Training
Coming to Global has been my first big 'shift' in life, since I was homeschooled and never changed from hometown before. Not only has my physical circumstances changed but my heart and mind has reached some 180 degree changes as well. Our God is always eager to work in us and His grace is enough to do the work.
During the first week of training we had a survivor camp. (But I never even knew that Global students has a survivor camp.) It was unforgettable. The first night I thought that I was going to die from the cold. But this is the amazing thing about survivor camps; you realize that your capacity is quite bigger than you expect it to be. The rest of the week we had daily challenges to earn our food. I enjoyed my team and we really managed to laugh about our circumstances. The whole bunch of first year students bonded well and we got to know ourselves and each other better. The most important thing that I learned that week is that in my weaknesses, God is strong. It is when I am broken that God can work in and through me.
The rest of training consisted of a school camp, more camping, a ladies weekend, a Luke 10, physical labour at the GLA schoolground, awesome guest speakers and growth growth growth. We had a special weekend about grace and law that taught us about the beautiful work that Christ finished on the cross and His resurrection power within us. We are in Christ and this is our security and identity.
The Holy Spirit is at work in the hearts of people. I stand in awe of the work that He does in the people around me. Its amazing to see freedom and boldness breaking through the shy and quiet students. We encourage each other :)
I want to share this one specific encounter with God. The word I received for this year is that God wants to restore my joy and lift any burdens off me. After the grace teachings I felt the burdens getting lighter. Suddenly life and people became beautiful and my desire to be creative became alive again. At the ladies weekend while Clara was praying for me I suddenly felt this heavy burden lifting off my chest. I could breathe lighter and my whole body was 'tingling' like your feet does when something heavy has been resting on your feet for too long. Jesus died for freedom. God loves me.
I can't believe we are at the end of training and about to take flight. We are about to stare another change of season in the face with encouraged and excited Spirits to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
The Road Ahead
I've been blessed with a amazing team of seven people. We are five girls and two guys facing a pioneering journey through the Middle East and the Balkans area. Our first country is Isreal and from there we will go to Jordan, Egypt, Turkey and then Croatia. From Croatia till the end of the journey I will update as we go. :) ADVENTURE AWAITS!! :))
We are called to be God's hands and feet with a ministry of compassion and mercy and the courage of David's mighty men!!
Comments
This sounds sooooo exciting!!so exciting. Wow my friend, go for it. And I praise God for the FREEdom He gave you. The only thing I want to say here is, go well!. Go and enjoy- flourish in Father God's presence and plan for you. you are loved! Be blessed.
Christine, it was (and is) such a privilege to walk this road next to you and to see what God is doing in your life. Can't wait to read in your next blog what He did through you as you walk in vulnerable faith and obedience.