Kathryn's story
18 May 2011
Kathryn recently returned from a Discipleship Training School (DTS) year with Youth With A Mission (YWAM). Read about her experiences...
Before I did the DTS year, I struggled to live fully in the grace of Christ each day. I had grown up in Frontline, heard lots of great teaching throughout my life and learnt so much about God, but I wanted more. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone; to see God move in powerful ways; to let God use me in a completely new setting.
Essentially, I felt like my faith was lacking something vital. I didn't really know who I was. My faith and my prayers used to always be about me. (Maybe you can relate?) But, while I was away, I had to learn to lay my life down before God, to put my hope entirely in Him and to let go of my own ambitions and desires (a lesson I'm still learning!). It was a real time of maturing...
PHASE ONE
I learnt a lot about the Old Testament during the lecture phase (the first part of any DTS year). It was an exciting adventure for me discovering the truths and promises that God has placed throughout scripture and learning to see his desires for the world.
- I learnt about God’s heart for whole nations and individuals to embrace kingdom living.
- I learnt to read the Bible daily, to seek to actively renew my mind to become more like Christ.
- I learnt the importance of looking after things and being good stewards of the things God gives us.
- I learnt to ask questions & to listen for God's answers.
- I learnt more about God's grace and love.
- I learnt what it means to be a daughter and that I can call God ‘dear father.’
- I learnt perseverance - to not quit, to keep picking myself up even when I make mistakes.
Phase Two
The next part of the DTS involved going on outreach, serving people practically and seeing God use our hard work to open people's hearts.
In Rwanda we were only a small team of four, so were able to preach many times. Each time we asked God to direct us, to choose who he wanted to speak and what He wanted them to speak about. God was spot on every time! It was good to practice hearing the voice of God so much, and to see the result in people's responses.
God also provided for me financially whenever I needed it. It was all part of the process of learning to trust God in ALL things (including when it came to money!)
Since returning, I have a fresh enjoyment from serving God and serving church - Not obligation, ENJOYMENT! And I've become much more thankful and appreciative for what I have.
There is so so much more that I learnt and could share here, so many testimonies. But why not just come over at church and ask me!