** This is something I wrote the other day. Just kind of spilled out of me, before I knew it this is what was on paper**
In a life raft with a lion!
I can't tell if the Lion is mine or if I'm His.... maybe it's
both?
I know that I'm not His prey, which changes the dynamic
completely. Well, most of it! There's still a slight fear, it's a
lion, but not of Him necessarily. Rather, of whom He is! At any moment He could devour me, but He chooses not to!
Why is He here in this place with me? It seems, un-proportional.
As time persists, I realize that I'm comfortable with this
Lion. He hasn't abused His power
or the unspoken promise, "I will never hurt you, for what you sensed is true,
‘I am yours and you are mine.'"
What do you do with such an epiphany, such a paradox? The
storm around you seems, insignificant! The waves, wind, and sound seem to be "besides the point." I mean, you're in a LIFE RAFT WITH A
LION! No matter how comfortable
you think you can get you still can't escape His gaze; those deep, regal, and
magnificent eyes. With every
glance you're somehow brought back to the point. This smilingly bizarre paradox seems to make complete sense.
It's fearing the storm that seems to be so unrealistic!
Can I carry the gift from this experience onto land once I
reach shore?! Will the memory of
this be as pungent as it is now?! Will I remember the details of His face as I do at this moment?! Will I remember how powerless yet
favored I felt? How helpless yet
cared for? How special yet how
small I felt in comparison to the waves around me. How nothing mattered except for some reason the Lion favored
me even cared for me! How this
realization gave me a peace I've never known before!
Once I feared the storm. Now I fear loosing this awareness!
I'm in a lift raft with a Lion!
The storm is His, the life raft is His... and both are true,
"I am the Lion's and HE IS MINE!"
My heart was heavy with joy as my friend, who I haven't seen
in two years, was now sitting with me at church.Keyla was a Buddhist monk when I first met Him.Much has changed with Keyla in the past
two years
I want to reintroduce you to him.I've mentioned him in a few blogs from time to time.Click here to read, bullet-proff-monk-3I met Keyla in Cambodia on my first
World Race.We've been in touch
ever since and is a good friend of mine.
He follows every blog of mine and writes me e-mails every
week.He's reading this one right
now.
It was great to see you Keyla, my friend!I hope this blog blesses you!I will see you again!
Over the course of the past two years Keyla left his "Monk
Hood."Since then he has been very
proactive in reaching out to the people of his country.Specifically the children, he has
started a school in a rural area in Siem Reap. Some of the students are orphans
but in general the students don't have much money, so it's free for every
student to attend.The school is
also where Keyla's lives, it's his home.He works with another gentlemen, Mr. Ross, and they have partnered
together to run the school for the 30 students.
Keyla speaks 3 languages and is finishing His studies at a
university where he studies English.To put it nicely, Cambodian universities aren't like Universities in the
West, nor Is Keyla's life.He has
a very humble living and is doing all He can to make the most out of what he
has.All he wants to do is create
opportunity for the children in his country.He believes He can do this by teaching English.English is an open door for opportunity
in Cambodia.It means you can have
a shot at decent job, like a tour guide, and make decent money.
God has been doing something big in Keyla's heart.We spent a lot of time together while I
was in Siem Reap.He told me one
day, "I am half and half... I still believe in the way of Buddha, but I also
believe in your God!I was a monk-
Buddhism is what I know- but I believe in your God also, I want to learn more-
show me how!You helped me in my
life, and I watched your life and meet other Christians- I think one day I will
be all the way for your God- but for now I want to study the Bible, and one
day... yes I think so!"
Ahh... I love you Keyla!! =)
We had such an amazing conversation that day, if you can
imagine! Such Joy and honesty between us!I admire his heart and passion to serve the people of his country!
I ask you all to partner with me in prayer over Keyla.He is an amazing man, and there is such
favor over his life!I see the
hand of God on him!! He has expressed to know more about the one true God,
about Jesus!So let it be so! This
is my prayer for my friend!
This is for you Keyla!
