The time has finally come and today is the day! B-squad is officially underway to Nicuragua. Our time at launch prepping and training for this 11-month journey has wrapped up and goodbyes have been made.
As I begin to blog again, I wanted to share an encouraging story of an encounter we had at the airport today. We crossed paths with a group of teenage Christians at the Atlanta airport. They are part of an organization called TeenPact, which is a Christian non-profit educational ministry, known for its teen-oriented programs on leadership, citizenship, and government. The organization teaches annual classes in the capitols around the nation with a biblical foundation.
It was so encouraging to see a group of high schoolers on fire for the Lord and coming together to make a difference in their local state politics. The Kingdom of God is everywhere and it doesn’t just look like being on the “mission field”. The Kingdom of God is you shining Jesus at your job; it’s being a stay-at-home-mom; it’s the classroom you’re sitting in.
My squadmate Bethany and I asked if we could pray over the group’s trip as they prepared for their leadership training. They were so excited and we all gathers in a circle connected shoulder to shoulder. We prayed over them and they enthusiastically prayed over us. About four or five of them chimed up to say sweet prayers of protection, that hearts would be soften for the gospel along the way, and that the Lord would guide us. It was truly so touching. A group of teens from 16 to 19 who are fervent for the Lord and strong in prayer.
More of them were arriving as we were praying. And before I knew it there was almost 20 of us young adults standing in a circle, praising the name of Jesus in the middle of the Atlanta airport. I can only imagine the curiosity and the tug on the hearts of those who were witnessing so many youth petitioning to Jesus.
It reminded me of Paul’s encouragement to Timothy. In 1 Timothy 4:12 he tells Timothy “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.”
I just know in my spirit that these youth are going to change the world. Whether that’s through a career in politics, governmental agencies, or even as future missionaries.
It was a beautiful way to start our journey. I pray that I will be able to stay in touch with some of them as they continue their Kingdom Journey in faith and love.
I’m about to hop on my flight and we will land in Nicuragua at 1:30am tonight, if you would be praying for safe travels to our ministry site, which is another few-hour bus ride once we land. Our ministry host will be picking us up with a van, God bless his soul!
Thank you guys for your prayers and I can’t wait to continue sharing the stories of God’s movement and glory as we start ministry in our first country.
Also please pray for the youth involved in TeenPact and that Jesus would encapsulate their hearts for a future dedicated to Him. We took a picture all together but my signal isn’t strong enough to upload the photo. But I will try to post it as soon as I get better WiFi!
God Bless!
Erica Everett
