Sitting in a local coffee house, the six of us gathered around a piece of “Fugettaboutit Pie”, taking a bite of the peanut butter-chocolately goodness, then passing it down to the next person. The pie traveled counter-clockwise around the table four times before we devoured it entirely—whipped cream, banana chips and all.
While the coffee was good and the pie was sensational, the conversation was even sweeter: discussing the ways Jesus has shown up and spoken to us throughout our time at World Race Training Camp. I wanted to freeze this moment in time. While I was fully present, I also wanted to be on the outside looking in as the unification of my new World Race team commenced.
These five people I was surrounded by were not people I immediately connected with when arriving at Training Camp. However, there were times when we were asked throughout the week who we would be interested in being teammates with and slowly their names came to my heart. During our last team building activity when we were put together, I knew this would be the group that became my team. Not because we were all instant best friends, but due to my strong sense of the Holy Spirit being fully present amongst us– what a significant gift.
God had handpicked this group.
At this fact, I was humbled, given peace, and great joy.
Left to Right: Derik, Victoria, Gracie, Katy, Rachel, and Luke
I had tried my best not to envision my team too much before coming to camp, trying to entrust the work to the Lord and due to my sheer love of surprises. I could not have even envisioned this one if I tried. We all have different backgrounds, stories, personalities, talents and interests. God took unique puzzle pieces—in their incredible shape and color all on their own—and put them together to form a masterpiece. Plus, this is only the beginning, I sure do not believe I have a grasp on the bigger picture God has put together with this team, but I am incredibly excited to watch it come into full view.
After tossing around a few team names throughout the afternoon without much success, this moment came around the Elvis-inspired pie, sharing God’s workings in our hearts. Luke shared the following verses from Acts:
“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack or harm you, because I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18:9-10)
Keep on speaking.
Do not be silent.
For I am with you.
Then, as our heads nodded in agreement and smiles came across our faces, “Team Unsilenced” was born.
The most incredible part to think about is that God had ordained this group of beautifully broken, messy, Christ-loving individuals to join together, for His glory, before we even knew we would all one day say “Yes” to His calling to the World Race. He brought together a team of people who desire to speak boldly about the love of Christ—through our words and actions.
Team Unsilenced has only now just been formed and God has great plans for us. If you would like to be part of it, please pray for us! Pray for our unity in Christ. Pray for our boldness and confidence in Him. Pray for people to see the hands and feet of Jesus as we serve, love, and be in relationship with others around the world. Pray for us to love each other so well, as brothers and sisters, that others will see God in us!
Pray that we may “proclaim the kingdom of God and teach about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!” (Acts 28:31)
Meet the Team!
*quotes taken from their World Race blogs
Derik Chaney (Our Fearless Team Leader): “I come from the capital of the treasure state, Helena, MT. I’m currently attending Corban University where I have just recently completed my collegiate soccer career with the Warriors. In May, I will graduate with a degree in Psychology. I’m ready to get uncomfortable and be challenged in new ways bringing Glory to God in all I do. Like Paul, I plan to press on to make it my own for He has made me His own.”
Luke Sherron: “I’m 22 years old and I grew up in Middletown, OH, near Cincinnati, OH. I’m currently finishing up my last semester of my undergraduate studies. In May 2015, I will graduate from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. A few of my greatest passions are Architecture, Traveling, and Serving (not necessarily in that order). God gave me a heart for others, and I intend to leave a positive impact wherever I find myself, and be wrecked and radically changed into a better person along the way.”
Katy Wade (Our Team Finance Queen): “I’m 22 years old and a recent graduate of Union University in Jackson, TN. Zoology was my major and Photojournalism was my minor. F.R.I.E.N.D.S is my SHOW! I want to learn, and God has allowed me the past 21 years to teach me how. I want to serve, and He has provided me the positions to do so. Sacrificing 11 months of my life sounds absolutely ridiculous, but I take such faith in knowing that if God has shown up in every other aspect of my life up till now, why would my time preparing for and going through the race be any different?”
Gracie Treloar: “I was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I have 3 brothers, all of whom I love to death! I have two of the most amazing parents in the world. I don’t know where I’d be without their love and support. I’m just a girl. I wear my heart on my sleeves. I cry in sappy movies. I sing really loud and laugh too much. I’m learning to love life for the small moments and let go of things that weigh me down. I struggle, I succeed, I have set backs, and I grow. Most of all, I’m learning what it means to be loved by God. It’s life changing.”
Rachel Workman: “I’m a 26 year old elementary school teacher from Point Pleasant, West Virginia. I love Jesus, teaching, jogging, SpongeBob, traveling, writing, music, DC, church, working out, NYC, trying new foods, the beach, playing with my puppy Winnie, and learning about sea creatures. This is bigger than me. Great things don’t come from comfort zones, and serving others is rarely convenient. I’m finally choosing to put the excuses in the trash can, grab my backpack, and go.”
