leading for the World Race, but after asking for an application back in July, I dismissed the idea.
I sent in my IMB application hoping to hear back that I would be invited to their interview expo, but instead, I received an e-mail saying I wouldn’t hear anything until January. Ugh, the planner in me did not like this!
The same day, I received an e-mail from the World Race asking if I was still thinking about applying to be a squad leader. My automatic response was, “no”. It was already October and they were wanting people to apply to leave in January. That would be crazy!
I then spent the whole evening thinking about squad leading and how much I want to go back out into the world and be able to preach the gospel. I called my best friend and told her, “I need you to just tell me I’m crazy and that I don’t need to do this.” Instead her response was, “I think that sounds like a good idea.”
So the next night I went home and stayed up late filling out this application. I sent it in a little nervous and also thinking it probably wouldn’t get too far. Next thing I knew I was on interview number 3, skyping with one of the World Race staff and being told that I seemed like I would make a great squad leader.
A few hours later, I was offered the position.
So there it is, that’s what I’m doing, welcome to my path out of the middle land and in a direction (even if temporary.)
I’ll be squad leading starting in January. What is squad leading, you ask?
A squad, on the world race, consists of 40-50 young adults going out for their 11 months in 11 countries mission trip. 2-3 alumni World Racers go along for the first five months to lead the way spiritually as well as logistically. We are there for building harmony among the squad, walking with the members as they begin the process of feedback and living in constant community, loving them as they struggle with the poverty of the world around them and the ways the Lord is calling them and fighting for them constantly in prayer.
I never would have thought I’d be doing this. A year ago when I returned from the Race, I was done with Adventures In Missions and all their shenangens, but the Lord has His own way of doing things and this is where He is bringing me.
I still have my application out there for the IMB and have pushed it back for the October interview expo, so I should hear from them sometime in September.
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Ways you can be praying for me:
*Humility – I know that I struggle with pride and I’m praying that the Lord will continue to tame this in me and help me keep it under control. Pray for the controversies that will come up as a leader and the times that my authority will be questioned, pray that God gives me confidence in who I am and also the ability to be gentle in my words and understanding.
*Squad Leaders – There are 5 squads going out in Jan. and typically AIM likes to send 2-3 leaders, but right now we only have 7, not even enough for 2 per squad. Please pray that God will raise up more leaders before Jan. and they will be people whose hearts are truly in this.
*My Squad – this is interesting because I don’t currently know WHO I’ll be leading. This is still being decided and there are 5 possibilities, still pray that I will have wonderful relationships and that I will be able to love the mess out of my squad. Pray for their hearts to be prepared for the ways God is going to teach them, stretch them and grow them!
*Finance – this time around I only need to raise an initial $3500 by Jan. Pray for these funds, but also, if you have any way that you are able to help, whether it be helping me design a newsletter, ideas for fundraisers or just spreading the word, all is appreciated and welcome. I love getting to build a team of partners for this kind of thing and I’m so excited for all the people that I will having fighting alongside me!
