Macedonebrief!

From April 24th through May 2nd, I was in Skopje, Macedonia for a Squad Debrief. B Squad had just finished their fourth month on the World Race. Debrief is a time for a Squad to rest, reflect, and be filled up by Adventures Staff who flies out to see them. Here is what B Squad’s Debrief looked like for me as their Squad Logistics Representative.

The first couple of days were individual Team Debriefs. The Squad is divided up into Teams of six. Each Team has their own Debrief to reflect on the last few months of ministry and being a Team. I had the opportunity to debrief Team Willing Wanderers. It was so great to hear how the Lord has used them since the beginning of the Race. They also shared how they’ve grown and how they’ve seen each other grow. It was a sweet time of celebration!

Later in the week, the Squad experienced Team changes. It is important to say that B Squad began the Race with three Alumni Squad Leaders who have done the Race before. These three Alumni Squad Leaders only stay on the field for five months, so they needed to raise up three people from within the Squad to take their place. This creates an opportunity for change throughout the entire Squad. Each Team has a Treasurer who handles the Team’s finances. With Team changes, there are usually new people who have to step into this position. Part of my responsibility is to train new Treasurers on how to properly manage the financial resources that the Lord has given the Squad through fund raising.

We also have two Logistics Leaders on the Squad who coordinate travel between countries, plan these Debriefs, help everyone obtain visas, among other things. One of them was raised up to be one of the new Squad Leaders which left an opportunity for someone else to fill her previous role. We appointed a new Logistics Leader. I spent half a day training her on all the ins and outs of being a logistical mastermind on the field!

One of my favorite parts of Debrief are one-on-ones! We give the Racers opportunities to sign up for times to meet with a staff member individually. Sometimes, they have a specific issue and want our wisdom and encouragement. Other times, they just want to talk or receive prayer. Regardless of why they sign up, it’s so great to get to know them on a deeper and more personal level.

Debriefs always include worship, fun, and teachings which give the Racers tools to continue on the Race as strong as they can. On the last day, I had the opportunity to teach during a break-out session. I talked about how to press through challenging times and how to keep your hope in the Lord through it all.

The last day of Debrief, we all decided to go to one of the local parks and do some worship. While we were there, a group of 3 or 4 people walked up and joined us. It turns out that they were a group of missionaries with Global Challenge. One of them in particular, Reuben, looked like he could use some encouragement. I went over to him , introduced myself, and prayed over him. Then, he prayed over me! Pray for Reuben as he continues his mission!

Me and Reuben!

On my way home from Debrief, I had a 28-hour layover in Athens! I had the opportunity to sight-see. One of my dreams was to visit the Acropolis, and I was able to cross that off my list! I also ate some real Greek pizza! It was a great way to end a great trip!

I’m going to leave you with some prayer requests:

• As of April 1st, I should’ve been at 50% of my financial support. Right now, I’m really close at 47.99% (or $141). If you are unable to support me monthly but you could do a one-time gift, now would be a great time to catch me up! 
• One of my Squads, Gap D, is finishing up their Race in Nicaragua! They’ll be home in a few weeks. Pray that the would finish strong! 
• One of my new Squads, Gap F, will be making the trek to Gainesville, GA for World Race Training Camp! They will be meeting each other for the first time. Pray that they would be eager to receive everything the Lord has for them during those 10 days and that He would unite them as a Squad. 
• Former World Race Director, Steve Basden, lost his 18-year old son, Trent in a tragic car accident. Please keep him, his wife, Chrissie, and his other son, Ryan in your prayers as they grieve and heal from this. 

Thank you for reading! God bless!