We were asked this week (in our mentor meeting) to say three things we would hope Racers get from the World Race.
My answer:
1. Read the whole Bible and worship. (Know the truth and focus on Him.)
2. Have direct communication. (Not passive-aggressive.)
3. Be bold despite persecution. (They need that in today’s culture.)
In the last week, I had a conversation with Erica Everett who was on X squad in 2017/18. She team led the whole 11 months on the Race. She then squad led for me for 11 months this year…on what started out an international squad and then came on WR America.
In our convo, she was talking about how she discerned false teaching.
And as I do, I pause in moments to capture them.
Discipleship is worth it. Erica can think for herself. She can evaluate truth from lies. She won’t be shaken. She is on a good foundation. She is making disciples.
I also had a call this week with Andrew Galea from S squad. I mentored S squad in 2019 and Andrew team during led during that year. Then Andrew came on WR America for 2020 and is now a squad leader.
I also got him for 2 years, like Erica.
He told me how he encountered a Christian that told him things he didn’t believe to be true and how he could have a conversation with him about it.
That might seem small.
But I rejoiced.
And just like with Erica, I thought of the fruit of discipleship. This is the fruit.
I talked again with Andrew yesterday and told him about my 3 points that I hoped a Racer would get after being on the Race. I told him that he met all 3. Andrew has read through the Word 3 times now, he loves worship, he let go of the fear of man to have direct communication and he is willing to boldly share what God puts on his heart despite persecution.
You know why all three of those things matter so much?
Because this is how disciples will stand firm. This is how they will keep relationships, love one another, stand on the truth and make disciples themselves.
I also talked to Jon Baker from S squad yesterday. He talked about how he still does a small group with Joseph, Will, Colby and John that were on S squad with him. No one asked him to do this. Jon’s just committed and loyal to Christ. He told me how he had watched the American Gospel about Progressive Christianity and told his group about it!
Then last night, I was talking to Jenn Cashman and Brittany Kelley (was Locati) from P squad.
The excitement about Jesus, the commitment to Him and the fire that burned on that video call was again a moment I paused and took note of what has happened.
I got to squad lead P squad for 11 months in 2015. I have kept in touch with Jenn and Brittany has served with me for YEARS! Brittany squad led S squad in 2019 and also B squad in 2020. She went on WR America after finishing her commitment with S squad 2019.
Before we got off the call, we prayed for each other.
I looked of Jenn and Brittany and thought this is “My joy and crown.”
I wanted to look up the Bible verse where Paul says that.
Phil 4:1 “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!”
I can resonate with John in 3 John 4:
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
Thank you Lord for the best calling ever that you designed for me.
Evangelism and discipleship….bearing fruit that remains.
