Sometimes God will ask us to step into new and scary things. They are things that will stretch every part of us and push us to depend on Him more and more. These moments feel risky. Sometimes there isn’t a net below to catch us if we fall. Sometimes they are things we never thought we would be doing, and probably feel unqualified for. But in the end, when everything is said and done, they are things that always advance His Kingdom and always bring Him glory. And as believers, that should be our ultimate goal: love God, love others, and bring Him glory.
A little more than a month ago, God presented one of those opportunities before me. The opportunity was to mentor a squad launching in January. I felt terrified, and I mean no hyperbole by this. Mentoring is a job that always seemed above me, far out of any skill or expertise I possess. It was something I always thought and told God I could never do. Jokes on me because I will officially be mentoring a squad.
Stepping into this is pushing and challenging me in many different ways. I still have a deep desire and want to be the one who is sent, and for a while I was, but I know God is wanting me here now. For this moment and this season, God is asking me to send and to disciple from the states. And in that, He is still asking me to step out boldly in different ways. In life, God will ask us to do risky things. They will be uncomfortable and they will feel scary. But at the end of it all, He is always worth the risk.
If you are unfamiliar with World Race lingo, you may be wondering what a mentor is and what I will be doing. Here are some answers.
What is a mentor?
A mentor is someone who leads the squad from the states. They take care a lot of logistical and financial things for the squad, but also do a lot of discipleship and teaching. I will be focusing a lot on the leaders of the squad, but will also be connecting with the squad while they are out on the field.
Where will they be going?
The squad will be going to eSwatini and South Africa. I have had the opportunity to go to both of these countries over the years for ministry. eSwatini and South Africa both have incredible ministries that AIM has been partnering with for many years, and I am excited for the squad to travel to and join ministry there.
How many people are on the squad?
Right now we have 19. There are 17 women and 2 men, ranging from 17 – 26 years old.
How can I be praying?
Pray over the squad as they prepare to leave for 4 months. For many of them, it may be the first time they have left the country for missions. Some of them are coming straight from high school, and others have been out of school for many years. Pray that God would prepare their hearts. Pray their hearts would break for what breaks His. Pray they would be filled with boldness and courage. And pray they would come to training camp with open hearts and open hands.
You can also be praying for me. Stepping into this new role is exciting and also intimidating, but I am trusting God more than I feel scared. Pray I would be filled with wisdom, discernment, and knowledge. And pray for provision. I am still raising support for my salary. Pray the Lord would provide in abundance so I can continue doing what He has called me to do. Please also pray how God wants you to join me in ministry, whether it is through prayer, giving financially, or sharing with others what God is doing in my ministry. If you want to be a monthly giving partner, you can do that here.
Thank you all for how you have continued to support me. I could not do this without you. There is a reason we are meant to do this together, because separately, it wouldn’t work. As you continue on in your day, ask God what He is asking you to step into. Maybe it is something scary and risky. But at the end of the day, is God worth it?
