Imagine this, you arrive in Minneapolis at a church at about 3:00. You walk up to a group of kids and on their nametags are written the words, “Captive Free Southwest.” "Hi, I'm Allison", says one of the people with the nametag on. "Hi, I'm Matt", says the other. You think to yourself, “This is who I am going to be living with for the next year? Am I crazy for wanting to do this?” Yes, this was running through my mind on August 19th, 2002 when I met my team for the first time. But I am very happy to announce that the feelings on that day have changed a lot!
 
While sitting in sessions at training this summer, I heard this quote that pretty much sums up being on Captive Free: "A year of ministry, a lifetime of experience." I am already beginning to realize that this statement is very true. When I look back on these months, we have traveled in eleven different states, (it was supposed to be ten, but we got lost and took a detour to Wisconsin), we have visited about fifty different host homes (if not more), gone to five detention centers, one nursing home, about seven schools, and I don't even know how many churches, I have met many, many amazing Christians who shine for Jesus and I have been a group of seven young adults who aren't just teammates, but a family. 
 
I am learning a lot of things on team. I have learned to have a lot of patience, that laughter is a very good thing, how to read a map, that sometimes my way isn't the best way, and a LOT about my faith. Just when I think I have something all figured out, God throws something in there to show me just how amazing He truly is. He gives me host homes who are so generous and caring, little children who are so excited to see you and get your autograph, teenagers with questions about Spoke Folk or Congresses, kids that ask , “How do you pray?" How can your faith not grow after being in such an amazing Christian community? Yes, we have our days when we are tired and don't have the motivation to get out of bed. That's when we pray for laughter, energy, and unity, then our puppet curtain falls apart during our program (yes, this really happened!). 
 
So, to sum it all up…I was scared of what this year would bring. But I am learning to trust God more and more everyday with the road He takes me down. It may be a smooth road. Some days, it may be not so smooth, but it's His road, and you can know for sure, you are safe when you’re with Him.
 
 
Find a Captive Free team in your area, read team journals, learn about team ministry and more at www.youthencounter.org/teams/!