Training Camp: Worship

Training camp is official over and my time in Georgia!! The four weeks of training camp prepared us for the field. We learned and experienced so many new and incredible things. Some of the most impactful parts of training camp were, the new relationships, the worship, and the unity of the staff and leadership.

Training camp started off with getting dropped off at the Gainesville AIM base. My squad mates and I were quickly thrown into the fast paced world race life. Upon arrival I got checked in and then immediately was brought to W squad’s campsite where I set up my tent and met some of my squad mates. And then World Race life began- living outside in a tent, showering once a week, using porta potties, and being in constant company with either my team or squad. It was incomparable to anything I’ve ever done before.

I fully expected training camp to be difficult, I assumed living outside for weeks on end with 38 other young adults would be challenging. Little did I know that those challenges would be one of the least difficult parts of training camp. For me personally, I found the charisma of the WR to be an unexpected challenge. Speaking in tongues, miraculous healings, prophecy and a multitude of other crazy things overwhelmed me within the first few days. These people are truly sold out for Jesus and it freaked me out. All these young people were letting go anywhere from a semester to years of their lives just to either go on the race, lead a team, lead/mentor a squad, serve on staff, or lead the staff.

I was brought up in a home where things like prophecy and speaking in tongues weren’t talked about continuously. They were definitely brought up on occasion, but it was nothing like training camp. I was also brought up in churches where the majority of the congregation just sings along and sways to the music during worship. You’d get the occasional person who’d lift a hand or say “Amen” after a good word. So training camp sent a shock to my system. Everywhere you turn someone is face down on the ground, crying and in a state of pure, undignified worship. Some of the thoughts that were going through my head were like, “What did I get myself into?”, “These people are crazy.”, and, “I won’t be caught dead on the ground in worship. I can do it just fine while staying still.” Well… God has a funny way of changing our minds.

Within two weeks of training camp, my perspective, attitude and relationship with the Lord, had changed entirely. I now have no shame when I bawl my eyes out in worship. I don’t care if someone sees me raising my hands, and I don’t have a problem getting on my knees or face down on the ground. The Lord showed me what it means to truly worship Him. Without fear of judgement, without worrying about anything else, focusing on Him and only Him.

Training camp was an experience I’ll never forget. I’m so excited to continue learning and experiencing new things. I can’t wait to see how the Lord will work over these next few months!

ALSO!! I’m not fully funded yet, I have a little more than $2000 left to raise. If you feel led to support my adventure, you can donate with my Venmo @Emma-Denise812