I came into DTS not really knowing what to expect. I had already been to college, done an internship, and was hoping for a job in ministry. But as I applied for jobs, even in retail and restaurants, nothing seemed to come my way. I was frustrated and at a loss for what to do next when a friend came up to me after church and asked if I had heard of YWAM. I had, but I really didn’t know what YWAM actually was besides a missions organization. She encouraged me to look into doing a Discipleship Training School (DTS). Because she felt that God asked her to share about YWAM with me, and I had no other options, I did.

I found the Jacksonville location, applied, and basically told God that if it was meant to be, I would get into the school. Of course, I got in and started the school in January 2013. Little did I know that this short 5 months would change the trajectory of my life. As I went through the school, I realized how much YWAM’s values and passions lined up with mine. I wanted to see people walking with Jesus, fully and passionately living for Him. The DTS was designed to encourage people towards that. I wanted to see people come to know Jesus around the world. YWAM was founded to see that happen.

Not only did YWAM seem to line up with my values, it also helped me to grow and learn. Before doing a DTS, I knew that I ought to have a relationship with God, but I didn’t really understand what that meant. I went to God for the “big” things and tried to follow Him as best I could. But during the DTS I learned more about what it looks like to walk with Jesus on a daily basis. Every day is a new day with Him.
Now I am on staff full-time with YWAM and have the opportunity to pour into students and encourage them along their own journey.

Not everyone’s journey looks like mine, but everyone has the opportunity to learn to walk with God during their journeys. I didn’t plan to be a part of YWAM, but God knew what was best for me even if I didn’t. He was the one who orchestrated everything and opened doors that I had no idea would open. Every time I get frustrated with the unknown future, I remember how God ordered my steps with YWAM. He is the one who makes a way when it seems like there is no way. I am so grateful that He knows better than I do.