"Father, religion was made by man!You are not religion! You were before that!You are the beginning and the end! You
are intimacy, you are relationship, you are love, you are power, you are He who
made the world and man who lives within it!You are the creator, the one true God!You are not theology or theory!You are substance, tangible, and
alive!You sent your son to make a
way for us all!Thank you!I felt you all my life, but I didn't
know what to call you, or how to get to you!But you made the way through your son Jesus!Thank for never stopping to bring me to
where I am now!Thank you for
giving me an encounter with you that I'll never be able to shake from my memory
or spirit!God- you told me
things, and you keep doing it!Thank you for not stopping!Thank you for being tangible!I want for my friend what you have given me, Hope and LIFE like I've
never know!To now know the one who
made me, you God!And to be on the
journey of Greater things!.On the
journey of learning the Heart of God, and the endless love that you have for
everyone!I pray that Keyla has an
encounter with you and your love for Him!An encounter with your spirit!I bind Him to the highest will that you have for His life!I pray He goes past where I've been or
where I think I'm going!I pray
that you would prosper Keyla in His nation and bring life and restoration to
it!I pray that he would be a
leader in His community and even country!I pray for %100 because you %100 p know and love him! I speak
over His eyes and ears; "may you hear and see only Life and truth!!! May death,
lies, and illusion be shown for what they are!" I thank you that you're patient God and that you'll always
be with him, and that it never stops!I pray for Angels to be with Him and protect Him! I
bind Hope and Love to Him!And I
pray Destiny would be revealed. In Jesus Name"
********If you have prayers for keyla, write them in the comment
box! He will read them!
A few days ago the country of Haiti faced tragedy. A 7.0
magnitude earthquake hit the capitol city, and thousands are feared dead.In 2008 they faced 4 different tropical
storms/hurricanes. Floods. Mudslides. They've had political unrest for
years.The spiritual climate is
very dark because of the many followers of Voodoo.It's not an easy place to live.And now this.
AdventuresIn Missions and The World Race care about the
people of Haiti and are paying close attention to the aftermath that has followed
this earthquake.They are
mobilizing teams to send out as you read this- and will be on a plane within a
few days if all goes as planned.Alumni from the WorldRace and others a like are making their way to the
country to assist with "on-the-ground" needs!I assure you there's plenty of it.We all remember Katrina and the great need for people and
resources! Additionally, there are AIM missionaries already there!
It's hard to imagine all this because I'm so detached.... I'm
on the other side of the world.But it doesn't change the fact that people are dying!
At the very least I hope this little blog helps to connect
someone with the right people!
This video is from an organization that's on the ground
right now, real time, assisting and helping the people of Haiti. They themselves are in great need.If you're like me, you like to know who
you're getting involved with, or at the very least, know where your money is
going!This video will give you incite
as to who they are, and one of many options to help the people of Haiti...if this
is your desire.
:::::::Contact and Give through the Organization in the Video:::::
Canaan is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations can be given online through paypal at http://www.canaanorphanage.org. If you would prefer to send a check, you can use the self-addressed envelope included with this letter. We will continue to update our efforts, upcoming relief trips and stories of how God moves in the midst of this tragedy online at http://www.canaanorphange.org and http://www.haitinutritionproject.org/blog/. Thank you for your support of this ministry. God help Haiti.
::::::::Give a gift-through Adventures in Missions:::::::
Since I was a kid, I've dreamed of traveling the world with purpose! A pioneer of sorts! And it seems that everything has lead up to this! All my life experiences, everything! I don't know
if I've made the most out of every day but I'm trying!The other night I was listening to
childhood memories of mine!I've
been so entrenched with those I'm serving or things I'm doing I sometimes forget to take time to step back!
Every time I step back, I become more aware and realize that
God continually gives me my heart desires.-and it makes me want to weep!
I'm traveling the world, experiencing and seeing things I
never would have imagined.Most of
all I'm accompanied by rare and special people who carry the same heartbeat!
It's true, it's not where you go, it's whom you do it
with!
Andi Wendel is rare women!In my opinion she is The Whisper of the Beloved Bride of
Christ!What do I mean by that??
When you're around her you feel refreshed and loved!It's who she is not who she tries to be!She's one of rare strength and balance!
Someone that will make you feel great but wont let you slide!She'll call you to greatness and will
believe in you more then you'll believe in yourself! When you spend time with
her you have thoughts like, "I wonder if everyone in heaven is like her, if
they feel like her, love like her, have passion like her.I feel like I'm learning so much just
by whom she is!I want to Love the
way she does!"She makes you feel
like the bride of Christ is truly something special. I honor you Andi!!!
