Travelling around the world takes it’s tolls. Especially when a group of Christians push the stop button on their lives and chase Jesus for a year. We as the January 2008 World Race team have been having the time of our lives so far. We are pressing into what the Lord has for us as unique, individual children of God, as well as the body of believers that He has called to do His work this year. In amidst the battle of seeking the Kingdom of God ourselves we are forwarding in this world as well. I’m starting to lose track of the number of battles we have won. The enemy knows we are a force of the Most High and we are learning what this “Jesus Follower” thing is all about.
As we draw closer to God, the bigger the target we have on our backs it seems. Satan is trying everything he can to hinder our morale, our attitudes, and even our motives to strive forward on this journey. I’ve personally been hit hard at times with illness and even a negative attitude toward things. I’m not perfect. I’m learning what seeking the Kingdom first is all about daily.
As the body, we have taken some pretty big hits. The enemy is hitting hard with physical illness. We have had everything from uncontrollable bowel movements to food poisoning, from altitude sickness to Dengue Fever, and even things from muscle pains to Typhoid. We’ve been hit from all angles it seems. So is this all fair? Is this the will of God? How can we do the Lord’s work when it seems like we’re never 100% fine as a squad?
I’ve asked God these questions and have battled with some of the answers He’s given me. It’s not up to me to rely on my own strength to do His will. That would be doing my will with a Christian “title”. I’m learning that when I’m feeling well and able to head out for a day of serving the nations, I need to rejoice in the victories that Christ is doing through me. So thanks for your prayers back home. I feel them everyday.
And so, speaking of the body taking hits, I want to leave you with a prayer request for my brother Eli. Eli headed home to the U.S. last Friday in order to rest up and relax before rejoining us as we lay-over in New York for our flight to South Africa in mid April. Eli was diagnosed with Typhoid and he is greatly missed here by all. I truly miss his honesty and the way he challenges me in my walk with the Lord. So please lift up Eli and our squad in prayer as we continue to adjust and re-unite with him in April.
Thanks for your prayers from the January 2008 World race Squad!
