*Ahem* friends, family, coworkers, soccer fans, and seemingly anyone else who has made their way onto this blog for one reason for another... First and foremost what a blessing it is to be keeping you all updated on such an incredible opportunity that this team has been provided by God. We are thankful for His favor in providing our coaches/veteran travelers with experiences to guide us in what we hope to be a transformative, impactful trip on coaches, players, and those we interact with. In some way I will attempt to share updates that depict our trip vividly in pictures, words, and (hopefully) videos, but in actuality the personal experiences, memories, and just God's handiwork just transcend anything shared over this means of communications. But alas, we will do our best to communicate as clearly as possible through the grace of God and the ways that He works through each one of us in this different environment.
Much like in the past GCC trips, this one for the team comes in the midst of hustle and bustle of summer jobs, internships, camps, and the like. However, through meetings this past semester, training over the course of the summer, both soccer and learning a new language (some with great progress, others.... not so much). Our team consists of those who haven't ever been outside the country, and those who are seasoned veterans to this sort of thing. That being said, with all the potential anxiety, nerves, doubts, fears, excitement, and joy, we can be sure of many things: we serve a God who is ever-present, who provides for every need, and who's grace overcomes every language, cultural, and personal barrier we will ever encounter. Our trip will be a reflection of that statement of faith: not because our team was incredible in the way we conducted ourselves, or how well we played soccer, but by the way that God showed Himself during every point of the trip (to which we will describe as best we can!)
As we count down the hours before we embark on separate plane trips, to our culminating meeting in Atlanta, GA prior to the flight to Quito, we humbly ask that you be in prayerful thought for a couple of requests:
- Softening the hearts of the members on the trip, as well as those we will be interacting with
- Willingness to step outside of personal comfort zones to exhibit Christ-like attitudes of service and humility from the moment we begin our journey (and continuing upon our return)
- Safety, health, and traveling mercies as we encounter the "fun of flying" and experiencing a new country
- To be pushed and stirred on in ways that we might not even have thought possible in service to our King
- Growth in unity and like-mindedness as a team and as brothers in Christ
- Anything else that I've not mentioned that might be of help in any way to be in prayer for
God has the incredible power to have His will be fulfilled through a multitude of ways, and we are humbled that He has called us to serve in this area of the world. His timing is perfect, and we can't wait to share more with you as the days progress.
More pictures to come tomorrow, including the joys of multi-stop flights and TSA security checks 😅
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
- Ephesians 3:20-21
- Nate Curry
No comments:
Post a Comment