Wondering how you can use your Revelation Wellness Ambassador training? Read Jenna's story!
A Unique Ambassador
This is my fourth year co-leading the Wholeness Journey retreats. Wholeness Journey retreats are a one-of-a-kind wellness retreat and mission trip.
Wholeness Journey retreat participants travel to beautiful locations to enjoy delicious meals, move in stretching classes, and participate in personal development workshops.
Then, in partnership with a local non-profit, they get to pour into men and women who have experienced trafficking, abuse, fleeing from their home country, and many other traumas.
Wholeness Journey comes alongside these non-profit organizations to share in serving these vulnerable and underserved populations with programs and experiences to cultivate wholeness in mind, body, spirit, and heart.
As interconnected beings, all aspects of health are important. We hold trauma in our bodies, so focusing on movement and stretching is just as important as looking within and processing the trauma we have experienced.
Before Revelation Wellness Instructor Training, I taught stretching and movement classes. But, since becoming an Instructor and Ambassador, I’ve learned to incorporate the Word into these movement sessions. I can also better adapt exercises to the specific physical and emotional needs of the group.
My Ambassador Training has allowed me to step into my work with Wholeness Journey with greater confidence, compassion, and hope.
Light in the Darkness
Reflecting on our most recent trip to Thailand, I cannot help but be overwhelmed with emotion.
Our team of ladies, students, and staff melted my heart with their joy, their peace, and desire to live an abundant life. This trip has challenged my leadership growth, given me space to blossom, and reignited my passion for carrying on with the “good fight” we are called to in Christ.
Even in the darkest physical place, there is an immeasurable amount of hope to be found. Among the pain, hurt, and desperation there is healing that has already taken root. It’s really something to see how the Lord works when you create a space of vulnerability and connection for people.
I will always treasure this moment in my heart: I was sitting in a circle with two of the ladies who we were serving. We were all sharing from our hearts. Not easy, light things, but the heavy feelings we don’t wear or outwardly express. The ones we hide because they are either too scary to face, we are too ashamed of them, or we fear we will be judged.
However, when we brought all these feelings to the light, before one another, and before God, we experienced freedom, healing, and comfort. We weren’t alone, and we never would be.
Though this was primarily a space for our participants to share, there was room for me, too.
As I shared, tears came, and I just let them fall as an act of surrender. Two of the women who I was supposed to be serving started to cry right there with me. In turn, they served me. Their hands reached toward me lovingly, a reminder of their presence and care. We just held space for each other to share the deeper things inside.
Our circumstances and trials were different, but the deeper-rooted feelings were similar. We all fought loneliness, abandonment, and a desire to belong. Through sharing, we connected with each other so much deeper. We looked at each other with so much more compassion and love for each other.
Their kindness and prayers were a way of saying, “You always will have a family here.”
This moment is a sweet reminder of what the Kingdom will be like – no matter your background, culture, ethnicity, or life experiences, all who call Jesus the King will be together in glory, worshiping the same Mighty God, our Creator and Father.
Revealing our weakness, hurt, pain, and whatever else is below the surface strengthens our relationships with each other and with God as we let Him mend, repair, and bring healing.
As I continue to lead others, I, too, will continue to grow. As I step more into my calling on this side of heaven, I will see more glimpses of the Father’s love. I will face more battles, obstacles, and pain, but I will not go at it alone.
Connection has been my word for this past season, and I cannot think of a more beautiful way it has come to fruition through this experience.
Jenna VanderHaar is a Revelation Wellness Ambassador (Platoon 29) serving as the Operations Director for Wholeness Journey.
Become a Revelation Wellness Instructor!
Bring health and healing to a lost and hurting world by becoming a Revelation Wellness Instructor in one of our 4 training tracks:
– LiveWell – Health Coach
– Revelation Fitness – Group Fitness Instructor
– RevX – Functional Fitness Instructor
– RevWild – Outdoor Leadership
Experience personal transformation and discipleship as you lead others into health and wholeness in Jesus Christ!
2 Responses
You message is so encouraging thank you
Thank you for sharing, Pamela! We’re so glad this post encouraged you!