It has been my rare pleasure to serve along side her!These past 4 months have been extremely
life giving greatly due to her!
A common dream we both share is to make our ceiling the
floor of those we come to serve.Part of our job description as squad leaders, is to develop leaders from
within the group to take our place as squad leaders.Well...God gave us three!From this point forward Andi and I are no longer the squad
leaders of L Squad!
A few days ago we arrived in Siem Reap, Cambodia.The first two days were dedicated to an
official handing over of our authority as squad leaders to these three amazing
people!
Truth is, we just partnered with what God was already doing!
These leaders were being raised up well before we met them! Years of life
experience preparing them for this hour!They will take this squad where Andi and I could not!They are men and women of honor, love,
and are heavily anointed by the Spirit of God!They are men and women of God!!! They are a 1 Thessalonians 1:5 people. "For our gospel did not
come to you in word only, but also in power and in the holy spirit and with
full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you
for your sake!"They're full of
hope, passion, and love and are anointed!
What I love most about them is that they are for the
people!They live to see others
surpass where they've been! It's what gives them life!They want twice as much for the squad
then they want for themselves.They have exceptional gifting but they also have character! I believe they're going
to lead this squad better then Andi and myself could...and will continue to rise to the occasion!
It's what I hoped would happen.To leave the squad in better hands then my own!It's a dream come true!And to know Andi and I have part in it
makes it all the sweeter!Everything I came to do and hoped to see, seems to be happening!Thank you Lord!!
Andi and I are spending one final month with the squad to help
with the development of Katie, Weston, and Jory as squad leaders.Our focus in now on the three of them!After which Andi and I will leave the
squad at the end of the month!We
won't be "done" with "leading" the squad but rather in more of a coaching position
for the remainder of the year!Every
few months we will be joining the squad in whatever country they're in for
debriefs, and we'll so do until the end of their year!
However, It's bittersweet leaving!I love this group!
"Experience has taught me that I connect best with others when I connect with the core of myself. When I allow God to liberate me from unhealthy dependence on people, I listen more attentively, love more unselfishly, and am more compassionate and playful. I take myself less seriously, become aware that the breath of the Father is on my face and that my countenance is bright with laughter in the midst of an adventure that I thoroughly enjoy." ---B. Mannining
Hard to believe this is my life,
When we're invited to meet the "Governor" of one of the
provinces in Thailand and then allowed to pray for the King in the name of
Jesus with all the government officials in the building in a Buddhist country!
I find myself in a country I can't mention!In a church I can't tell you
about!Worshiping the Lord in an
Illegal manner after being escorted and monitored by a government
official-who's job is to monitor
people just like me!Experiencing
the Holy Spirit show up in that church during worship, then soon after being
forced to stop because the police heard the sound from the streets.
When I get to spend my days clearing land for refugee
children and finish everyday by jumping into a refreshing river in the middle
of the jungle for my shower!
I find myself among the only foreigners at what seems to be
a hidden a Muy Thai fight.Sitting
right next to the most important government official (equivalent to a US senator)
in the province along with the Governor we met a few days prior and all their
families in the VIP section!Conversing,, laughing, and enjoying an evening together as people! Being
allowed to take pictures with the fighters and go in the ring and goof off!The whole night cost a $1.50!
When I get to hike through a hidden cave that you could fit
a house through in the middle of the Jungle and spend the afternoon
exploring the river that ran through it!
When I wake up everyday in my tent, with the option of picking bananas from the
trees, or eating fresh Coconut from the Palms!
When the local people in the middle of the Jungle cooked and
served us every meal!
When I get to spend my Christmas with 46 of the most amazing
and inspiring people in Bangkok Thailand!
When I didn't ask for any of this yet it keeps on
happening!
I'm so grateful for the time I've been given in Northern
Thailand and Neighboring countries! The people we've met will forever be in my heart!What a privilege it is to have been here!
I've currently taken all 15 men from my squad up to Northern Thailand while all the women are working in the "red light districts" in different cites throughout Thailand!This is a recent story from one of the women on our squad! Jamie Neumann. Click here to visit her blog.
More to come about the men soon!
To Feel Human For A Day...
