Heart beating and adrenaline pumping, our eyes are closed for a moment of intensity before the flood gates are opened. Picture 250 warriors on a hill preparing for battle.
We sing, “Fill us with Your fire! Give us Your desires! We want more and more and more and more of You!”
Marching together in unison, we prepare for battle. We go forward together. We go back together like the murmuration of a flock of birds. In teams of 6-8, we will cover the world for 11 months. Different countries. Different locations. Same mission:
“Bring God’s Kingdom to Earth by Sharing Jesus with the World”
We embrace ten days of intense preparation: tent camping, porter potties, bucket showers, no sinks, hand sanitizer, and limited food. We welcome the unknown as we survive with tarps and rope alone, as we share our tents and supplies each day, and as we pray for one another through the night. We take steps together one step at a time.
Left Foot. Identity – We discover and define who we are and whose we are.
Right Foot. Forgiveness – We forgive those in our past. It is the strongest tool in battle and un-forgiveness is one of the most destructive forces on the planet.
Left Foot. The Holy Spirit – He convicts unbelievers of their sin and empowers us with the presence of God.
Right Foot. Shame – The Lord heals our buried shame as we bring it into the light and confess it. It’s power is relinquished.
Left Foot. Community – Arm in arm, hand in hand, we march. “By this, all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35
Right Foot. Intimacy with God – We look up individually to the Father. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27
Left Foot. Healing – We turn to each other and release the power that is in us that was given to us by the Holy Spirit. Chains are broken. We are healed.
As I realized that I would not always have a place to call “home” on the race, not even my tent, the Lord spoke to me saying, “I’m your home wherever you go.” I am leaving my comforts, belongings, family, and friends behind to answer this call. I may not have a home, but He is preparing a mansion for me in heaven. This life is short and people are dying without knowing Him. None of the “stuff” matters. Only people matter. We are warriors with a battle cry. We look the enemy in the eye and fight for those around us saying, “God wants these people. You have no place here. You can’t have them!” Each step we take spreads more light and the enemy shudders. We have heard the call. This is our answer.
Watch the video below by my Squadmate, Michael Fiene, for a glimpse of God’s heart through training camp.
