What is a Squad Leader?
When every squad launches they are equipped with a leadership team. This team consists of a group of people that are there to help and serve the squad in multiple ways. One part of the team, that I would like to share with you about, is a squad leader. This person is joined by 2 or 3 other squad leaders and they travel to the first 5-6 countries with the squad. They have done the race already and are a great resource for the squad. They are available as a resource to help each person grow spiritually, offer insight into the numerous changes that will occur on the race, and many other things.
My race would have been drastically different without my squad leaders, and they offered irreplaceable advice, and wisdom.
How I got here.
As I wrote about in my previous blog, I was asked to squad lead just a couple of weeks ago. I was originally on the training team, and was than asked to fully commit to the squad and join them as a squad leader.
I prayed about it, wrote down the pros and cons and decided that this was the next door I was to go through. I talked to the rest of the leadership team and we all decided that I would leave in October with the squad, and my 3 other squad leaders.
Why I said yes.
I have a deep passion and desire to see people live in the fullness of who God created them to be. I went on my race filled with a lot of shame and guilt of the life I had lived up to that point. I want to empower and love the people of this squad, and help them see that they are made for more. There is a shortage of men in this generation, willing to stand up and become the men God created them to be. I hope, and pray, to see them rise up, and see the calling each and every one of them has.
These are the reasons God has placed me on this squad in the place that I am at. I am not perfect and know that in my own power I can’t influence anyone. However, I am living out of obedience to God and through that obedience these desires, and many more, will come to pass.
Who I am going with.
I will be traveling with 4th generation N Squad this October. This squad consist of 55 people, 14 men and 41 women. Along with these incredible people I will have 3 others squad leaders going with me. The cool thing about them is that they were all on my squad, and we have spent the last 11 months together already. On top of it all the Squad mentor and administrator that I had for my race, are also the mentor and administrator for this race. The leadership team I am working with is the strongest group of servants I have ever met. They will, and already have, love the whole squad through this whole journey.
What I need from you
As I said I will be traveling with the squad for the first 5-6 months; India, Nepal, Cambodia, Vietnam, Botswana, and South Africa. In order to do this I need to fundraise to do this alongside these incredible people. I need to raise $6,500 to pay for the trip itself. On top of that I will need money for vaccinations, medications, some new equipment, and spending money while in these countries.
All of you have blessed me so much the last time I raised money, and I can not express how grateful I am to each of you. I am asking and praying for your generosity again.
I am leaving on the 26th of September to go down to Georgia to do some last minute training before flying to India the 4th. I am going to be bold in saying that, I want to raise all of this money before I leave. I hope for this, not in what man can do, but what God can do.
This is what the Lord has planned for me for the next season, and with your help this can become a reality.
Thank you so much in advance!
God Bless
Mason Smith
