Training camp has been intense. Today is our sabbath, tomorrow the racers come.
Two weeks of training. Soo much information. Soo much good Biblical teaching. Soo many outgoing, caring, dynamic leaders.
I’ve heard wild stories of people getting gifts of new languages, the skill of playing the guitar without tutoring, casting out demons, having visions and dreams and hearing the voice of God clear as day.
I also just so happen to be currently reading through Acts as well… Lots of wild and amazing stories there too!
I love that I’m surrounded by people hungry for Jesus, desiring more, quick to give glory to God.
I’m soaking it all in, watching, observing, listening, asking questions, and then sitting with the Lord to go over it all.
I came into this leader training camp a bit too self confident. Thinking: “I didn’t really need two whole weeks of leadership training, I’d already led 4 youth missions trips. Been there done that. I’ve traveled to over 35 countries, I’m 34 now, I’ve had experience, I know how to lead…”
…and God’s been showing me oh sooo much that I have to learn!
And it’s been good! Soo good. God is so good to show me how I’ve elevated my own abilities and down played His. Silly right. As if I, miss Alysa Halteman had it all figured out and held together. Wrong.
He must Increase But I must Decrease. John 3:30
God’s inviting me to press deeper into Dependence and Need for Him.
Those two words normally make my flesh cringe. I like being a capable, self sufficient, and self reliant woman. Which I am. But Biblical leadership is soo countercultural and opposite to the worlds way of leading though. Self Sufficiency has no place in the Kingdom of God. Independence hurts my spiritual strength not helps it.
Jesus warns the church of Laodicea that He will spit them out of his mouth because they are lukewarm and “have need of nothing” Revelation 13:16.
That really hit me. Yikes.
God is so faithful and gracious. God revealed to me how I could be more dependent on Him and less confident in myself. Prayer.
I’ve never considered myself and intercessor. But ALL of us as Christians are called to pray without ceasing. In my head I know I need Jesus a WHOLE lot. But a honest look at my distracted, I have to do this kind of prayer time, revealed that I often think there are better ways to be busy getting things done. Sure I talk to God throughout the day, but my prayers weren’t daily expectant I NEED YOU desperate cries of dependency on Him.
Thank you Jesus you are patient with us and willing to teach us the same lessons over and over when we get thick headed and stuck in ruts.
Back when I was wrestling with the decision on whether or not to lead this squad I didn’t feel qualified. I had written out my pros and cons list, using my brain to think it out. Then I took my mentors advice and did a reflective journaling prayer and asked God to speak, and this is what He said:
God: “Go, I am with you always. We are on adventure and Mission together. I created you with a love for people and fun.”
Alysa: “Ok God, so we are in this adventure together, but thats anywhere and everywhere? Is going to Africa necessary? And what about a husband and kids?”
God: “I am your husband. I created you for Me. I can fulfill your greatest longings and deepest desires. ONLY I can satisfy. Africa is full of my people too.”
Alysa: “Ok God, You are my everything and I adore You. I’m so thankful to be on Your heart. But would there be someone better to lead this team?”
God: “I equip, its not about human ability. Submit to me and I will lead.”
To sum up what God has shown me: A Godly leader is the most Needy.
Totally dependent on a strength not their own.
In desperate need of God and His sufficiency.
Humble and willing to admit their own failings before God and others. Not needing to have it all together, able to ask for help. The opposite of how the world sees a leader in the natural.
I’ve learned soo much. Here’s a VERY small overview of just a portion of what I’ve learned at training camp:
In short AIM’s Mission is to “develop Christ-Following leaders to be the change this world needs.”
We do this through personal dependance on Jesus, setting the example as Jesus did, taking them on journey, living in close relationship and community, and by active learning, showing them how and then empowering them to do the same.
- Discipleship which is radically offensive to the flesh and calls for denial of self.
- Feedback, helping others look more like Jesus by holding up the mirror to help them see something they may not be aware of but that is not reflecting Christ.
- Celebrating not comparing gifts
- Living and leading from Love not the Law. Its not about right and wrong but life and death.
- Listening Prayer. Trusting that the Holy Spirit is our teacher and inviting others to take their questions to prayer and expect God to speak truth.
- Leading people to Jesus not to us. Making sure I intentionally take myself off the pedestal They don’t need me they need Jesus.
I’m Soo excited to go with God and help disciple my team on this journey together in Africa. God keep me humble and in a place where I can truly say, “follow me as I follow Christ”.
Amen
