So as many of you know, I spent this past week in Gainesville, Georgia, training for my upcoming year in ministry overseas through the World Race. Many times I go into highly spiritual weeks such as this one expecting to be uprooted spiritually, to be shaken, renewed and completely changed.
I have even been asked by a few supporters and friends, “Are you a changed woman?” since returning.
The answer is no. I was not shaken or uprooted quite the way I had expected to be. God did not change the core of my belief or reveal some big secret to me. I watched teammates, squadmates and friends be beautifully broken down and built up in new ways this week, but that was not my experience.
Last week was challenging, don’t get me wrong. I was physically pushed in ways I’ve never been pushed before. I learned to live on WAY less in terms of food, sleep, shelter…the whole nine yards. But spiritually, I was only strengthened. This season has been a season of restoration in which God has built me up. In the past, there have been many times where God has had to break me. There have been times where I needed to be made aware of my extreme my brokenness, mourn for what has been lost or taken from me, and start the painful process of healing. There have been seasons where everything felt new and painful. Training camp was not that. Training camp, for me, was waking up every morning in a community pushing me to find my strength and joy in Christ. It was a firm reminder from my savior that in Him I am made strong and fearless, and that I can actually do this. For me, training camp was an affirmation from God, filled with peace and love, that I am just a tool in his hands and that ALL I need to do is give myself over to him, and he will make something wonderful happen through my sacrifice. So I would say that after this week, I have not changed, but I have grown. I have been built up. I am stronger and my vision is clearer, and I am ready to run in the direction of Jesus’ will.
There is so much I could say about training camp. I got to learn about people and see the beautiful way in which the Lord grouped us together to work for his good, into smaller teams, completing each others’ weaknesses with strengths. I got a glimpse of the work that Adventures in Missions is already doing, and I can’t wait to be a part of it. I saw God speak directly into lives, giving each person what they needed to move forward. And this girl also learned A LOT about camping.
So here is a recap of just a few of my most prized lessons coming out of training:
1) A rain fly is an essential and beautiful part of a tent. It also only works when you use it to fully cover your tent windows.
2) Bucket showers do not get you as clean as non-bucket showers. Baby wipes are a good supplement.
3) Americans eat too much. We can not only survive, but be strong, on far less.
4) There are worse things in the world than having wet underwear.
(i.e…Camping in 40 degree weather with wet underwear and no change of clothes).
5) It doesn’t take very long to start loving people like family when you all have the same purpose set in your hearts.
6) Footprints, are, in fact, a non-negotiable piece to the whole tent pitching thing.
7) Always bring multiple layers of clothing in your day pack.
8) God works in everybody differently. Everyone reacts to the Holy Spirit differently. God wants to bless and work through all of his children, and the diversity in outcome is not only okay, but beautiful and necessary for his Kingdom to be built.
9) Never once in the Bible does God promise us comfort outside of himself. Comfort is not guaranteed.
10) But participating in building God’s Kingdom is one hundred percent more satisfying.
11) There is no limit to what God can do.
I am 100% that I am in the right place, in the right time, in the right season with the right people doing the good work that the Lord has prepared for me to do. Thank you Jesus for the peace and affirmation, the direction and clarity you have given me.
I cannot express in words how excited I am to be LAUNCHING January 7th, 2015. Please continue to lift my team and I up in prayer, and to prayerfully consider giving financial support!!
ONE LAST THING!!
My team: Team Submerge
Jess (leader)
Monica
Leslie
Brittni
Kiersten
(And myself)
Please lift these wonderful ladies up as I will be serving beside them all of next year!!!
