Well, it’s finally happening!! In just a few days we will be on a flight to Romania!
When I think back to how this was a dream the Lord showed me in November of 2019 that is now actually happening, I am in awe of God, His goodness and His faithfulness.
Preparing for training camp a few weeks ago was CRAZY!
I worked until Thursday and left on Friday… not my wisest choice! I spent most of that night packing both my big pack and day pack which you can see in the picture.
Once I arrived in Atlanta, I started to meet all of the people from my squad who I’ve been getting to know on zoom for the last year! I kept saying to them “You are real!! You’re actually real!”
Once we were all at the airport, we were loaded into vans and headed to Gainesville, Georgia where training camp is. We then set up our tents right away!
Training camp was full of worship, speaking sessions, vision casting, different sleeping scenarios, time with our squad, physical activities, hiking and setting up/packing up my tent what felt like 27 times.
All week I was in awe that God provided everything needed for me to be there. He spoke so clearly and made the path so straight for me to be doing missions overseas for the next year. He is SO good.
One of the most challenging parts of training camp was the 3 hour hike we did on Mt. Yonah. While carrying our big packs up the mountain, we were drenched in sweat and encouraged each other to keep going. There were many times I felt like my body could not do anymore, but it did and we made it to the top TOGETHER to this beautiful view!
God showed up and spoke so much over that week of training. He confirmed His unconditional love for me and that there is NOTHING I can do to make Him love me any more than He already does. He also showed me that He made me to be a city on a hill and a LIGHT that cannot be HIDDEN (Matthew 5:14). He continues to show me that we all have an important part in the body of Christ and that when we are operating in who He created us to be, the body is in unity and glorifies Him. That is exactly what this squad and my team will be doing this year. We will be seeking Jesus, growing closer to Him, operating in the authority He has given us, walking in the fullness of who He has made us to be and seeing the beautiful unity, salvation and freedom that comes with that in the lives of other people around the world.
I am SO excited and thank you for being on this journey with me.
Please pray for this squad! Each one of them is so special. I can’t believe I get to do life and ministry this year with them!
So very proud of you Renee and cannot wait to travel along your journey with you as you keep us posted! We will continue to pray for you and just remember how much you are dearly loved, valued and cherished. We love you as one of our own! You go girl! You got this because God has you!
You my dear are embarking in what once was just a dream, a desire, that became a promise, a plan by the almighty God. In His perfect ways you are chosen to fullfil this specific assignment.
Matthew 28:19-20
New International Version
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Be blessed!! Love you.
Hi Renee, So good to hear from you!! You sound like you are doing very well. What a joy it must be to you to walk out your dream with your brothers and sisters. The trip to the top of the mountain must have been strenuous but you made. I reminds me that part of your time on your journey may be challenging but always remember in the harder times that there is always a mountain view at the end and that the climb is always worth it. I will continue to be praying for you. Thanks for sharing your great adventure with the Lord with us. Blessings John
Great blog Renee. I especially like what you say here, “ He made me to be a city on a hill and a LIGHT that cannot be HIDDEN (Matthew 5:14).” Praying lots of blessings, wisdom and direction for you.
Renee ? we are soooo excited for you and your adventure! I just read your blog to the kids and we plan on following and praying for you while you are on this amazing mission!
I love you so much!! Thank you for caring so deeply for me over the years and showing me the love of Jesus over and over!
Thank you so much, Nelson! It was a challenge for sure but I was so thankful for my team! God bless!!
Love you, Walleska!! Thank you for your support snd encouragement. Our Father is so so good and faithful!
Hi, pastor John! Thank you so much for your words of encouragement.
We are seeing the challenges from the start and have an opportunity to trust God deeper!
Darla, you are the one who gave me the scripture at training camp! It was when you were handing out random ones to each of us. God answered my prayer through that scripture! He’s so good!
Wow! Thank you so much, Misty!!
Praying for you and your family as well!
Hey Renee! I’m glad to hear that things are going very well for you on this journey! I can’t believe you had to hike for 3 hours with your backpack on on top of that. Wow! What an amazing accomplishment with the help and support of God and your friends. I would be exhausted after one mile. Lol. Continue to be a Light unto others! Can’t wait to hear more about your journey. God bless!