Three months ago when D Squad assembled for the first time at Training Camp, our teams for the Race were announced. The 6 teams that make up D Squad will be spread out throughout each country we visit. Each team does life and ministry as a group, and has a team budget for food, travel, and ministry costs.
When my team was announced, my mind went blank. I had no idea what this group of people would look like as a team. The six of us are so very different. Yet the first observance I made was that we all immediately trusted one another. And after only two hours together sharing a meal and doing ministry in the parking lot of a Walmart, it was clear to me that our team has been anointed, not to be friends, but to be warriors for the Kingdom. The Lord placed us together for purposes unimaginable to me.
Our team name "Lion Song" comes from C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia. Aslan the lion (King of Narnia) calls the world of Narnia into existence through the power of his singing. This parallel's the Lord's creation of the world when he speaks it into existence in the book of Genesis. At the beginning of Training Camp, our Squad was prophesied over that "We walk with a sound. When we come into places, there is a sound." For our team, that sound is clearly praise. This Spirit of praise resonates as we do life as a family. We come to the Lord through our worship, we pray through our worship, and we love through our worship. It anoints every person we touch. I am so proud to call these people my brothers and sisters, and I couldn't have asked for a more intentional and joyful team.
My New Family
Chase Glantz "The Encourager"
Chase has a soft heart of compassion and the wisdom of a man twice his age. He strengthens our team daily with his resounding words of encouragement, and his two cents always includes a good joke, or three. His genuine concern for others comes straight from his love for the Lord, and he exudes a genuine spirit of honor and consideration towards every person.
Dani Grant "The Pure at Heart"
Dani has a sincere, gentle spirit brimming with mercy that draws people to her. And yet, refreshingly, you can count on her to serve her answers without any sugar coating. She is the constant source of laughter and new vocabulary for our team with her Scottish accent and Glasgow vernacular.
Mark Rowdon "The Servant Leader"
Mark carries a multitude of humility and boldness at the same time. He is always the first person to offer a hand when someone looks like they need help. Gifted with a child-like spirit, he always brings joy and a playful heart to the kids we minister to. If there are kids playing within a 100 ft. radius, you can guarantee Mark is the jungle gym they are climbing. He is also our team leader, and an excellent one at that. He leads while lifting others up and spurs us on with honest, caring words of wisdom.
Priscilla Gray "The Heartbeat"
Priscilla walks with a confidence in the Lord that radiates through her words and her worship. She honors every person with her time, observant spirit and listening ear, giving all of her love and concern to every conversation. Her words are full of wisdom and compassion. I am so thankful for her presence and her embrace of worship through her musical gifts.
Hayden Furlow "The Lover"
Hayden's fearless love for people resonates with every smile, laugh, and spontaneous dance move. And that love that she gives comes back to her ten fold; she has captured the love of so many surrounding her. Distinctly anointed as a worshiper, healer, and fierce warrior for the Kingdom, it is a privilege and honor to witness her coming into the calling God has for her life. She has boldly entered into this place of surrender, and the transformative experiences occuring in her spirit speak volumes to the Lord's love for his children who sit at his feet, and say, "I am yours."
