YWAM Discipleship Training School Begins

We moved into our house the day before school started. We live in a YWAM home with a really nice couple from Zurich, Switzerland. There is also another American couple that is part of YWAM stuff that has a granny flat within our unit. They have their own bathroom and bedroom and we all share the kitchen and family room. All the other single students live in something called the Waves House, which is like a backpackers hostel. Most of our dinners are there.

YWAM Sunshine Coast rents a local Baptist church where they hold their programs. Its where we go to school every morning from about 8-1 and have lunch. In addition, we have one night class, one outreach meeting and one evangelistic barbecue weekly. We have weekly journals, assignments and one-on-ones. Some of the topics over the course of the school include, “Hearing the voice of God, The word & the Father heart of God”. Weekends we have off. This specific YWAM base has not had a family in years, most families apply to other bases that are more kid-friendly. We definitely felt God calling us this base and it truly has worked out amazingly. The staff take turns watching our kids while we are in school. This was a huge adjustment for me since I have been a stay at home mom for 4 years. It is all part of the process of trusting God. One of the biggest challenges for me (Jonali) has been trying to balance being a mom, going to school, doing all the assignments, keeping up with family, emails, updates, blogs, raising support, etc. We have been trying to learn the healthy balance of family and ministry as its all new to us. I have been truly learning again and again that I can’t do anything without Him.

The first week we had orientation with 40 other students (ages 18-25) from all over the world (US, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, Germany, Finland, etc). They told us about wild animals, culture, YWAM values and getting to know each other (personal testimonies). We all were pretty much adjusting to Australia this week and just aligning our bodies with the time zone. We have started the first few weeks of school and learning about really amazing topics. A lot of school includes lecture, intercession, group projects and learning how to deepen our relationship with God. It has been really nice doing this as both Timothy and I didn’t grow up in the Christian church, we have been learning a lot here with people who really love God and are definitely growing in so many ways ourselves. Even though we are the oldest students in the group, the most basic principles of our faith can be the most profound, life changing lessons!

The YWAM DTS program is designed for those who either just graduated HS or college and need help with direction on God’s calling on their life.  It is about a 5- month program (3 months training, 2 months outreach).  If anyone has further questions on the program please feel free to email us!