Whew! Where do I even begin? The past week has been a whirlwind of meet-and-greets, dancing, worshipping, sweating, and flying. I have been stretched in all directions, challenged, and encouraged beyond imagination.
I'll start at the beginning: stretched. I arrived at the Chattanooga airport at 3:05pm on Friday afternoon. Next thing I know, I'm saying goodbye to my mother, sitting down with my group, and beginning to form friendships. We arrive at our training camp center, which was a beautiful camp located in exactly, hmmm, the middle of nowhere, and we began our training…Step #1, sleeping on a tarp in 50 degree weather and snuggling with girls I have known for less than 12 hours. Such a night quickly teaches you to lay down any expectations (including the one of believing you deserve more than 45 minutes of sleep). The next 4 days include of myriad of speakers and seminars and activities and worship; smash everything together and magically we become a team in one spirit – the spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Second, I have been challenged. Challenged by the girls on my team who have listened to my doubts, hurts, and will always encourage me through prayer and the Bible.
I started out so afraid to meet my team, "what if they aren't everything I want? What if I don't get along with all of them?"
But God has silenced my fears, and I began to remind myself of God's truth – we are coming to serve Christ, the Holy Spirit is in us all, therefore we are coming in one Spirit, and when you are in one Spirit – there is no division. And praise Jesus for the truth of the Bible!
Third, I have been encouraged. We spent Monday evening in joyous worship of Christ, and as I sat in the back, someone came up behind me and spoke words of life into my heart. I don't believe I've ever cried quite that fast when she told me, "God told me to tell you that there is joy in you, and He will bring you joy." We spent near half an hour on the floor as she prayed for me and sang words of truth in my life. Let me in turn challenge those who read this: if you ever have a burden on your heart to speak to someone, words that will bring life, then do it – God will use the words in a mighty way. These were words my heart had been longing to hear, and God's words will always bring LIFE!
So now I sit in Bangkok – how? Only by the power of Christ alone! Trust Jesus and follow HIm and I know He will use a willing heart mightily.
In Jesus,
Amy<><
