Training Camp, Hurricane Relief, and What God Is Teaching Me

The past month has been wild in the best way. I’ve been stretched, challenged, and honestly, surprised at how much I’ve grown in such a short time. I’m not the same person I was even a month ago, and that’s only because God has been molding me, shaping me, and showing me things I never would’ve learned on my own.

At training camp, we’ve had tons of worship and teaching sessions, but the real stretching moments came in the scenarios. One day we had to imagine staying overnight in a Muslim household, figuring out how to share the gospel without getting defensive or starting an argument. Another day we were tossed into what they called a “marketplace scenario.” Picture this: 15 minutes in an insanely crowded, chaotic space, trying to buy food while dodging pickpockets, beggars, and every distraction possible. It was intense. Then there was kids’ ministry, where we had to quickly adapt and adjust the lesson plan to how the “kids” (our team members) were acting. it was unpredictable, but a good challenge.

One thing God really drilled into me this week: true peace and joy only come from Him. I’ve spent years chasing peace in other places and falling short every time. But when I started seeking God’s face and diving deeper into a real relationship with Him, I found a peace I honestly can’t even describe. It’s better than anything I thought I’d find on my own.

After three weeks of training camp, we drove out to Asheville, NC, for hurricane relief. If you’ve never been to North Carolina, I’m just going to say it, it’s gorgeous. Rolling hills, mountain air, all of it. But the beauty of the place is contrasted by the devastation left behind. We were there for five days (one Sabbath and four full days of ministry). Two of those days, my team worked on finishing up a house installing cabinets, trim, and other little things that help turn a house back into a home. The other two days I did base ops, which basically meant helping around camp and fixing whatever needed fixing.

Walking through some of the hurricane damaged homes was eye opening. I’ve never lived through anything close to a hurricane, so hearing people’s stories was hard to even process. To see firsthand the loss and yet watch people cling to faith and hope it was humbling.

Now we’re finishing up week four of training camp and heading out to Colombia on October 4th. I can’t even explain how excited I am. Excited to serve, to live in community with believers who genuinely love God and others, and to see how God is going to move.

I’ve already made some lifelong friendships here, and I can feel God stretching me into someone new. And still He’s not done. I’ve got a lot left to learn, and I know He’s going to keep shaping me every step of the way.

I also just want to pause here and say thank you. For every prayer, donation, and encouraging word I can’t express how much it means to me. I literally couldn’t be here without you, and I’m so grateful.

Some Bible passages that have carried me this past month (highly recommend diving into these):

• Psalm 16
• Romans 7–9
• 1 & 2 Thessalonians
• Hebrews 6
• 1 Corinthians 12-14

Prayer requests:

• Health and safety for my team
• Unity among us
• Everyone we’ll encounter in Colombia
• Our ministry hosts in Colombia
• That I can “run with endurance the race set before me” (Hebrews 12:1)

Colombia, here we come!

Personal instagram where I post photos from the trip: ethanbeatty62