As a leader on these trips I have the absolute privilege to have much of my ministry from day to day be the members of my squad. I get to figure out a lot of things for them logistically, and my favorite part of what I do is pour into them spiritually. Sitting and asking them questions, loving on them, and checking on their emotional health is life giving to me! I LOVE what I do. 

Not only are these some of the weirdest, craziest, and downright most absurd people I’ve ever met (they bring me SO much joy), but they are also a group of people who are passionate about the people of the world knowing the name of Jesus intimately. 

They don’t just want to do the ministry provided for them by hosts, they want MORE. They are constantly wanting more for themselves, their squadmates, and the locals they meet. I’ve never met a group of people so excited to get on the streets and share the love of God. 

They have embodied the passage where Jesus says “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matt. 16:24) They have dropped what they’re doing to follow what God has for them. 

In the same way the disciples did not say 

“Okay, but where are we going exactly?” my squad has said  “Yes” to following the Lord having no idea where in the world (literally) God was going to take them. 

They don’t have a bunch of questions to help them decide if they are going to follow the Lord or not. They say, “Yes” without question. There are no contingencies for their decision. They are all in, going full force, not knowing what lies ahead of them. 

They die to themselves daily. They are practicing well giving up their own desires for the desires of Jesus. They are HUNGRY for more of him and know whatever it takes to get closer to him is worth it. 

These are the people I get to live with. These are the people that are effecting the nations. These are the people I get to lead and pour into. These are the people that can thrive because they have an adequate support system on the field through me and my co-leaders. Thank you for supporting me and in turn supporting 30 other missionaries who are ON FIRE for sharing the gospel with whoever is willing to listen. 

My ministry looks different. Your support looks different because of this. But I think in this case different is better.