I cannot believe training camp is over and I am sitting back at home right now. Those ten days in Gainesville, GA were some of the hardest days of my life. I struggled, I cried, I laughed, I screamed, I worshiped, I prayed, and I began to believe I can actually do this. God totally wrecked my world and built it back up at training camp. Here are just 11 things He showed me:
11. FEAR HAS NO HOLD ON ME. There is something completely terrifying about abandoning everything you know and following God. I have never even been out of the country and God called me to go all around the world for Him. I questioned it many times, believing that I am not worthy of this great calling. Oh man did God shut down that fear real quick at training camp. He showed me that there are people all around the world that no one will be able to reach except for me. God has given me this calling and purpose for a reason, He has entrusted me to share His love and the Gospel, and I cannot deny Him. I cannot say no.
“You split the sea so I could walk right through it. All my fears were drowned in perfect love. You rescued me so I could stand and sing, I am a child of God.” (No Longer Slaves by Jonathon David & Melissa Helser)
10. COLD NIGHTS & SHOUT OUTS. One of the hardest nights at training camp we were asked to set up camp in the woods with just a few ropes and tarps. And then the rain, thunder, and lightening came. It was cold. After we set up camp, someone suggested we go around and say shout outs to all the things we were thankful for. In that moment I was never more thankful for a squad who sang praises in the middle of a rainstorm. The whole night no one complained, no matter how cold it got, or how wet we were, we were in that moment together. It showed me that I was surrounded by a team of people who would continue to sing of God’s blessings in the hard times.
9. EMOTIONS ARE NOT BAD. It is okay to cry. And weep. Jesus did it. It is a part of healthy healing. So do it! It’s good for you! Let it all out there, God can handle it, trust me.
8. LAUGH. I love my squad for the simple fact that we can laugh together. Laugh so hard that your ribs hurt and you can’t breathe. Laughter is way of showing that you are embraced in freedom and the joy of the Lord.
7. BE ADAPTABLE. Two weeks before training camp my former squad got split up and divided into new routes. It wasn’t easy, but now I am more than thankful for it. God had a bigger plan and without the split of that squad I would have never met the 54 people who are now a big part of my life. Things change and God uses those moments to make you rely on Him.
6. SHARING IS CARING. At training camp we shared everything: sleeping bags, tents, food, etc. Everything you have isn’t your stuff anyways, it’s God’s. Not only do you need to share your stuff with others, but share your story. Don’t hold it in. Someone else can take away from your story. Your testimony is your most valuable possession you can give away, and it is a blessing to do so.
5. GIVE UP CONTROL. Ugh, this I struggle with. I like order and control in my life. Training camp showed me that my life isn’t in my control anyways, God has control. When I give up control to Him, I embrace an indescribable freedom in knowing that my life is in His hands and He has me.
4. IT’S GOOD TO FOLLOW. There are times when you need to lead and times when you need to follow. Leaders, is okay to follow. Followers, it is okay to lead. You are not set in one or the other. Be both!
3. I AM STRONG. I knew going into training camp that the physical side was going to be hard for me. It wasn’t easy, but I found strength in God to push through. Where I struggled, my team encouraged. They pushed me, guided my footsteps, and showed me that I am capable of anything.
2. MY NEW FAMILY. Your squad is your family. They are the people you will be spending a year of your life with. Treat them like family. Love them, pray for them, motivate them, comfort them, confront them, and learn to live life with them. This family starts now. It doesn’t start once you’re on the field. I love my new family and I am so blessed to get to have them in my life.
1. I AM NOT ALONE. The most important thing I came out of training camp with was the belief that I am not alone. God has me and through trusting in Him my footsteps will continue to be guided. I also have a whole new family of people who are in this journey with me together. It is okay to need others and to share what you need from them. Be brave in this!
So now I need you guys! I still have $3000 I need to raise by launch and I know I can do it, but I need your help. Please be willing to give and share with others. I know God has intended for me to go on this journey with Him, but I need others to help me get there! Click on the Support Me tab to donate. God has this and I cannot wait to see what He has planned for the next year.
Sincerely grateful,
Melissa
