<Training camp>
Ezekiel 36:26 “And I will give you a new heart and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”
If I could only choose one word to describe my personal experience at training camp, I would choose the word restoration. The restoration of my body, my mind, and my spirit. Two weeks ago, I walked into the World Race carrying some heavy spiritual burdens. Long story short, the past two years have consisted of many trials that have shaken my faith. As a result, I found myself growing bitter and numb. At times I was unable to feel anything, good or bad. I was finding it difficult to accept and believe that I was actually loved by God. Also, I found myself partnering with my pain and claiming it as apart of my identity. I told myself, “If God is going to allow these things to happen to me & my family, I will refuse to heal. I will not allow my joy to be restored.” These thoughts were subconscious in a way. I wasn’t intentionally pursuing this mindset, but as time went on, I was finding it harder & harder to pull my mind back towards truth.
I was excited for the World Race, but I was also frustrated with myself for not being in the best headspace. I didn’t feel spiritually adequate or prepared in any way shape or form. About a week into training camp, I experienced something supernatural. One of the mentors here at Adventures in Missions (AIM) prayed over me. Let’s just say it was powerful and it was a significant moment I will never forget. This mentor specifically prayed that God would remove my heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh. Immediately I felt new and restored! It was actually crazyyy! The past week I’ve been walking in so much freedom and can’t even put into words the excitement I have for ministry throughout this next year! This personal experience gave me a whole new appreciation for intercession and the importance for committing others to prayer and being selfless in that way. One of these days I’d love to write a whole separate blog on how I’ve experienced God through prayer, but today is not the today lol.
Ezekiel 36:25-27 says, “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.”
As believers, God offers us the most incredible gift of living in relationship with him. The past few weeks have been completely mind blowing as I’ve experienced the Holy Spirit soften my heart and allow me to walk in freedom and boldness.
I’m so thankful for the community here. It is incomparable to anything I’ve ever experienced! I am walking and doing life with people who are fully surrendered to God’s will. Our mentors, coaches, and squad leaders are inspiring and call us higher every day. We have all felt so pushed and challenged in our faith. I know this is just the beginning and can’t wait to experience the fullness of God and his love with my incredible squad this year!
With all that being said, training camp was everything it should be lol. We slept in tents, took bucket showers, hand washed our laundry & dishes, went on a big hike with our packs, experienced lots of cultural scenarios, coexisted with all the bugs and sweat, and found a community unlike any other. It’s been pretty cool lol.
Prayers are appreciated as we start ministry in Guatemala! We got here a couple days ago & I am completely in love with this country. Stay tuned for more blogs in the near future. I can’t wait to share my experiences here in San Antonio Aguas Calientes!
Oh by the way, I’m 82% funded! Getting closer and closer! If God puts it on your heart to contribute, I’ll include my donation link below 🙂 Thank you to all my family & friends who have partnered with me in this ministry. I have no doubt this is exactly where I’m supposed to be right now.
Thank you for all your support <3
Rachel,
Thanks you for your honesty in sharing the pain in your live and the healing that is taking place through prayer and community. I hope you really do a seperate blog on how y
Perryou’ve experienced God through prayer, I’m sure it would be powerful!
Thanks Perry! Looking forward to seeing you guys soon!
Read your blog with much interest and can’t help but see parallels with my niece, Susan Stanton Clarke. I hope you guys are able to connect in Guatemala.
Thanks! 🙂