It all began with a dream. A dream to become a
nurse. A dream to help people who are suffering with illnesses and
give them a hope for a better future. That was the dream of a girl
working the bars in Patong when she used to live with her family right
outside of Bangkok. But then reality set it that she was going to be
the one to provide for her family, she would be the one to send her
sisters to university for a good education, that her own parents would
send her 12 hours away to sell herself in order to provide. And this
girl, being selfless, turned her back on her dreams to live a life of
instant gratification for men and lifelong torment for her. Does she
want this life? Absolutely not!
This is the woman we have been building a relationship with. She is 22
years old and works every night in the Bars. Her sense of humor lights
up the room and her joyful spirit is an inspiration. People naturally
flock to her and want to be around her. I know that is how we have
felt about her! So day after day of going to the bar to see her we
asked her what a perfect day would look like for her. She told us
lunch, a movie, and then karaoke. We told her we would love to do that
with her and we will take her out to do that. She agreed! New years
eve day was going to be our day to show her a good time outside of the
bar. A day to feel human again and free.We
wrote on her hand before we left the bar that night to meet us at 11am
back at the bar. So yesterday we got there at 11am like we said we
would. 11:20 rolls around and no show, a thread of disappointment ran
through us but we did not lose hope. We decided to call her, no
answer. 10 minutes later the phone rang... it was her! She said she
got held up with a customer but was on her way and wanted to see us! We couldn't help but jump for joy, while at the same time our hearts broke.
Broke for what she has to be put through everyday because her family
sent her to do this thing. Around noon she came down the street. She
saw us and had a huge smile on her face. We asked her how she was
doing? She told us she was tired, especially since she just spent the
last week in the hospital with dengue fever. But we were determined to
have a good day and spend quality time with her. The day started with
some authentic Thai lunch at her favorite place in Patong. After we
went to the mall and were going to see a movie. She was supposed to
clean the bar at 2 and she told us she would call her boss to see if
she didn't have to come in. That way she could spend the day with
us. He told her no, that she had to come clean, especially since her
customer didn't keep her as long as the rest of the girls from the
bar. Again disappointment ran through, but still a sense that God had
His hand all over her and her life. We walked her back to the bar,
gave her a hug, and see looked at us with longing. Longing
to stay and just feel alive, feel as if she doesn't belong to a man for
a price, rather a human being who is truly worthy of love, time, and
genuine affection. We told her we would come back to the bar tonight and see her then. She agree and off we went.
Last night we went back to the bar. We all got really excited
to see each other. We ordered our cokes and just chatted with her for
a while. I asked her what do I have to do so you don't have to be here
tonight, so that you can just have fun and relax. She said she didn't
know... so I asked her if I could buy her for the night, especially
with it being New Years and she could come down to the beach with us to
celebrate. She said sure! I just would have to pay the "bar fine" as
payment for taking their her away, but at this point it is just money.
Her life is worth so much more then that! I just desire for her to
keep feeling human and not let this day end with her at the bar. She
willingly left with us! SHE LEFT WITH US TONIGHT AND WALKED OUT OF THE BAR!
We walked down to starbucks and met up with our whole group. We all
walked down to the beach. Hundreds of lanterns and fireworks were in
the air! It was beautiful and to top it off she was with us! New Years
celebration was full of joy.
She got to spend New Years having fun
outside of the bar, and have an awesome time. A night of feeling real
and enjoying life. Life more full then the empty life at the bar.
Life started with a dream and tonight Alison asked her to dream again.
Alison asked her for her New Years wish...
Christians who remain in hiding continue to live the
lie.We deny the reality of our
sin. In a futile attempt to erase our past, we deprive the community of our
healing gift.If we conceal our
wounds, out of fear or shame, our inner darkness can neither be illuminated nor
become a light for others. But when we dare to live as forgiven men and women,
we join the wounded healers and draw closer to Jesus.
The more I draw close to him the more I become!"In love's service, only wounded soldiers
can serve!"~ Thornton Wilder....And so, "I shall be very
happy to make my weakness my special boast that the power of Christ may stay
over me!" 2 Corinthians 12:9
The first weak and a half of this month it was if I was a
smoldering wick! Barely a flame! No one knew accept me and God! Praise God that
He visits weaknesses and not strengths!Spiritually, emotionally, and physically I was tired.No excuse or real reason just tired and
empty!I found myself not covering
my squad in the way I needed to! My unacceptable lack of patience, grace, and
love quickened my awareness and heeded a very needed repentance to my
squad!This was crucial for my
sake!
