I’m back in Michigan after finishing up training camp, and what a spiritual experience it was! God moved in ways I have never seen or felt before and my new squad is amazing [Yes, you heard that right, NEW squad]. This post will be dedicated to training camp, as I will post a separate blog for my journey on the Man Hike.
As everyone arrived at camp, we began to setup up our village of tents with one another and the surreal experience of squad bonding began. It was so hard to comprehend that the journey was starting! The first few days were filled with lectures and talks. Lectures on the freedom that is within our Relationship with Christ rather than it being a religion or rebellion against religion. We had other talks on un-forgiveness and how that can hold our hearts back from what God desires to do in our lives! And as groups we began to be vulnerable with one another and practiced opening up and confessing the un-forgiveness we held in our hearts. Other lectures included spiritual instincts, working with different personalities and how God blesses diversity. How to go about praying for healing for someone and how to be empowered with God’s Holy Spirit as Christ said we are! We had about 6 lectures or so for the first 3 days along with awesome worship throughout the lectures.
The first few days where intense, as far as studies go! But during that time we had plenty of opportunities to bond and began to get to know our squad mates! Every morning we had to have our packs ready to go promptly at 7 a.m. and a exercise would follow. At each meal we ate as a squad and all shared one plater of food per table. Everything we did, we did together. Even the guys went to the bathroom in groups, haha!
Through team formation drills and dependence forced training situations we began to learn to rely on one another and see that this journey was not to be walked by ourselves. Personally, I learned to let go of my stubbornness to not ask for help. That I needed to give others the joy of serving me as I receive joy in serving them. I learned this the hard way as I spent a 50 degree night on the cold ground with just the clothes I had on. I shivered all night, and I did so only because I didn’t ask for help from my teammate Will.
As the week began to come to a close and teams were formed among the squad, we all were suddenly inseparable! Brothers & Sisters bonded in Christ all with the same goal; to go out into the nations and share the truth of the gospel! So awesome right!? My last night there, we all walked up to the pavilion for a night of worship and what we thought would be another lecture. We started worshiping and we couldn’t stop! We were all jumping around praising God and enjoying the presences of His Spirit. We had people speaking Word’s over one another and random prayer circles throughout the night in the midst of worship! The man who was going to speak just worshiped with us and spoke word’s from God that the Spirit gave him for specific people! It was truly incredible to experience God like that! To often we put God in a box, and discount the power He has given us ALL through Christ! Never shall I ever again discount the power I have in the spirit! I don’t need another Christian study book, or seminar. I have Jesus and all the authority and power in Him, to glorify His name! Praise God for the Freedom He has given me. For opening up my eyes to His presence and unburdening me of what I have held back!
So where’s the curveball you ask? … … … I have switched routes and am now on G squad (Route 4)!!!!
New countries. New People.
This all happened during the Man hike prior to training camp, as G squad still needed 3 more men and E squad had 3 men to spare. At first, I was resistant to switching, but then God said, “It’s not about you, It’s not about your group, & It’s not about the countries. It’s about Me.” And then I knew God would use me anywhere. Now that I am finished with training camp I can see why He has switched me; because the people on G squad are amazing men & women of God and I am excited to serve and help lead as a team leader! And God again wanted to ensure my heart was pure and intentional for Him alone! …But back to the logistics of the Curveball!
Here are the official New countries in order!
Nepal . India . Cambodia . Thailand . South Africa . Swaziland . Botswana . Romania . Moldova . Guatemala . Nicaragua
Official Launch Date: July 3 .. … to NEPAL!!
Team leaders Report: June 29 in Atlanta, GA
More blogs to come about my team, team leadership, and what the Man hike was all about!
