Granada, Nicaragua
Agape13:13 is the name of the team I am on. We decided on this name very quickly at training camp before we even really knew each other. I am realizing now how absolutely perfect this name is.
Agape is Greek for God's unconditional love and 13:13 refers to 1 Corinthians 13:13. "Three things will last forever–faith, hope, and love–the greatest of these is love."
Before leaving for the Race, I asked the Lord to give me vision for this team and he is so faithful! I saw my team surrounding somebody and very intentionally loving on them. We all were loving in different ways and as this love came from all different angles, it covered the person fully, as if we were laying a patch work quilt of love over them. I saw that this intentional and fierce love paved the way for transformation. And what a group of fierce lovers this is!
Brittany is the quietest one on our team, but when she speaks…or sings….watch out. It is powerful. She has the most gorgeous smile and when she smiles I can't help but laugh because I see God's beauty radiating through her. God is releasing a song from her that has the ability to break chains.
We woke up one night in Costa Rica to an earthquake. Later that day I was thinking about Bekah and how when she prays it is like that earthquake. Everything shakes and people are woken up. Something in me wakes up when Bekah prays. So here is this mighty warrior who prays with authority yet I love watching her wander around barefoot in the grass and twirl her skirt when she worships. She is the most beautiful combination of servant, warrior, and daughter.
While praying for Kara last night the Lord showed me a strong pillar. Without even realizing it, Kara walks in a strength and mercy that allows others to rest when they are around her. She never breezes over or dismisses any person, but is willing to go deep in every encounter she has. Her desire to see transformation in every person is strong and I believe that the Lord is honoring that desire through her life.
Angie is a truth seeker. She goes after it and does not give up until she has it. She is willing to go deep and discover the Lord in those places. Angie is also quiet, but I have learned to pay attention when she speaks because she speaks with an honesty that is refreshing and opens the door for the rest of our team to be honest with one another. It has been so great to watch how God is using Angie's boldness, quick smile, and passion to reach the people we encounter.
Melissa has this beautiful ability to join any person in their journey. She is a life speaker and walks in the revelation of just how each person she encounters needs to be loved on. Melissa is the one that can always be found on the edge of our group talking to the person that nobody else saw. And how evident her love is! Every place we ever return to has had some child running up to greet Melissa excitedly because when she loves she loves fully.
Megan is the best "people watcher" I've ever met. She can spend hours just sitting back and enjoying how different and beautiful God's children all are. She sits back and she waits and when the time comes she can give that perfect hug, or just the right word, or just the act of kindness that a person needs in that moment. And that touch, those words, that action truly makes a difference. Sometimes I watch Megan watching and think, "This is a glimpse of how much God enjoys his children."
And that is my team. A group of fierce lovers. What an honor to be here with them!
