DTS has not only been a school but a safe place to share in God’s goodness. I have witnessed God working in the leaders at YWAM, and the very special students. All the time and effort put into providing for us. I witnessed God in each and every speaker that came through. I never walked away from a lecture without joy and a new found understanding. I witnessed God during outreach. I had the privilege of eating, walking, sleeping, praying, praising, and sharing with God.

I believe at any age people want to find a place of acceptance. To be able to meet others who had the same heart of seeking God was a true blessing. It was a healing time for me, and I looked forward to classes. I had been struggling with my identity as a follower of Christ when I first started. I was happy to see the different faces that all shared the same love for the Lord. A safe place where we can gather to talk about Him. I was able to see myself in Him, and overjoyed that I can be living in it. It is a treasured space that can’t always be found in the world. We had discussions that most times do not come up in our daily lives. I could have walked into class frustrated, or stressed but always left with peace and joy. I would love to continue to create this kind of space for others to come into, and realize it is what we all need.

I was very eager to learn more on the word, and how to model a life of Christ. I came to know more, and to be transformed in the process. I am grateful to each leader for providing sound teachings from the word. In many ways the lectures reinforced what I already knew. The information was developed, and organized so perfectly to understand. It has helped me to take what I’ve learned and confidently share the good news with others. The personal testimonies have allowed me to accept the truth that God has a plan for me too. That I too will have more stories of my relationship with Him. The testimonies are not only informative but had me accept my bigger purpose and what that looks like. Each speaker with different life experiences came to speak week by week. Each so different but all the same because it was God in the center of their lectures, and stories.

Preparing our hearts and minds for outreach wasn’t easy. I was filled with anxiety, and concerns. God gave me a clear vision of a beach, land, and skies. In Haiti we visited a beach and we were surrounded by water, the wide sky, and islands. Before we left I wasn’t sure if Haiti was our destination, and I definitely wasn’t comfortable about it. All of it was quite unexpected, but I obeyed.

Preparation wasn’t an easy time, but we were able to pray through all the details. Our time there was quite emotional, and eye opening. I felt very at peace during our travels. In the moment of anxiety I would stop and give it to God. In moments of anger I stopped and gave it to God. In moments of sadness I stopped and gave it to God. In moments of shame I stopped and gave it to God. In moments of courage I stopped and gave it to God. In moments to joy I stopped and gave it to God. I realized that my comfort and understanding is only a roadblock to God’s plan. I wasn’t comfortable with body worship, and SUM but with every performance I felt blessed. Body worship, and SUM was the only way to communicate to them. We were able to reach so many people with those two very important performances. With every space God led us, I can hear Him. I heard Him tell me to let go of my pride. My belief that I was such a great problem solver, and able minded to make sense of everything. I needed to control my life decisions, and manners in this way. I didn’t make room for God to speak into my life. God wasn’t the center of my life. I’m very grateful to have discovered that about myself, and my relationship with God.

YWAM has been such a blessing for me. God continues to speak into me on new matters. In obedience I pray over every moment of my life. I am still working on every area of my life. I very much have gained the confidence and strength to stand firm in my identity as a God fearing woman. I desperately pray, and read the word to continue my walk with the Lord. I know this journey will not be an easy one, but I know my way now. I feel better equipped to maneuver through any confusion, and deception. What a blessing to find my way through new relationships, and teachings. I thank God for leading me to YWAM.