Meet the Lovely Ladies in My Squad. (part 1)

Doing disaster relief with Samaritan’s Purse has been beautiful for so many reasons. One of these reasons is because I get to see Christ in the character of every one of the girls on my sweet squad. I’d like to introduce you to some of the girls, by describing a characteristic of the Father I have observed in them. 

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Jodi Owens (St. Angelo, West Texas): Gentle

My sweet squad leader Jodi is such an example to the young women on this squad. She embodies strength under control. Her words are gentle and her demeanor is always safe. She says what needs to be said and holds us to a high standard but always with a spirit of tenderness.

Marissa Morels (Suprise, Arizona): Obedient 

One thing that my squad leader is teaching me is that obedience is a choice; it’s a matter of the heart. God’s love language is obedience. The way she lives shows us that obeying the Father is not a matter of salvation, but a matter of proximity to the Lord. The more we obey the more our heart aligns with Him.  

Sydney Spears (Santa Rosa Beach, FL): Attentiveness

My team leader is without a doubt one of the most present, intentional, and attentive people I have ever met. Just as the Lord is attentive to our prayers she is attentive in the way she communicates and encourages. The way she listens and engages is not only authentic but genuine. 

Holly Allen (Woodburn, Indiana): Servant-hearted 

When I think of Holly I think of someone who is selfless. Someone who is quick to do things when no one is looking. She takes the least number of breaks of anyone and is such a hard worker. Her actions are filled with intention and she makes sure everyone feels cared for and seen in a unique way. 

Peyton Kaiser (Fort Collins, Colorado): Joyful 

Anyone who meets Peyton could attest to the fact that she exudes the light of Christ within the first 5 seconds of being in her presence. She has the kind of smile that is contagious and projects the love of God in the way she carries herself even from a mile away. 

Natalina Nunez (Pennsauken, New Jersey): Discerning

It is no secret that Natalina has been given the gift of discernment. In James 5:12, it says “let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.” Natalina walks this out. She speaks truth and can discern what is of truth, following her convictions like her life depends on it.  

Eleena Landin (Colorado Springs, Colorado): Faithfulness 

Eleena is Faithful. She has a child-like wonder for the Lord that pushes me to want to be even more consumed with Him. In Ecclesiastes 12:1 it says “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them.” Her faith and confidence in the Creator looks like a child infatuated with His Father. 

Alyssa Warwick (Woodstock, Georgia): Sincerity

It is seen time and time again that Jesus was authentic. He was sincere in his beliefs and never wavered in His integrity, even when faced with demons or Pharisees. Alyssa has a Christ-like authenticity about her. I know every time I talk to her she is being honest and true. 

Natalie Hintz (Colorado Springs, Colorado): Reverence 

When I think of Natalie I think of Reverence. In Hebrews 12:28 it says “let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.” Natalie leads a life with the utmost respect of the Lord. Her Godly fear of Him is seen by her confidence in her creator.

Grace DHallieCourt (Littleton, Colorado): Peace

Grace just exudes peace. Not the kind of peace that is promoted in society, but the kind of peace that is seen in the bible. The kind of peace that is only found in Jesus Christ. Grace is a place of consistent tranquility and peace in the squad. Her anti-conflict character and the way she walks with strength and calmness create such a safe environment here. 

Isabelle Hose (Cologne, Minnesota): Courage 

Belle is clothed in courage. She walks in fierceness and conviction. She believes what she believes and she is “not ashamed of the gospel” -Romans 1:16. Her confidence is complemented by her compassion. Her boldness can be felt in any room and is a beautiful example of what it means to live for Christ. 

Trin Tenney (Fayette, Iowa): Prayerful 

Just as it is seen in the Psalms of David where he praises the Lord in his sorrow, grief, anger, and awe, Trinity worships the Lord with every emotion. She prays with her whole body and is teaching me how prayer can be an experience you can have emotionally, mentally, and physically. 

Maddy Cooley (Fairfield, Ohio): Goodness

Goodness flows in Maddy’s veins. She is down-to-earth, approachable, and a solid friend to all. The goodness described as a gift of the Holy Spirit is not just about behavior but excellence of character. This kind of purity, righteousness, and understanding of the gospel that she reflects is the kind that is only from the mercy, grace, and love of Christ.