Christ Is Alive! (C.I.A)
I wrote a blog recently about no longer being a racer, yet that was when I was alumni leading a fantastic team! They taught me so much while I led with them; not only that, but they grew tremendously! The Lord did amazing things in these individual people. So I thought I would tell you guys about them.
Their team name was C.I.A, and what a name it was. It stood for Christ Is Alive, and they for sure displayed that. C.I.A came as individuals, and you could see their individualism in the beginning. As the journey went on, the individuals didn’t just become a team, but they became a family, both for themselves and for me. I think of C.I.A with the fondest of memories. From doing a bakery rating to taking a nice walk to another village in the rain. I thoroughly enjoyed my time. I want to introduce you to team C.I.A.
We begin with a very enthusiastic member about sharing and declaring the name of Jesus, Hannah! She is a woman of God you want in your family. She motivates and encourages depth and growth, even if you weren't looking for it. She began seeing the gospel as something she desired to share, not something she had to share. This desire didn’t remove her excitement; instead, it took the zeal and pointed it in the right direction.
Our second member is hard to overlook, mainly because he is over six feet tall. Nathan became another brother that I didn’t want to let go and leave. Leaving was challenging but SO good! Whether it was our massive stomachs that could always be filled with good food or our thoughts and questions we would give people; It was scary how similar we could sometimes be. You have graciously allowed me to be a part of your journey into vulnerability, and I’m thankful for that. Keep creating the space for it!
Chacho (aka Chelsey Noftz (aka Chach))!!! The joy of the Lord is on this woman! Chach taught me that age doesn’t prevent joy and laughter; it's a decision made by those who age whether to display fun and laughter or not. You bring joy and excitement into many aspects, but that doesn’t remove the experience, knowledge, and wisdom you hold. Continue sharing it and supporting your leaders well!
The team's favorite Asian in the world is Alice Shumei! She is a funny one and has learned to speak her preferences and give her full attention to an individual. Some of our favorite feedback times came from her spontaneity! She sees people well and has learned to love them just as well. She turns to prayer more often than not and invites others into it. Keep stepping into vulnerability and asking others to do the same.
Last but not least to me is Malachi. This man of God will experience a freedom unlike anyone else, and when he does, no one will be able to take that Christ-centered freedom away from him! The enemy has nothing over him, and I declare that in the name of Jesus. Keep sharing your christ like servitude, bro! Continue hugging and holding hands; you never know what that will do for someone! Experiment with other ways to love people, though.
C.I.A is potentially my last team with the World Race, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group! Christ IS Alive!
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