Hey everyone! I figured it’s about time for an update on all things squad leading. Squad Leader training began 5/24 and racers arrived for training camp on the 30th!

Squad Leader training was filled with sessions, worship, and bonding within our leadership teams. It was such a blessing to be able to set aside a week to study the Word, be in fellowship, and intercede for all of the new incoming racers.

Speaking of which, I have the privilege and honor of squad leading for L Squad, which includes 9 racers!! L Squad is truly marked by a deep zeal for the Lord and His people. It is so evident that each of these racers were hand picked by God and I truly couldn’t imagine this squad without any of them!

Training camp was full of intercession, encouragement, good conversations, testimonies, and lots of laughter! Being back for my third training camp, yet in the capacity of being a squad leader (and the only squad leader for my squad), was equally exciting and terrifying. Over the course of training camp, the Lord continually imparted to me His heart for each of my racers and gave me His eyes to see them as He does, beloved children in whom He is well pleased. If I had a dollar for every time I wept to my leadership support team about how much I love my squad and how much I knew the Lord has in store for them, I’d be rich. Not tears of sadness, but rather tears of joy, because I have tasted and seen just how good God is and how He uses the World Race as a vessel to encounter young adults, and I am beyond excited for these 9 to taste and see all that He has in store for them too!

L Squad made it to Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa on June 9th after 50+ hours of travel, 4 flights, 3 layovers, and a van ride. Words can’t describe how surreal it is to be back in JBay once again after being here two years ago on my original World Race gap year. Thankful is an understatement for the amount of gratitude I have for the Lord bringing me back to a place that holds such a special space in my heart. He is so kind!

Our squad started ministry on the 11th, and while it may look a little bit different than we anticipated, it has proven to still be fruitful. 7 racers are at Beats & Books, an afterschool discipleship program that helps students grow musically, academically, and spiritually; and 2 racers are at First Light, a Christian coffee shop that serves the local community. I am split between the two, spending 3 days a week at First Light, 1 day at Beats & Books, and 1 day as a leadership day, where I catch up on all things logistics, check-in with our hosts, and update our squad mentors back in the states.

I was initially apprehensive about splitting the squad for ministry, but was quickly reminded that the Lord’s plans are always best and that He has good things in store for us no matter where we are or where we’re serving. Because of those good plans, the Lord has already begun moving in and through the hearts and lives of each racer. Whether holding wiggly toddlers, serving food to displaced Malawians, or washing dishes, it is all ministry and it is all worship. May God receive all of the glory, honor, and praise He is due!

If you would like to join L Squad in prayer, here are some specific ways to be praying:

• continued unity and joy in living in community

• deepened relationships with those we’re doing ministry with

• tender hearts to receive all that the Lord has for each of us

Thank you for taking the time to read this update and hopefully it won’t take me as long to get the next one out. Remember you are known, chosen, and loved by Jesus!

Until next time,

Hannah