The Steadfast Terra Nova Phillies!
name is as silly sounding as we are! We are all over the place, but in a very awesome way that only God could have put together!
Here’s how the names were pulled together:
Steadfast – Mike heard this word from God about our team. The main verse is from James 1:12, which says, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial because when they have stood the test they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” For me, personally, the word steadfast always reminds me of Psalm 57:7-10, which says, “My heart is steadfast, Oh God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, oh Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens, your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” Our team has such a beautiful heart of worship!
Matthew had the idea of “terra nova,” which means New Land / New Territory in Latin. He felt like this is a time for our team, especially since we are now a brand new team, to move into new territory, spiritually. It is already evident and really exciting to see all of us growing and hungering for the Lord. Also, there is the practical reality of moving into new countries each month, and which is a constant reminder of the journey we are on with Christ.
I was reading through the book of Revelation and felt such a connection to the Church John wrote to in Philadelphia. Philadelphia literally translates to ‘brotherly love.’ And, of course the name ‘Phillies’ had a great ring to it! Here’s what John wrote to this church in Rev 3:7-13;
“These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no man can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars- I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” -Jesus
This church faced hardships and trials, but they remained steadfast throughout it all.
I feel like this sets before us a taste of our current character, and also puts a goal ahead of us to pursue after.
When we were trying to hammer down one name, Sage suggested, “Why don’t we just combine them all?” And we laughed, made up a little song about the steadfast terra nova Phillies… and it stuck. It fits our team quite perfectly to have a long, funny, weird name like this, because our dynamic has been one of such joy and fun, while at the same time retaining an incredible hunger for God’s truth and love.
So, there you have it, folks. The Steadfast Terra Nova Phillies are on the loose!
