Alright this is my last blog post about Training Camp, I promise!
While we were at Training Camp, L Squad was given the opportunity to actually leave campus and serve some people in the local community. Because we are an Expedition Squad, the leaders at AIM wanted us to get some hands-on practice in evangelism, rather than just hearing the theories about it. We went to a trailer park community where some people in AIM are planting a church. Whether it was prayer walks or praying with people or playing with children, this community was open and was a great way for us to get a feel for how ministry on the World Race could work. We went to this community the last three days of Training Camp, and we were all amazed at the things God could do with our willingness in just a few short hours. It definitely made me wonder what I’m missing out on in my local community…prayer and investing time in people would change the world. We just have to be willing to sacrifice some. But when Christ gave the ultimate sacrifice for us, what is sacrificing the short time He has given us on this earth? Just something to think about…
Check out the YouTube video below to see some of the things God did in this community while we were there!
And finally, on the last day of camp we participated in Squad Wars, a jumble of competitions between all the squads at Training Camp. We didn’t have too much time to prepare since we were doing ministry at the trailer park, but I think our lack of preparation made us all the closer as a squad as we embarrassed ourselves most profoundly together in the dance competition (I’m speaking for myself, at least). I absolutely adore my whole squad, and I’m glad that we are a little smaller (my squad is about 30 people, while most squads are around 60). I can’t wait for you to get to know them better this year!
Watch the second video below to see more about Squad Wars!
Finally, this is probably the last blog post for a while. I fly to Atlanta August 4, where we will have a few more days of training before we launch to Colombia! That means launch is about five weeks away! I’m torn between missing my new family (my squad) terribly and wanting to be in South America already and wanting to suck every ounce of A/C and sleeping on my comfy bed as possible before we launch.
Prayer requests for the next five weeks:
-I am traveling a good bit to see friends and family. Please pray God works through me and that I am able to be present to each person I spend time with, rather than looking to the future.
-Please pray for my family. Although they would never say it, I think having me leave for a year will be hard for them and they would appreciate your prayers.
-Please pray for my heart as I prepare for what will be the most intense and challenging year of my life. Pray that my heart is open and willing to all that the Lord has to teach me during this time.
-Please pray for my team. We are studying the book of Colossians together. Pray that we are able to serve each other and grow together as we interact over the next few weeks. Please pray God moves in each of their hearts the way He needs to. Their names are Kristan, Hannah, Sarah (SJ), Chrissy, and Kaitlyn (check the previous blog post to know more about them).
-Please pray for my squad. The 30 of us will be family over the next year, and that will include sharing in each other’s victories and losses. Please pray for God’s provision for each squad member, as very few are fully funded. Pray that God reveals things in our hearts that He wants to heal so that we may better serve each other and the people of South America in the coming year.
-Please pray for the AIM leadership and staff as they continue to work behind the scenes to make everything on our route possible for the next year. They are still developing much of the route, and I know prayer is needed to open doors that need to be opened and to guide them to where God wants us.
Thank you for you support!! You are every bit as much a part of this journey as I am!! I cherish your prayers and love more than you could possibly know.
Tera
