Australia and Jesus 2k15 [ft. YWAM]
Dear family, friends, acquaintances, and other really, really, really cool people,
As you may have heard, earlier this year I got accepted into YWAM DTS up in Byron Bay. (Or down, because Australia is DOWN UNDER.) However, this acceptance means nothing if I end up not going, and in order for me to study at YWAM in Byron Bay I’m going to need your help! All of your guys’ help, actually. So please, I really want to grab this chance God has given me, and He’s provided me with an amazing community, and I believe we can actually raise the amount needed for me to pursue His calling in my life.
But before you send your money to some random white kid living in Asia, you probably have a few questions about what you’re actually getting into.
What is DTS exactly?
According to the YWAM official website: “The Discipleship Training School (DTS) seeks to bring you into a more intimate relationship with God. It also gives you an opportunity to discover your passions and your part in God’s purposes for the world. It is for those who long to follow Jesus in new ways with a different perspective.
The course is a full-time program and lasts five or six months. It consists of two parts: lecture phase and outreach phase. In the lecture phase, you will learn more about God and His world. You’ll learn not only from lectures but also from community living and practical training. The outreach phase focuses on applying what you learned in the classroom through an intense, cross-cultural experience.”
Why am I going to Australia? Why not America or Italy or somewhere fancy?
Well 1) Italy would be super nice, but I don’t need that. And 2) It’s not my plan to go to Australia. My plan was to stay in Hong Kong. See, about a year ago I started on a path with God that eventually led me to apply and receive an acceptance at a school called Hillsong International Leadership College. My plan was to stay in Hong Kong and do graphic design, but God said “No mate, get out of your comfort zone and go somewhere you’ve never been before.” God commands us to get out of our comfort zones and to leave our lavishness behind. Jesus walked everywhere, it’s a blessing that I even get to fly in a plane instead of sail to Aus in a boat. So yes, Italy would be super nice, but until God calls me there (if ever) I am not going. Instead, He called me out upon the waters… the great unknown… wait isn’t this a song. But seriously, Australia was my LAST possible thought of place to go, and God has graciously provided means for me to go to college there.
How do I help?
My goal is about $9,000 AUS, which is equal to about $55,830 HKD. [The price varies on the outreach I am sent on.] Which is a whole LOT of money. But as I said before, I do believe God is “Jehovah Jireh,” the God who Provides. So I literally believe that He will get me the amount I need through donations and generous givings.
The best way to help is to donate ANY amount you wish. Also sharing this with your friends and getting more support for this would be a great idea too. Even if you can’t donate, support through prayer is the best thing to give me.
[Please note the donation price for the site is in USD, as I don't currently have an Australian bank account or mailing address, so I'm using my US information. But the prices above are the same! Just donate the amount you wish, but make sure it's in USD before you click confirm!]
Finally:
Even if you don’t end up donating to help me get to YWAM, I totally appreciate the time you have taken to actually read this letter and to consider the idea of supporting me on my journey. Even if your support is the form of a prayer said once at dinner, I love that you even thought about me. All the support I can get is the best kind of support. I love everyone so much, and I wish you all the best and bless you all through your life.
With love and blessings,
Hudson Reed Hilliard.
