I think everyone on X squad knows my mom by now (Kathy Ann) and most of the parents. I want to take the opportunity now to re-post something my mom wrote this morning. (hope she doesn’t mind)
“As I’ve been catching up a little on facebook today…. reading and seeing photos and posts of some of Michael’s team/squadmates as well as other friends in other squads that are also on their ?#11n11? mission journeys. I am reminded of how we were told that things may become quite challenging for our racers during these months. They have been away from home for 6 months, learning new cultures and trying to communicate with language barriers, been without the comforts of their own beds (or beds at all a good part of the time) They probably have missed important events or birthdays and celebrations, adapting to their team/squad mates and while I’m sure they love their new WR families, like any family…. our individual personalities can clash at times or those endearing qualities that we love in one another can at times also be a source of irritation to even the most loving person. These are just a few of the challenges these young men and women may be facing not to mention the lack of communication with their family and friends back home a good part of the time, most if not all of them have had their original squads, teams and scheduled countries they were to go to change. They’ve had to adjust to various time changes, modes of transportation and cultural customs. Some giving up items they originally thought the couldn’t do without…. many washing and wearing the same few shirts and pants over and over, living in conditions they probably never imagined before the beginning of this journey. Seeing suffering like they’ve never seen or imagined. All this while making forever friends in countries they may never have the opportunity to visit again, working and ministering all for the sake of LOVE!
I am so so proud of all these men and women How they have been able to adapt to every situation (whether it was long travel days with breakdowns, hot, cold or inclement weather that at times may have hampered their work, lost or stolen items that was dear to them, trying to stretch their minimal food budgets, adapting to the many cultural foods, undependable internet connections and more) The enemy has tried his best to sidetrack or derail our racers but they are not only determined to press on to serve in Love but they have a host of God’s army praying for them every step of the way. I know I am guilty of slacking in reading their writings as life gets so busy and I want to recommit to doing that! But I have and will keep lifting them to my Father in prayer. I know many of you have come along side Michael and his team/squad by not only generously supporting them financially but praying for their needs. We parents of these selfless men and women THANK YOU! And ask that you prayerfully consider how God would have you to continue to support them on their journey. There are several who still have a ways to go to be fully funded for the remainder of their 11 month journey. They have become a close knit family and each one of them have a vital part on their teams/squad. If you feel led to support one or maybe even more please don’t hesitate to contact me and I will gladly give you more information on how to do this.
Please join with us in praying for encouragement when they’re feeling down, physical strength and endurance as they continue to travel and work, times of much needed rest for their bodies and minds, times of not only building His Kingdom but building relationships that will last a lifetime, pray for patience and understanding as they live out this ministry with their new families, grace and compassion as they meet people in different walks of life, opportunities to witness and share their testimonies as God leads, safety and protection from harm and sickness, development of the gifts God has blessed them with, wisdom and continued growth in their closeness to Jesus and His will for their lives and last but not least to have fun…. not only in ministry but as they travel through these amazing unique countries.
I’m sure I’m probably leaving something out but I’ve been wanting to share this for awhile and I thought as so many of them are gearing up for long exhausting traveling this week to the next ministry destination in different countries maybe today is the day to share. We have always been supporting to those in missions but even though I’ve prayed and given financially…. honestly I have seen many parts of this great world in a new way since Michael began his journey back in September. I have been stretched in ways I never thought I could be…. We are learning and growing in faith every day and I am truly thankful that God brought this awesome opportunity into our son’s life and ours. I’m excited to see what He has in store for all of these men and women when they are finished with this trip.
I know this is extremely long and for those of you who have stuck it out and not left this post I just want to say that God is working in your life as well. He may not be calling you to a foreign country or ministry per say but He wants each of us to just SELL OUT to Him and BE WILLING to go where He wants you to go, Be willing to do what He calls you to do…. Be willing to just say YES to Him! To be compassionate to those who are hurting, to give beyond what you are now, to get out of your comfort zone to do something for Him. If you don’t have a personal relationship with the ONE who created you…. why not start today. We don’t know what this life holds for any of us….. we could be here for 70 more years or more or leave this world tomorrow. He loves you and wants to be an active part of your life.”
That’s my mom. My biggest fan and supporter. I love you madre.
