Hello everyone! Sorry if you got this email twice, I’ve been told it did not go through for some people so I’m sending it again.
These past couple weeks, we have been able to do more things outside of training camp which has been very refreshing. Shout out to the Arthur family for providing me with a surface pro so I am able to do these posts faster and easier! So very thankful for y’all!
Training camp is officially over but this is what the past couple weeks has looked like!
Market Simulation:
We got the opportunity to go through a market simulation on how it may be in other countries which was quite eye opening. We were given a mission: get dinner at the marketplace and be in and out in 15 minutes. It sounds pretty simple however, there were actors stealing our belongings, beat up beggars, people inviting us to parties, corrupt policemen, people honking and driving vans in tight spaces, not to mention the vendors that could not speak english.
The good news is they claimed this is probably the worst of the marketplaces we would experience but they just want us prepared. I have never found it so difficult to balance evangelism, staying with the team, buy dinner, and make sure you do not get robbed all at the same time.
Our group was able to get more than enough food and keep our cool for the most part. One thing we missed as a team (and for most teams) was evangelism. The whole reason we are on mission in the first place. We may have gotten the task at hand done but the simulation taught us how easily we can be so hyperfocused on the task we forget about the people.
At the end of the day, it was an amazing and eye opening experience that we now know how to do better in the future. Through this practice, we know to tend to people more than satisfy our own needs. Maybe we could have sacrificed some (or all) of our dinner to better evangelize to the people around us. I am excited to experience actual marketplaces in other countries now!
Walmart:
It may sound so simple going to Walmart but to us this was such a gift because we haven’t been anywhere but training camp (in the woods) for a few weeks.
We had to remember what we learned from the marketplace though, get the task done (buy food and hygiene products) and evangelize. I figured it would be rather easy, all I have to do is buy some things and talk to people. I quickly realized our culture is so task oriented in stores. It almost feels like an unspoken rule to not talk to others while you are getting things.
Although it was a bit awkward, we ended up being able to pray for this woman who had lost her son the day before.
I also got to meet another guy close to my age who recently had moved to Gainesville because he was kicked out of his house and rejected by his family. He had a heart necklace on with a fingerprint and I asked him about it. He said, “Oh this is my grandmas fingerprint, she passed away about a year ago but she was always there for me no matter what.”
After hearing more of his story, my friend Nick and I got to pray for him and Nick gave him his number to text him anytime he needs anything.
Overall, it was a very life giving experience but made me reflect on how many times I have been so focused on what I need at the store and walked right past someone with a story such as these.
Yard Work:
We got to go to this home of women who have recently experienced abuse. The girls in our group got to talk to them but the guys got to do a bunch of yard work and painting.
They wanted us to make a pathway from the house to a creek that was about a quarter mile away as well as paint the back porch and staircases. It also became a great team bonding experience being able to crack jokes with each other while we work!
Mount Yonah:
Lastly, we got to go on a difficult hike. Our group specifically had a little bit of a twist because one of our members (my friend Parker) has a broken heel. We had the option for him to stay back at camp but we decided to take on the challenge of bringing him with us.
We got creative and made a stretcher with 2 pieces of wood, tarp and paracord to carry him up. We had 4 people at a time carry him on each of our shoulders and take shifts. It was by far the most difficult hike I’ve ever done but so worth it.
We hiked Mount Yonah and had the most beautiful view. We spent the night there so a lot of us set up our hammocks on the side of the mountain which was so amazing. We got to fall asleep under the stars and wake up to the beautiful sunrise.
Now that training is complete, we are currently in Jackson, Kentucky about to be working with Samaritans Purse these next couple of weeks.
A couple months ago, Eastern Kentucky was hit with flash flooding and destroyed many homes. We are here to clean up and help repair the houses as well as tend to the homeowner during these tough times.
It was shocking to see car and home parts in some of the highest trees driving in.
Pray for us over the next couple of weeks that we are able to help and touch the hearts of as many people as possible. Also please be praying for the people of Kentucky!
Thank you all for reading my updates. If you have any questions or comments please put them below:) I love and miss you all!
-Gabe
*Us hiking Mount Yonah carrying Parker*
*the view from Mount Yonah*
Gabe, I really enjoyed your post. I know in the month you have been in training you have experienced different challenges that will help you tn the countries you visit. My prayers and thoughts are with you each day and night. God will never leave you or forsake you. Stay safe! We love you!
Dear Gabe-I love reading about your experiences and all that you are encountering! What an eye-opening adventure!! And yes, everyone has a story. Who are we to judge? May the Lord Bless you and guide you in your days ahead?? Take care.
Gabe, what a great lesson to always be on mission. Thank you for the reminder.
Gabe, thanks for the great update! We continue to pray for you and your squad! We can’t wait to see how God uses you in Kentucky! Love you brother!
Wow! All this training sounds tough! ?? So cool to hear how you got to know people in the US in Walmart, something any of us could do (though it does sound awkward lol!)
My church also sent a team this past week to Kentucky. I can’t imagine so much water that cars could end up in trees! That’s nuts!
I pray for continued unity in your team. That you would all be gracious, patient, keep short accounts, and strive toward peace and reconciliation as you work together. Love you!
PS Rhonda and Steve if you see this, thank you so much for making it easier for Gabe to stay in touch. You are loyal and generous friends and have poured out love and blessings to my family so many times! Thank you!
Pretty cool, you (and maybe the only one) noticed an important missing part of the marketplace was evangelism. Being so caught up in the dealings, money exchanges and pickpockets, etc. distracted many from the whole point of missions. You made a great point of remembering the marketplace when entering a similar situation at Walmart. Another great point, the importance to break away from the culture of avoiding people while on task and miss a life giving experience. I believe the yardwork and Mt. Yonah prepared you for Kentucky. I’ll be praying and asking 3 other Men’s groups to keep you and squad lifted in prayer to be the hands and feet of Christ in Kentucky.
lol! Love it!
Yes! Ditto!
You go, son, you make me so proud!
Hey Gabe, you’ve had some really neat experiences. Thank you for the pictures! I know the hike was tough and yet so rewarding to have the squad come together to make that happen. The view from Mount Yonah is beautiful. Your experience at Walmart really impacted me in that yall stepped out being task-oriented and touched someone’s life by hearing part of their story. This is such a sweet reminder to be intentional everywhere we go and not let the unspoken rules of our culture keep us from reaching out to others. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you so much! I love and miss you 🙂
Amen! Thank you so much, sometimes it’s hard to discern how much people want to hear in these posts. Thank you for your affirmation and prayers!
Thank you so much! Love you guys :))
Thank you for your prayers because I’m not sure what our team would have done without them 😉 We’ve had our differences for sure but that’s inevitable, it’s how you handle the differences!
Amen! Thank you so much for all your prayers :))
Amen! Thank you guys so much for your love, prayers, and support :))
Let’s gooo! We carried him up a mountain