Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”  ~Isaiah 30:21

Another year has come and gone.  I guess it didn’t go by all that fast, but so many things have happened in such a short amount of time; moving from country to country, packing, unpacking and repacking, filling out countless applications to colleges, scholarships, and other programs…

Although the last year has seemed to slowly flow by with little hesitation, the past three and a half months are almost a blur.  RAD has been an amazing adventure filled with important and practical life lessons all along the way.  While the mountains appear high and the goals unobtainable, the Lord is working miraculous wonders in the lives of us students and in the lives of those around us. 

Life in this new year has already proven to be filled with harsh realities, adjustments, and growth as our team walks through a series of new trials.  With the help of work teams and volunteers, our cabins are coming along quite nicely.  They still need some work but Lord willing, we will have the help and supplies to move into them within the next few weeks.  In the meantime, we are living in a couple small trailers at the back of Lanier Hills Church.  I suppose Rob decided six degree nights and sixty mile an hour winds are not good camping conditions ;-D. 

Upon returning from Christmas break, our team made the heart-wrenching discovery that our team of six had become a team of only five.  In the weeks that followed, our team strived to piece our unity back together and reshape the team dynamic.  We found ourselves falling short and often loosing focus and sight of God.  Discouragement, frustration, and rebellion set in as we tried to continue on with daily life and training sessions.  On January 23rd, our team of five once again felt the pain of separation as another teammate made the decision to leave. 

With a new determination and willingness, our now team of four made the decision to turn things around and cry out to the Lord for help.  We all realized that the path is beaten but that the prize is worth it all.  With the help of our amazing leader Rob, his family, our church and trainers, and your prayers, our team has grown to reach a whole new level.  We are once again unified as we walk toward living a radical life for Christ. 

Personally, God has been showing me more than I ever thought I could handle.  Even when our team has been under heavy spiritual attack, the Lord has granted me overwhelming peace.  The most important lesson I am learning is how to die each day.  Let me explain.  In Galatians 2:20 Paul says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”  To be dead is my ultimate goal. God continues to bring new areas of me up each day that He wants to take over.  He is showing me how to be bolder and not to fear man.  I often take lies and negativity to hear and the Lord wants me to accept only what is true.  This can be very difficult when verbal spears are being hurled in my direction, but with God’s “truth filter,” I am finding myself bolder than ever.  I am also continuing to learn what it means to have a true passion and joy that does not require a happy atmosphere or happy people; uncircumstantial happiness.  As I desire more of God and of His word, I have learned that he also desires more of me.  Lately, I have been reassured that I, in my day-to-day life, am able to hear the voice of my King.  So what has God been telling me?  Slow down!  I believe his words were, “Be still and know that I am God!”  That has been a huge challenge for me in a life that I have planned so well.  At least I thought my plans were good.  Laying my desires aside, God is giving me glimpses of the amazing plan he has in store for me.  It is better than anything I could ever organize!

As our team focus shifts from self-discovery to a heart for others, we would all appreciate your prayers and support in the following areas:

• Continued willingness to press forward and to press inward
• Boldness as we all begin reaching out to others in our upcoming road trip
• Direction for my future as I decide “college stuff,” for the team in “life after RAD,” and for the teammates Troy and Justin who have left us
• Continued growth in our leadership and team building skills
• Continued openness and transparency within our team
• Success in our upcoming Fundraiser (Valentine’s cookie bouquets and greeting cards)
• Financial support for tuitions, the cabins, and for RAD Ministries as a whole

Thank you all for everything you do.  It is truly a blessing to have such a strong group of supporters. 

God bless,

Kristyn Concepción