Then it was if He said, "Come to Me now," "Quit projecting
onto Me your own feelings about yourself.At this moment your spirit is a bruised reed and I will not crush it, a
smoldering wick and I will not quench it. You are in a safe place.You are loved!'
Running in pursuit of more with the Lord without taking a
sober look And evaluation myself on a consistent basis would be a mistake!Brokenness, weakness, and honesty seem
to be essential in my pursuit of becoming a better man!
"I knew there was only one place to go.I sank down into the center of my soul,
grew still, and listened to the Rabbi's heartbeat."
Because I'm becoming more and more ok with not being perfect
I'm becoming more aware of my selfishness and stupidity at times.God brings it into the light, reproves
me, builds me and gives me more then I had coming in!He has strengthened me yet again and I feel I'm in the best
place I've been since coming back on the race.I'm realizing how much I appreciate the Father's discipline-
and that the scriptures are true. "He disciplines those He loves!"To convince myself that I don't need reproving
or discipline would mean that I'm God! I'm NOT God! I'm desperate, broken, and
just hanging on to the one I love! Yet my life increases and the testimonies He
gives me!
Thank you Father my King for calling me to Greatness and not
allowing me to settle!
" A bruised read he will not break and a smoldering wick he
will not snuff out until he leads justice to victory." Mathew 12:20 ; Isaiah
42:3
Quotes and inspiration from Brennan Manning!- "The Rabbi's
Heartbeat"
I've worked with the youth/ young adults of my nation in various capacities and now as a squad leader on the race. Todayay I want to share with you a blog that Michael Hindes
wrote, and it is a must-read. It touches on an important point that few address. Michael and Kathy are the directors of
The World Race and believe we are the change we want the world to be. If you have a child on the race- I recommend reading this!
~
My wife, Kathy, and I have been married nearly 29 years. We have
three sons ages 22-25, they are all in the middle of pursuing God's
plan for their lives.
It often feels that their walk into destiny is actually a walk away
from us. A recurring thought I've had as we raised our sons was that
they were trying to move away from us. See when they crawled, they
crawled away; when they walked, they walked away; when they ran, they
ran away, we taught them to ride bikes, they peddled away, they got
their licenses, they drove away. Now we see them in pursuit of
independence and finding their voices. The problem we are having is
they are fighting to get independence from us and their voices rarely
sound like us. It's a painful job this calling to be a parent.
It's getting more painful all the time because the world is getting
scarier and increasingly unsafe. On top of that we are the generation
that has over indulged and over protected our children. We have cared
more about their comfort than their character development. We have
done everything we could to keep them from pain – every sharp corner
covered, every outlet protected, "baby on board" signs in every
minivan. We haven't wanted them to feel the pain of losing either, so
now every sports participant gets a t-shirt and a trophy for just
showing up. We call their bosses if they get harsh evaluations at
work. I recently heard a professor interviewed and he said "parental
intervention is getting out of control". He was further quoted as
saying "that for the first time in 30 years he was having to regularly
defend grades to parents of undergrad and grad students a like".
We must stop the madness of constant interference. These young people
are actually God's plan to bring in the next great harvest. The work
is going to be hard, painful, lonely, humbling, and even dangerous. We
can't run behind our children any longer with pillows trying to soften
the pain that God himself may be orchestrating.
Our young adults need an alternative to our interference. They need
places that will offer initiation into adulthood. They need places to
find their voices and independence. They need places to be exposed to
real pain and have the Holy Spirit ask, "What will you do about it"?
They need places with close community that will challenge the behaviors
and attitudes that we have previously excused. In short, they need
places to grow up and grow away from us.
The World Race
is one of these places and it provides this kind of discipleship. It
offers ministry in tough places internationally while bringing ministry
to tough places internally.
Real discipleship should offer real ministry while providing a real invitation to real maturity.
The world needs our kids and we need to let them go!!!
I don't mean this in an arrogant way, but for most my life
people have commented on how I conduct myself and have often made the comment;
"your parent's did a great job raising you!"
I think having confidence in knowing who you are can be mistaken for arrogance. This isn't
about me, this is about my parents.It's true, my parents did a FANATASTIC job raising me! They are my heroes! There is no other man or women I have
more love and respect for than my mother and father!
