My mind is blown. All expectations have already been surpassed, and I am still in North America. Insane. From the moment we all met, we were the awkward group that all had something different about us, sitting in a circle barely communicating, and just being—well—awkward, and 3 days later, we are the awkward group who can’t stop laughing at/with each other.
Day 1: We started off in unity, and truly having each other’s backs and best interest in mind for our first night spent together. We all had three items to choose, and instead of bringing our own sleeping bag, pillow, and toothbrush, we collectively decided what we would bring, and all have the same comfort level. We instantly were brought to laughter as we discussed our little quirks, such as the occasional finger in bellybutton, just to see how deep it is, and because the night was much colder than expected, we were then brought together physically into spoons.
Day 2: Things were good—actually, they were great. We killed at the dance off, bringing us together yet again. Constantly being together at every meal, and just getting to know each other, at a real and deeper level. These fun times, then made a turn for the serious—listening to Michael Hindes speak about freedom, and stepping out of the prisons we are in, that are wide open and we just need to step out in faith and freedom. Together we were broken, and brought together in tears and prayer. It is the first time I have ever felt Christ on that level. I truly felt burden’s being lifted.
Day 3: Just when I thought I had been broken, and had let it all go, God showed us more, together. We were told to paint a canvas, but to first pray as a team about what to write, and listen to God’s voice, as to what He was saying to each of us for our team. This short prayer time turned into a three-hour prayer and singing in the woods, filled with the Holy Spirit, and tears, and being called to step out of fears. To say it was beautiful and life changing is an understatement, but they are the only words that can be used. As good as this is, it is not over yet.
Day 3: Just when I thought I had been broken, and had let it all go, God showed us more, together. We were told to paint a canvas, but to first pray as a team about what to write, and listen to God’s voice, as to what He was saying to each of us for our team. This short prayer time turned into a three-hour prayer and singing in the woods, filled with the Holy Spirit, and tears, and being called to step out of fears. To say it was beautiful and life changing is an understatement, but they are the only words that can be used. As good as this is, it is not over yet.
On a personal level, during the last session and afterwards, I had such life spoken over me, and things that only the Spirit knew coming from other people. It was the first time in my life I had ever experienced such a thing! It is still pushing me to believe further, and causing my prayer and worship to be automatically stronger and fuller.
I know that this is where God has called all of us to be. We are going to be a powerful force in New Zealand, and I cannot even fathom what God has planned for the people of New Zealand. It is only training camp, and I feel like I have known all of these people for my entire life. This was no mistake—but God’s perfect plan!
