S-Squad just finished our post-month 7 debrief, and it’s been a time of recharging for the remaining four months of our journey. Even as I write these words though, I realize that this cycle of pouring out and then getting filled back up and pouring out and getting filled back up will not, and should not, end after I finish the World Race.
Debrief was a time for the whole squad to be together and enjoying a few days off of “work” at specific ministry sites. We had free time to spend a few hours at the beach each of the four days we were there, hike up the gazillion steps of the massive Jesus statue built on a nearby hill, and ride motorbikes around the much less-crowded streets of this city. It was the first chance I’d had to put on my swimsuit for a few months, and as I soaked up the sun’s rays and felt the sweet ocean breeze and the soft sand between my toes I was so thankful for periods of rest, even if they are short-lived.
Another aspect of debrief is recharging our squad spiritually for the ministries we will be heading into next. Our leadership has poured into us through scheduled one-on-one conversations, whole-team reflection and goal-setting meetings, evening speakers and worship sessions, and men’s and women’s sessions. Unlike past debriefs, I felt led to schedule a 1-on-1 this time, and was blessed by a time of encouragement from one of our incredible alumni squad-leaders. It’s amazing how much personal, intentional time with someone can bring joy to our hearts. It’s not about having the deepest spiritual conversation or pouring out your heart to the point of tears, although those things are great and often happen during squad 1-on-1’s. No, just feeling specifically loved by one other person who is willing to spend time to see how you’re doing-that reflects the love of God and brings such refreshment. I’ve discovered I’m incredibly energized by just hearing someone ask “How are you doing” and knowing they genuinely want to hear your answer in detail-whatever that entails.
After the next four months come to an end, I want to carry these practices, these habits, these “ah-ha!” discoveries of how community works well back home. I’d encourage you to consider how they would affect your everyday life as well. Ask someone how they’re doing, not just in passing to be polite, but because you really care to encourage them and show them they matter to you. It’s likely they won’t assume those are your intentions, so be clear with letting them know that it’s okay for them to be honest. Take the time to be intentional with spending one-on-one time with others. Groups are great, but they are much harder to be real and raw in. Push through the awkwardness of looking someone in the eye and asking them personal questions. It may feel weird, but those personal questions may just be what that person needs to realize someone loves and cares about them. Be willing to pursue people as friends and brothers and sisters in Christ!
So as I have been encouraged by a few great one-one-one conversations over the past few days, I desire to pour into others too by stepping out with words of love and encouragement. My teammates will be the main focus of that effort in the month to come, and I would appreciate prayers for my boldness and further unity within my team. Acts 2:42-47 describes the fellowship of believers in the early Church, and two things stick out to me: 1) they gave away, and 2) they consistently met together for study of the scriptures and spiritual encouragement. Now is not the time to give into my tiredness and hide out by myself under the pretense of being an introvert just because it’s easier than building relationship with others. I must be willing to give of myself away-my time, my resources, my wisdom, my prayers, my words of encouragement. And I must be willing to keep coming together with my community and studying the Word and with them and contributing to the edification of the Church.
It isn’t easy. But it’s good-this pressing through the exhaustion using the strength of my Savior.