They have given me everything they didn't have to ensure
that I would have every opportunity to "become" that they didn't have! If I am anything it's because I have a
mother and father who have given me everything, and has given me the room to
chase my dreams with their blessing!!!
The older I get the more proud I am of my heritage! I love being able to brag on my mother
and father!
My father, Champ Smith Jr., is 73 years old from Littlerock
Arkansas. Coming from extreme
poverty his mother died while giving birth to his sister when he was at the age
of 2. Living in a time of extreme
racism my father was drafted in the military. He served in the tail end of the Korean war, and fought
during the entire Vietnam war! He
retired after serving for more then 20 years, met and married my mother while
in the military! Had me after he retired from the military and became a police
officer for more then 20 years. He
is now retired twice and has been happily married for close to 30 years!! He is a man of rare integrity, honor, excellence, and
character, and has seen and experienced more then most! I still have yet to meet
anyone like him! He is my hero and
has given me everything he didn't have!He has overcome all that has been thrown at him and has beaten all the
odds! Because of my father I have
a hope of being a type of man like him!He has made the way of integrity and rare character for my life! There is no one more fierce or gentle
as my father! It's why man rarely
intimidates me! He is an over-comer, a warrior, and a lover! This is some of my
heritage as a man because of my Father!Thank you Dad for being what I hope to be!
My mother is 15 years younger then my father- but has much
of the same wisdom and character as him!She has given me an example of a wife I would be lucky to have if it
were ever possible to find a women like her! She is one of the most magnificent lovers I have ever seen-
but also one of the strongest women I have ever known! Truly a rare woman! Like
my father she is an over-comer!She comes from a life of unfair pain and circumstances- seeing those she
loves hurt before her eyes everyday!She never allowed this pain or anger to overflow into her life! She
broke the curse before it ever reached me! My mother, a white woman, met my father, a black man. For half of my mother's family, namely
my grandfather, the idea of my mother marring a black man was unthinkable! My mother was warned if she married
him- she would no longer be considered part of the family! Well, she did, and
the family split! My grandmother
and my uncles, Bill and Claude, were like my mother, unprejudiced and just
normal if that makes sense. My
Grandfather and other uncles and aunts never forgave my mother- and the family
has never recovered. My Mother has
worked in banking for over 30 years!With no college education my mother has climbed the ranks and is one of
the elites for Wells-Fargo private banking in Seattle! She is one of the most dedicated
workers I have ever seen! She was
and is a superwoman of a mother! I
will always be a proud mama's boy!
So many children see the shortcomings of their parents. But I see my mother and father as very
rare, not because they didn't make mistakes, not only because of what they've
done, but because of who they are! They understand covenant and what it means
to be a husband, wife, mother, and father! I grew up seeing my father treating my mother like a queen
and my mother treating my father like a king! They have sacrificed everything for me! There's no such thing as a perfect
parent, but they sure are close in my book!! I honor them because the comments I receive are because of
them! I have worked with the youth
of my nation as an occupation in various capacities and I witness that my
mother and father have set the bar!My parents are forerunners of what a mother and father could and should
be!! As I find myself in positions of authority and responsibility I find
myself trying to be like them!
They have given me a hope of who I could be as a father and
husband, and what I hope to have in a wife! Thank you God for my parents! I love you Mom and Dad! Thank you for all your love and support as I travel the
world! I hope my life honors
you! It's because of you I have
this opportunity!
All
teams arrive in Jineotepe Nicaragua to begin our debrief!6:30 pm Andi and I make our way to
Managua Nicaragua to pick up our squad coaches.We make it back at 10:30 in bed at 11:00 pm.
Thursday the 3rd
8:30
Breakfast, 9:30-11:00 Meeting (Welcome Patti and Mike, worship,
testimonies from the month)
12:00-1:00
Lunch
Andi,
Patti, Mike and Myself debrief teams from 1:00- 6:00, Dinner from
6:00-7:00
Meeting
from 7:30- 10:30-Worship and
a Word, in Bed by 11:00- 11:30 pm
The next four days was a marathon of events mirroring
Thursday the 3rd.Might not seem like much but it was positively exhausting!!Not only physically but
spiritually!None stop pouring of
ourselves for our teams!
Debriefs are one of my favorite things about the world
race!It's a raw time of
incredible worship, building up of teams, and personal breakthrough.They are challenging and life giving
all at the same time. Especially when you're a squad leader!At the end of each day Andi and I were
completely drained.But every
morning was refreshed and eager for the day!What a paradox!!
