Why DTS?
It will surprise many people that I’ve decided to apply for a YWAM (Youth With a Mission) DTS (Discipleship Training School). I’ve been in ministry a while now, I’ve done a few schools in different countries, I’m in my 30s....why would I want to start over with something that we often (incorrectly let me add!) associate with young people?
Well, it’s all about taking steps.
I’ve been looking for ministries to partner with, and YWAM is a very real open door. Or, I should say it WILL be a very real open door....AFTER a DTS. Simply put, when asking God about my next step, he directed me to and then confirmed YWAM,The first step in exploring this connection is always to complete a DTS.
"So, it's all about checking boxes?"
NO! Not at all.
You can read more about a DTS and the value they have by clicking here, but for now, this will not simply be about checking a box. It will be a season of more equipping, of learning the culture (I’m applying for a DTS at a base where I would be interested in ministering) as well as integrating and learning and understanding more about people from a whole cross-section of society, as a DTS attracts people from all over the world. It will be a time of intense growth in my own relationship with God as well as training and equipping in ministry. Yes, many things will be familiar or even things I’ve been doing for a while, but there will be many other new things, and time set aside to go deeper with God isalways a good thing. No time spent investing in others, learning how to relate to them and work with them is ever wasted. It may not be the path I thought the next few months would take, and it won’t be without its challenges (finances, visas, sharing a bedroom and living out of a suitcase are already going through my mind) but it will be a season that God uses for his glory and purposes that also opens doors for me moving forward after these six months.
To answer a few questions in short:
Purpose:
Personal growth, equipping, opening doors to future position/partnership
Where:
USA - either NY in March or DC in September depending on finances and visa Cost:
To cover everything like insurance, visas, flights, outreach, living costs etc I estimate I need $12,000 for the six months. This makes it about the same as I will need to raise ($2000 per month in future)
If you would like to contribute toward the cost of doing this school (or support me in ministry in general) please see my support page for ideas or visit my YouCaring page.
