Training camp for the world race is something extraordinary and in my opinion, something everyone should experience. Walls are broken down, life lessons are taught, friends are gained, and freedom is given all through Jesus Christ – Who is the center of camp.
How is all of this possible??
The one word I would use to explain training camp is:
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
Sessions. Each day we had sessions with worship and speakers. The sessions were about anything from logistics to sanctification (The process by which God refines believers). Each one taught me something new and grew me closer to the Lord – I was more Alive on session 30 than I was on session 1!
Unified. I have never been a part of a Body as unified as the Body of Believers at training camp. While at training camp there was Squad A, B, and C but honestly there were times when the squads could not be told apart! We worshipped together, prayed for one another, ate together, and encouraged one another – as I believe the Body of Christ is called to do!
Push-ups. Yup, push-ups… 100 per person to be exact. And burpees and squats and running. On the women’s retreat day, each squad had to do physical activities in order to earn what they needed to “cross the border”. While this was physically tasking – it was also physically rewarding. We were only responsible for our own squad and then could move on. But once a squad finished doing their own physical activity – they took some of the physical responsibility of the other squads – in unity, there is strength. We all got to the “border” on time due to people sacrificing themselves physically for the sake of others.
Evangelize. On one of the days we got to go evangelize. We were sent out in our India dress-code and told to go tell people about Jesus! While our squad did not see anyone come to Christ, one squad did (PRAISE!). And it was a good challenge to step out of our comfort zone and talk about the most important thing ever!
Risk. At training camp, we were challenged to take risks. That when God is telling us to do something or we think God is – to not hesitate and just do it. Take the risk and if it is God – good things will happen and if not – grace will be given. The World Race is a big risk and training camp only made me more excited for what is in store!
Camping. Every night but one we went camping in tents with sleeping pads, sleeping bags, and all the bugs outside (maybe a wild boar too)- woo. But one night we had no tents so we made a shelter out of tarps, good food (and s’mores) over the fire and sang worship. That was the most powerful night for our team because a level of trust was created that cannot be broken.
Airports. The one night we did not camp, we did an airport simulation night.We slept in a building with the lights on and flight announcements in Korean. There was also a night where half of the squad’s stuff was “lost” by the airport – sleepovers!!! Needless to say – I need to practice sleeping in a not dark room…
Leaders. Our squad is full of leaders. And is lead by some phenomenal leaders. Each squad has 2 squad leaders, 1 mentor, and 2 coaches to navigate us spiritually, emotional, relationally, and mentally while on the field. And at training camp we also got “trainers” and in my unbiased opinion, we were given the best ones!!!
Impactful. Training camp has changed my life for the better. It was impactful and I’m excited to impact others because of what the Lord did there.
Faith. We were constantly asked to step out in faith and I would not have it any other way. Whether that was by being eating food we have never seen, listening to the Lord’s voice, or being vulnerable with one another – a foundation of trust and faith in the Lord was built or strengthened at training camp.
Relationships. Ten days was all it took to grow closer to people than I ever have before. We spent every waking moment together and built relationships so strong that they cannot be severed.
Anyway. We were taught to “Read His Word anyway”, “Pray anyway”, “Worship anyway”, “Take care of your body anyway”, “Process your emotions anyway”. No matter how we are feeling emotional – God deserves our best anyway because He is a good good Father.
Good. A cultural shift and belief occurred during worship at training camp. Each person in the camp sang themselves to a firm and true belief that God is good. Not just saying it to say it but singing it as complete Truth no matter what the circumstance.
Interpret. Each person interprets experiences differently. Learning how other people interpret an experience each of you had is invaluable. We were given the opportunity to learn how others interpret the world and grow together.
Logistics. The fun stuff. We learned a lot about what the World Race looks like logistically and Hayley and I have the opportunity to be our squad logistic leaders! Even though I can barely get to the mall from my house, I am excited to serve C Squad in ensuring we make it to ministry!
Invitation. The Lord invites us to partner with Him in sharing love with His people. One of the great take aways from training camp is to look for/ ask God what He is already doing and join Him.
Squad Wars!! On the last day of camp, we participated in squad wars – green vs. blue vs. red. We are the green squad and after dodgeball, Mario cart, floured covered marshmallows, and an acapella off (see video) – we came in third score wise but first fun wise, probably.
Teams. Each squad is split into teams. Our squad has two teams of 7 and one team of 6! I am excited to do ministry with my team and see how God uses us all in our selected teams!
Inner-healing. A lot of inner-healing happened at training camp. And with inner-healing comes freedom. Freedom from our past sins and chains in the name of Jesus. Given space to ask the Lord to reveal what is holding us back from fully obeying Him broke down lies many of us did not even know we were believing!
Cultural. Each day we were exposed to a different culture. We had that culture’s food and followed the dress-code of that culture! Let me tell you, other cultures have great food. The camp also put on an international market for us and that was quite the experience!
Emotional. Camp was emotional in all aspects. There was laughter and tears and in the end we are emotional tied together in a way that allows us to be affectionate for one another as Christ is affectionate for us. A passion to spur one another on and no matter how emotionally difficult the race gets – we will fight for one another.
Xenophile. I googled this one: person attracted to foreign culture, food, and people. That describes people going on the World Race!! Training camp helped paint the picture that those who seem they do not have value deserve to be shown love, care, and kindness – something many people in foreign countries never get.
Purpose. God created each of us for a purpose. At camp, we were able to explore a little bit of what each specific persons role is on our squad and how our different gifts can come together to help paint the Big picture.
Identity. Identities were changed at camp. From identifying ourselves by the lies the Enemy plants in our head to identiflying ourselves with the Truth: that we are a beloved child of God. That identity allows us to live without fear – which is great to hold on to when going out into the World!
Abandonment. The World Race requires us to abandon what we kno the best. To abandon home for 11 months and our old way of thinking and living for the rest of our lives as we dive headfirst into discomfort. In order to grow we must disconnect from comfort.
Lies. These are what were left behind at training camp. Lies that maybe we do not belong on the race. Each squad member was affirmed that they are at camp and on the race for a reason.
Inspire. At camp, we were inspired to live by the Spirit’s guidance, abandon ourselves and radically chase after the Lord. We were also challenged to humbly inspire others.
Discipleship. Spur one another on and make disciples of men. Living closely with people for a year and being with people in one country for a month will give us the opportunity to live a lifestyle where we walk with others in Christ. To disciple one another and new believers.
Opportunity. Camp reminded us that we always have the opportunity to choose “in”. To choose love, joy, forgiveness, and each other.
Cleansing. Not physically… spiritually. Camp gave us the chance to empty ourselves so Lord could fill our cups. Physically – I took two bucket showers and they were the best two showers of my life (no lie).
Initial. Camp was our initial introduction to what the world race is going to be like. A small, small glimpse of what it will be like physically, spiritually, and emotional. And now it’s…
Over. There is a month at home between now and launch and I am hoping to use that month to solidify the foundations and lessons that were given to me at training camp. Remembering that as children of Chrsit we can be:
Unashamed and
Spirit-filled.
Thank you for taking the time to read what the Lord did at training camp! Please comment below any questions or how the Lord is working in your life!
