My squad for the World Race consists of an amazing bunch of 28 people, plus 2 alumni leaders and 4 squad leaders. However, I have the special privilege of journeying closely with 5 ladies that make up our team for however long the Lord desires. So it is about time I introduced you to my team. Team name: Redeemed.
Side note: my team has changed since training camp with Charles being switched to a different team. After some initial disappointment, we believe God is good and has purpose in the change.
Meet Tamara
‘Lover of the light’
Tamara is from Florida and just recently finished her own race in June (to most of the same countries) and has courageously decided to come back out again as an alumni team leader for us until early December. She has 9 siblings and previously was a nurse. She loves the beach and the sunlight. She is proactive, practical, powerful in prayer, very photogenic, an adventure lover, athletic (she smashed the Camino) and her enthusiasm is contagious. We are blessed to have her leading us and excited to see how the Lord will grow her and where He will take her after her time with us.
Meet Nashiely
‘Powerful intercessor’
We call her ‘Na Jelly’, ‘Jelly’ or ‘Dora’..
She is Mexican but resides in Orlando. Jelly is our prayer warrior, who is bold, confident, passionate and firm. She has an easy going nature and brings joy and humour to our team. She highly values community around the table and encourages us to slow down regularly. Thankful that she calls us out of fear and to walk in truth and trust. Her testimony has opened so many doors for her to share with others already, excited to see how God will continue to speak into other’s lives through her. We appreciate her ‘Mexican mouth’.
Meet Shela
‘Diligent seeker of the Lord’
Born in America, living in Seattle, with a flare of Chinese heritage. Shela is a lover of worship, honest, confident, consistent, calm and steady. She is a quieter member of the group but wise when she shares. She takes great delight in solid teaching and is a huge fan of C.S. Lewis and Tim Keller. She has her nose in a book or the Bible regularly, always encouraging me to be more diligent in seeking the Lord. Thankful that she is part of our team and excited to learn more from her unique perspective. Shela is also one of our amazing logistic queens.
Meet Hannah
‘Abider & Fruit bearer’
Hannah is a Southern Alabama girl and the eldest of 6 children. It has been encouraging to see how much Hannah has grown between training camp to launch. Hannah is in tune with the Holy Spirit, connected to the vine, considerate, kind, powerful in prayer and has a passion and love for children. She is a verbal processor, deep thinker, emotionally self aware and always looking for ways to improve and grow. I’m reminded of John 15 when I think of Hannah, as she abides in the true vine, Jesus, and bears fruit for His glory.
Meet Niki
‘Gentle lover’
Niki is our Kiwi from New Zealand and was raised for 14 years in China. She is a safe space, kind, gentle, beautiful, approachable and relatable. Niki is a travel lover, adventure seeker, up for any challenge (although at times thinks she is invincible…) and competitive at card games. She is a lover of children (especially twins) and animals. She is our squads ‘beauty for ashes’ (women’s ministry) coordinator and has a desire to see women wear crowns of beauty instead of ashes and to know their worth in our Heavenly Father. Niki loves others well like 1 Corinthians 13.
God has consistently been encouraging me to champion my team. I ask for you to pray for me to love them well and also pray for them by name as we learn and grow in community with each other. This team has power and we are expectant that together God is going to use us mightily for His Kingdom.
Enjoy some happy snaps of our team.
