‘Now I am presently in the atrium, awaiting the arrival of the shuttle that will take me to Adventures in Missions in Gainesville.’ – My journal on September 11, 2021
The first night on the campus of Adventures in Missions I awoke in the middle of the night, started by the noise I heard bouncing off of the trees outside my tent, a lost echo of the night. At first I was surprised, then in awe. I heard a great many voices crying out into the night, ”Ghost over the swelling ocean storm.”. I did not know what to make of this until the chanting faded into it’s reality, an extremely loud car on a distant road. My mind had tried to make sense of this noise, but in a way I believe it was God talking to me. Not until now, within week two of training, do I understand what the words meant. I thought of myself as a ghost, present but unaffected by the surrounding storm. I thought of the waves, a tempest tumultuously crashing around me. I pictured the darkness, the phantom body the only light. It was then that I applied it to reality. As Christians, we are set apart. We are held fast by God. We are true. We are lifted above the storm around us, protected and united. Unwavering in our beliefs we are unaffected by the cold waters and crashing sea around us. I also applied it to myself as an individual. What does it mean to be set apart? Here, at Adventures in Missions, I have felt a weight lifted by God, as if I had been lifted from the dark waters of the world and held safely above them. I have learned and will continue to learn and pursue God’s word and what it means to be a Christian.
Training has gone so well these past weeks. I’ve drawn close and will continue to draw closer with the other racers. I’ve found it not only a study, but now a practice to read the Bible every morning. It not only gives me a fresh start to my day, but also takes me on an adventure. Whether it be of self-discovery or application or just pure wisdom, I’m always able to gather a takeaway that I can dwell on throughout the day and apply. No matter the kind of day, I’ve always been able to find peace, wisdom, and comfort in the words of Paul the apostle. His faithfulness to God and focus on him were of the highest he could give. That’s what I’ve decided to do here at Adventures In Missions, to live faithfully and true, to be kind and give all I have to God. Soon, I plan on posting a blog about Paul and his time on the island of Malta, along with the lessons I have learned from the stories therein. Until then, God bless and much love!
Gus, I loved reading your blog and hearing your thoughts and how you’re listening to God’s voice and learning from His Word and His spirit inside you and surrounding you. I’m excited about all that is going to take place this year on this adventure you are taking with God!
I can imagine how much you are enjoying these new friendships that are developing. I’m looking forward to watching those relationships deepen and grow over the next nine months. I am so proud of you, and I miss you terribly.
Love, Mama
Dear Gus,
We were thrilled to find a message from you! Papa listened while I read it aloud. We were profoundly affected by the depth of your message. Roger said, “That’s my boy!” as a way of expressing how proud he is of you. We know that a “boy” could not have written this, but a young man who is understanding God’s plan and listening for God’s direction and following it. There is a spiritual maturity that comes through in your words – really beyond your number of years. We can’t wait to find out where this is going to lead you — adventures beyond anything we could possibly imagine – because that’s how God works. He knows you better than anyone — yes, Gus Spence – set apart by God, who listens to his Father in heaven. Keep on tuning in – and keep on listening! Keep sharing, as we learn from your words and enjoy reading them.
Dude, you should consider writing or something. So glad to know you for real now bro!
This is great! Very well written. The Spirit is moving in you and your words speak to this. Glad you are reading God’s Word everyday and I know you will continue to do so.
As you know, these experiences and habits you are creating, are going to have a tremendous effect on the rest of your life and I’m so glad and proud that you decided to do this. Continue pursuing God’s voice, and you will hear it.
Stay focused.
Love You Gus! Dad
Beautifully written. I am following your journey!
I follow your dads social media Gus… I knew this kid just be jus as good if not better! Whewwwww you jus blew me away! Your words moved me! So young still but very wise! Keep doing what you are doing! Someone maybe many will be impacted by your words and actions! God bless you!
Dear Gus,
My, what a magnificent blog! So beautifully written! We’re so excited and can’t wait to see what God has in store for you. You have certainly opened yourself up to what it truly means to be a missionary for Christ! To capture that joy, at your young age, is a lesson that we more mature folks need to remember, as well. You have found that to daily read, mark, learn and walk with Him is the true essence of freedom in Christ!
Our continued prayers, Sheryl & Dave Hausmann
Thank you all so much! There is more coming soon….
Perhaps by the time you read this, it will already be your birthday! Happy birthday to you! I was so happy when I read your first blog! My prayer for you has been Paul’s prayer from Ephesians 3:16-17; and after reading your blog, I do see that the Lord is answering that prayer. You are being strengthened with power in your spirit through His Spirit which is mingled with your human spirit! Perhaps at the end of your race, you will be able to say as Paul said “It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith of the son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Gal. 2:20. Love From Granny
To The King!!
Cherish this time of building and being physically set apart from the raging world around you. It’s preparation.
The tumultuous dark waters will need to be navigated again.
“Be in the world, but not of the world.”
You are an amazing young man of God.
Dear Gus,
What a blessing it is to be a part of the race and your growth as a man of God. Please know that your Bridge family is praying for your adventure!
Love,
Lori