Living with the same people 24/7, traveling throughout the
world, and seeing/ experiencing things you haven't before brings up a lot of
issues, questions, and interesting dynamics!Our squad is constantly being stretched and these debriefs
are a crucial component of processing, building, and equipping!And when were done at the end of
debriefs we're released for another 2-3 months of a whirlwind of events and
life in the nations!What a
life we live!!??
I don't know if you can imagine traveling with 46 people, but
I assure you it's quite the accomplishment when said and done!!
The very next morning after debrief we jammed packed a bus
with 46 people plus luggage at 3:30 am for a hour bus ride to the airport.The following 48 hours
were....."special!"
8:30
am....4 hour flight from
Nicaragua to Miami.We have
1 hour 45 min to catch our connecting flight to LA.
While
in Miami one of my teammates left his passport on the plane. I stayed back while it was
retrieved.Sent the rest of
the squad ahead.Two of my
teammates and myself missed our connecting flight to LA due to waiting to
retrieve the passport!
We
were bumped to the next flight 2 hours later- After a 5 hour flight we arrived
in LA with one hour to spare to meet up with the squad and catch our
flight to Thai Pan- Thai-Wan.
14
hours later we arrive in Thai-Pan, and have 2 hours to our connecting
flight to Bangkok Thailand.
4
hours later we arrive in Bangkok Thai land!!
And in
a flash we transfer 46 people and their luggage to a WYAM base in Bangkok.
2 days
of rest and orientation, and I take all the guys on a 12 hour bus ride to
do ministry in the hill tribes of Northern Thailand for the month!!All the women will be split within
3 to 4 different locations within country to do ministry in the "red light
districts"- Mainly women and men that prostitute themselves!
Only on the World Race!!
I have arrived safely in Bangkok!It feels so good to be back!!
I can't
My
"Father
When I get to spend my days clearing land for refugee
children and finish everyday by jumping into a refreshing river in the middle
of the jungle for my shower!
I find myself among the only foreigners at what seems to be
a hidden a Muy Thai fight.
When I get to hike through a hidden cave that you could fit
a house through in the middle of the Jungle and spend the afternoon
exploring the river that ran through it!
This is the woman we have been building a relationship with. She is 22
years old and works every night in the Bars. Her sense of humor lights
up the room and her joyful spirit is an inspiration. People naturally
flock to her and want to be around her. I know that is how we have
felt about her! So day after day of going to the bar to see her we
asked her what a perfect day would look like for her. She told us
lunch, a movie, and then karaoke. We told her we would love to do that
with her and we will take her out to do that. She agreed! New years
eve day was going to be our day to show her a good time outside of the
bar. A day to feel human again and free. 
We
wrote on her hand before we left the bar that night to meet us at 11am
back at the bar. So yesterday we got there at 11am like we said we
would. 11:20 rolls around and no show, a thread of disappointment ran
through us but we did not lose hope. We decided to call her, no
answer. 10 minutes later the phone rang... it was her! She said she
got held up with a customer but was on her way and wanted to see us! We couldn't help but jump for joy, while at the same time our hearts broke.
Broke for what she has to be put through everyday because her family
sent her to do this thing. Around noon she came down the street. She
saw us and had a huge smile on her face. We asked her how she was
doing? She told us she was tired, especially since she just spent the
last week in the hospital with dengue fever. But we were determined to
have a good day and spend quality time with her. The day started with
some authentic Thai lunch at her favorite place in Patong. After we
went to the mall and were going to see a movie. She was supposed to
clean the bar at 2 and she told us she would call her boss to see if
she didn't have to come in. That way she could spend the day with
us. He told her no, that she had to come clean, especially since her
customer didn't keep her as long as the rest of the girls from the
bar. Again disappointment ran through, but still a sense that God had
His hand all over her and her life. We walked her back to the bar,
gave her a hug, and see looked at us with longing. Longing
to stay and just feel alive, feel as if she doesn't belong to a man for
a price, rather a human being who is truly worthy of love, time, and
genuine affection. We told her we would come back to the bar tonight and see her then. She agree and off we went.
The first weak and a half of this month it was if I was a
smoldering wick! Barely a flame! No one knew accept me and God! Praise God that
He visits weaknesses and not strengths!
