I remember signing up for the race thinking, “wow, the community aspect of this looks incredible: instant sisterhood, lifelong friends, people who know you on soul-levels.” Unfortunately, while an instant team connection occurs for a select few, most don’t experience the privilege of an instant bond
Team Selah first met at training camp in July of 2018, where we had zero compatibility and our only interactions were forced. I thought in my mind, “there’s no way I’m gonna be actual friends with half of these people”, and until the end of Month 1, I was still kinda convinced of that. Sure, we could do ministry together without fighting, but as soon as team time was over at night it was a race to see who could get out of the room the fastest.
Since Month 1, we have had hard conversations, bought into actual friendship, and learned what it means to selflessly belong to one another. We’ve realized every team member is so completely different (everyone is a different Enneagram type- whew), which has led to a serious growth in openness for others’ perspectives.
We have experienced unified pain as we cried together, given grace when we messed up (every day), and celebrated in deep joy together during ministry and the small moments together.
Our team is nowhere near perfect but we are growing and learning with each other daily. I see a different side of Jesus in each of these women, and they all carry different unique gifts and characteristics of the Lord. It is the greatest privilege to joyfully walk alongside them in life and in ministry. Not to mention, we’re freakin weirdos which makes life much more fun 😉
Emma
Emma bear 😉 you have a genuine servant’s heart. Your gift for both seeing and fulfilling the need and finding joy in selflessly serving others has taught me to more humbly serve those around me. You live out of straight obedience, have walked into raw peace, and your love for your family has flooded over into our team as you have brought us into your family. I see the Lord weaving together your heart with strings of understanding, empathy, and childlike joy. You make me laugh every day and I’ll watch Downton Abbey with you whenever. I love you a lot sister.
Brooke
Bee, my woman my woman. You radiate the Father’s love in the way you feel for others, you think deeply and bring me into that, and you live from an overflow of intimacy with Abba. I have witnessed you walk into pure freedom over the past few months and it’s only the beginning. The Lord is going to use you in Kingdom-shaking ways, I feel it in my soul. You are a creative, an intuitive, and have I ever mentioned that I love when you say it how it is? I love wildin’ with you sister. Heart of hearts.
Lauren
Oh baby, my fellow 8/7 combination of pure challenge and excitement. Life with you is nothing short of an adventure (and I competitive one, I might add. Sock wrestling, anyone?) You carry this crazy unique perspective, call our team higher even when it hurts, and joy bubbles out of you. The Lord has gifted you with immediate connection with His children and you steward that gift to build the Kingdom. I see Christ in your laugh, your spirit, and the depth you carry. Thanks for sending me pics of our favorite band and for not being afraid to fight me. Love you something crazy.
Abbey
Abbs 😉 You are RADIANT and the Lord’s grace flows out of you. The way you seek to know people deeply and care for others feelings inspires me to love more selflessly. You lead our team in gentleness and I see more boldness in you by the day. The Lord is going to use your story for huge, earth-shattering purposes, ohhh it’s gonna be something good. You are an artist, full of beauty, and a vessel He wants to fill with His promises. My favorite times are when we build off each other’s comedy and die of laughter even if no one understands. I love ya brotha.
Kelsey
Kelsey, if someone walks in conviction in hearing the Lord’s voice, it’s you. Time and time again I’ve seen you obey in the hardest of times, and He sees your unwavering devotion. You are walking in FREEDOM these days and it’s a gift to see. You are a gifted writer, have the magic touch with the kindergarteners, and your voice matters in the Kingdom. I know the Lord will work through you as you continue global missions; your boldness is unmatched. You pull off short hair like no one I’ve seen and is almost as dazzling as your internal beauty. Your tattoo is supposed to be Timothy but it’ll always be Jimothy to me 😉 Love you lots
Elli
Elli!! You are a new addition/adoption to Selah, but even through the past week and a half (lol) I’ve seen the Lord’s character through your wisdom, steadiness, and devotion to the Word. Your listening prayer for me was spot on, showing your in-tune-ness (?) with the Father, which I cannot wait to experience more of. I’m excited to know you like a sister and see how you continue to build the Kingdom overseas in your next season. Going back to Guat requires some serious obedience. You have a gift for looking good in photos (maybe it’s just your natural beauty) and always guess the plot of Downton Abbey. Impressive. Love you sister.
Hannah
Han, you’re a bro. I never would have guessed your music taste at training camp, but our shower dance parties revealed the crazy truth. Let me just say what CRAZY growth I’ve seen in you in the past few months. You have sprouted into who the Lord calls you to be, and Christ is continuing to shape you into this bright light for the valleys below. You are selfless like no one I’ve seen (I mean it), you carry serious compassion for others, and you have stepped into so much boldness. I love who you are and who you’re becoming, you make me laugh the hardest of all, and I will support your scrapbooking forever.
And that’s Team Selah. Wildest gals you’ve met.
