Hellooo, and welcome back!!

In this week’s blog I’m going to share what our domestic ministry in Adrian, Georgia was like, as well as parts of our debrief we’re currently at, and all of the things as we’re preparing to leave the country!

Starting with domestic ministry. To put it simply, domestic ministry is something World Race does to prepare racers for the international missions field. For my trip specifically, we went to Camp Adrian, in Adrian, Georgia. Camp Adrian was a beautiful old campus used for church camp, retreats, a place of rest for missionaries, and so much more! It’s been standing for several generations, and has served countless people. So, to start ministry as a squad, we served Camp Adrian! We went on a 4 hour drive to get there, and had the blessing and privilege of beds, AC, bathrooms, showers, home cooked meals, and a peaceful place to recharge in the mornings and evenings. My team served by landscaping, and doing outdoor work from Monday-Friday. Despite the heat, hard work, and long days, my team found so much time to connect in good conversation amidst the time we spent working, and I, personally, found so much fulfillment in serving a place that only ever serves others.

Being at Camp Adrian was really refreshing to have a change of pace after training camp, and to prepare ourselves spiritually, emotionally, and physically for the upcoming months. Although being there was so good, recharging, and fun, it was also so hard for me. I felt like I was experiencing a lot of spiritual warfare over the week, and I know a lot of people from my squad were feeling it, too. Something the Lord has revealed to me over the last week is just how spiritually challenging these next 9 months will be. The enemy hates what we’re getting ready to do. He hates the community, the prayer, the worship, and most importantly our urge and longing to share the Gospel!!! But isn’t that amazing? What my squad is gearing up to do, is impactful to the Kingdom of God, which makes the enemy mad. Yes, it’s hard, and I already know we are all going to face many challenges because of that, but I’ve also heard the Lord tell me that we are completely covered by His blood. We are completely protected and have absolutely no reason to fear. More than that, we have authority!! There is actually no reason to be anxious, scared, or even worried about the spiritual warfare we’re about to enter, because the authority we have in His name, because of His blood, is more powerful than we’re even aware of. How beautiful is that? And who are we to receive that? Praise the Lord for His kindness, protection, provision, and HIS BLOOD!! Wow, He is just so good. I’m actually really thankful that I experienced some of the emotional, spiritual, and even physical warfare (I battled a cold all week), because it was such a reminder that we’re about to walk into some really dark and oppressed areas of the world that are in need of His love. It wasn’t necessarily fun to walk through some of that this week, but it was so eye opening and something I really do need to be prepared to experience.

Overall, our domestic ministry was such a sweet time for our squad to continue to connect, and also such a rewarding experience to serve such a tender community with manual labor. It’s made me really excited for Jamaica, and really expectant for all the Lord will do!

Now, my squad and I are currently back at base in Gainesville for a 4 day debrief and reset before we leave for Jamaica on Thursday. We got back Saturday afternoon, set our tents back up, and had a restful evening. Yesterday (Sunday), we had our Sabbath which was soo needed!! I went to a sweet, small church nearby with a small group from my squad, and got to go to downtown Gainesville for the afternoon! Then we had such a restful, and recharging afternoon. Today was the start of debrief, and my team was first up to talk through and share how we feel unity throughout our team has been. We got to talk with our squad mentors through the highs, lows, and the inbetweens of training camp, and domestic ministry. We have a few meetings, prayer time, and a final banquet throughout the next few days, then we’re all good to take off for Jamaica! The start of debrief has truly been so restful, and a good time to connect with my team, and people on my squad. I am feeling so ready to start international ministry, and leave for the missions field.

Preparing to leave has honestly been difficult, just because I don’t fully know what to expect. Right now, I’m trying not to have any expectations at all, because I don’t want there to be any room for disappointment, letdown, or even being completely overwhelmed. I’m wanting to walk into this with open hands, an open mind, and a heart ready to pour out in any ways the Lord is calling me to do so. These next couple of days, I’m trying to spend as much time in His presence, and in the Word, to prepare my heart for everything. Thank you for continuing to pray for me, my squad, and the preparations to leave the country.

The prayer requests for this upcoming week would definitely be for continued safety and protection during our travels, as well as for health over our whole squad as many of us have been battling colds and other sicknesses, and lastly, that the Lord would continue to ready us all spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Much love, and I’ll be back for updates soon in Jamaica!!!

Ella Thoma