Be the Light | Townsville DTS

A little over a year ago, I made a decision to apply to Prairie Bible college because I wanted to expand my knowlege on our Lord and grow into a deeper relationship with Him, little did I know that it would completely spin my life around. As the day of orientation came closer, I became more afraid and more uncertain of my decision. I was completely uncomfortable as I was going somewhere unfamiliar and I didnt really know anyone. The day finally arrived and I was certain I was going to be sick. The trip there was fine until we were about an hour from our desination. All I wanted to do was turn the car around but God gave me the strength to keep going and im so glad He did! In just a few months, God had shown me so much. Through many tears (both sad & happy) and challenges, God brought me closer to who I was meant to be. Soon people began to ask me if I was going to be coming back for another year and it became more clear to me that God wanted me to do something more "hands-on." After this realization, I decided to talk to my friends about it and YWAM kept popping up. At first I was kind of skeptical, as I knew that this would be a stretch for me and would definitely put me out of my comfort zone, but I decided that I needed to pray about it. As I prayed, God was continuing to urge me to apply for a DTS. I put it off for a long time as I was pretty broke (college life) and I knew after 3 weeks of being accepted there was supposed to be a deposit made which I couldnt afford. God, however, made it clear to me that nothing can stop me from going if He wanted me to go.  After applying to YWAM and literally being accepted within a few hours, I emailed YWAM and got an extention on my deposit date. God is good! Of course this wasnt the only time that I was doubtful...I had many ups and downs. However, one evening I decided to do my devotions in a field, looking into the sunset. Tears started to flow after 2 minutes of just sitting there. I couldnt stop them and I wasn't even sure why I was crying. Suddenly YWAM popped into my head again and I couldnt help but think "oh geez, not this again." You know those little prayers that seem stupid like "God, if you want me to go or do this, can you just make the wind stop for 5 seconds." I've done these a few times in my life, and I always ended up being disapointed because nothing ever happened. Well I said one anyway. I sat there and asked God to make a bird fly across the sky to my left if He wanted me to do a DTS (Discipleship Training School) in Townsville. Not really expecting anything to happen, I opened my eyes and there it was, I never experienced such a beautiful moment. Everything became silent and as the bird flew across the sky, I felt God whispering to me "Go and trust in me." I knew God wanted me to go. Looking back, God was preparing my heart and making ways, even if it was painful, I am so glad He brought me here today and I cant wait to see what God has prepared for me in the future. I am so excited to step out of my comfort zone so I am able to stretch my faith and come into a more intimate and deeper relationship with Him! 
Youth With A Mission's (YWAM) Discipleship Training School (DTS) is a 5-6 month program where the main focus is growing in a deeper relationship with God. During the first three months of the program, students will attend daily lectures where they will learn more about who God is, what His character looks like, and how to replicate the life of Jesus. Students will work through hurt and brokenness from their past, and will experience breakthrough in their lives and through that will develop a more intimate relationship with God.
After the lecture phase of DTS, students will embark on a 2-3 month outreach where they will bring God's word to different parts of the Nations. During the outreach phase students will be challenged and stretched out of their comfort zone. They will be exposed to the brokenness in our world, but through that God will become so real, and so evident. A DTS is truly one of the most impacting experiences. It allows individuals to grow closer with their Creator and fall deeper in love with Him, and then bring that same love that God has distilled in them out to the Nations.
 The DTS starts October 22nd, 2017 and I am so excited to start this journey! However, I can't do this on my own. Your support through prayer and funds are welcome and appreciated! Thank you & God bless! :)