How To Choose A YWAM DTS
October 19, 2020 - January 1, 2030
How To Choose A YWAM DTS
How To Choose A YWAM DTS!
There are a huge number of different locations around the world to do a YWAM DTS. Maybe choosing the best YWAM DTS location for you feels overwhelming or knowing which YWAM base is best is confusing.
If you are unsure about what’s next for you, what you’re called to, or who you’re called to, then we’re here to help!
So how are you supposed to know what YWAM DTS to choose?
To choose a YWAM DTS you need to work out what you are looking for in a DTS, what is important to you, and how God is leading you.
There are hundreds of different YWAM Discipleship Training Schools (DTS) all over the world.
Some are a classic theme, and some have different passion-based themes; some are close to home, while others are on the opposite side of the globe; some are incredibly expensive, and some are very reasonably priced.
Here are 5 helpful suggestions of things to consider that will help you discern where God may be calling you to do your YWAM DTS!
Figure Out What You’re Passionate About
You may have noticed (maybe you’ve searched on ywam.org) that different DTSs around the world sometimes have different passion-based focuses or themes.
At Marine Reach, we call them streams. God has placed unique gifts and passions within you, and it’s on purpose! It’s part of who you are. We have found that it’s helpful to consider this when choosing a DTS, as you’ll likely find other people on a similar journey to you, and possibly be using these tools on your outreach!
You can find which theme, school, or stream best fits you personally by asking yourself: For the next few months, what do I want to focus on? What are my specific interests and passions? Is there something God has gifted me with that He wants to use or develop?
Decide When You Want to Do a DTS
Different YWAM Bases operate on different calendars, but generally, they will run their programs on a quarterly basis (that is, 4 school intakes per year).
Sometimes it’s helpful to consider other commitments or dreams when you’re considering when you would like to do your DTS. For example, you may plan to attend university in January, so you’d be looking for a DTS that finishes with enough time to prepare for your time at university. At Marine Reach, we offer our programs starting every January, April, July, and October.
Check out our blog post about the best season to do a DTS here.
Think About Where You Are Called
Whether you want to stay close to home or go across the world, there are often many opportunities for both. Depending on which YWAM Base and DTS you choose, different bases and schools have locations and/or countries they routinely focus on for their outreaches. What language do you want to speak? Where do you want to go? Is there a region or people group you feel called to?
At Marine Reach, we love to serve the people of Vanuatu and regularly send DTS outreaches to this beautiful Pacific Island. You can find out more about our work in Vanuatu here.
Find Out the History of the Base You’re Looking At
It’s always super helpful to get first-hand perspectives on the base and school you’re considering, so what better way than testimonies?!
Whether it’s videos or stories, finding out what other people are saying about the base you’re interested in attending can contribute to your final decision in choosing a DTS. (We have a whole page of video testimonies from people who have been part of a Marine Reach DTS here if you’re interested.)
Also, consider how long that YWAM Base has been active, and whether the community seems to be thriving (or otherwise). Check out the social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.) to get a sense of the community life, and whether you could see yourself being a part of it!
Commit It to God in Prayer
After all the research you’ve done, it’s time to submit it all to God in prayer and trust that He will guide you. God is a communicator!
By praying, we involve God in our plans and invite Him to lead us.
Has God given you peace about any of your options? Has He spoken to you in His “still, small voice”? Has He confirmed it through a scripture? As we grow in learning how to hear God’s voice, we always want to seek His will, because He knows what’s best!
Here at Marine Reach, we have 10 different DTS streams to choose from:
Wild Heart – People who are ready for the adventure; willing to do anything and go anywhere for Jesus.
Medical Compassion – People with a heart of compassion wanting to know more about medical missions.
Leadership and Pioneering – People willing to use ideas and dreams to explore the unknown.
Worship – People passionately reflecting Jesus in the way they worship.
Prayer and Passion – People seeking intimacy in their relationship with God through prayer.
Cover to Cover – People with a hunger for God’s Word and want a deeper understanding of the Bible.
Justice Movement – People who will be a voice for the voiceless, see the forgotten, justice for the unjust.
Pilgrimage – People wanting to walk with Jesus while stretching themselves both physically and spiritually.
Go Pacific – People ready to dive deep into culture and God’s love for others.
Kingdom Come – People with epic faith expecting God to move.
Remember this experience is unique to every individual, and will look different for us all ! God will meet you just where you are!!
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“The Medical Compassion DTS gave me a glimpse into the medical side or missions. The compassion part was what caught me. I saw that when we see with Jesus’ eyes of genuine compassion, we must get our hands dirty.”
Brady Picking, 21, Pennsylvania, USA
“The Medical Compassion DTS magnified my love for those in need. It stressed the importance of the power of prayer and how I can go to God in all the medical and daily situations in my life and the lives of those I minister to.”
Noah Armbruster, 20, Michigan, USA
“Reading the whole Bible was a real challenge for me, but it was so rewarding. My eyes were opened to the fact that Jesus had existed from the very beginning and that God’s gracious heart always was and is the same! I learned that the Bible isn’t just a story about God, but rather a story about imperfect, raw, real people. I know now that I am one of them, and that I can see God work in my life just like He did it with them!”
Jenny Fritz, 19, Germany
“Our DTS was a time set apart to seek God’s face and encounter Him in a completely new way. During those five months, He realigned our heart and mind with His heart and His thoughts for us. We found that to love Him and to sit at the feet of Jesus is the only place we want to be and to live our lives from.”
Emmanuel & Emelie Linder, 28 & 26, Sweden
“Before doing the Justice Movement stream I was so full of hatred and anger toward the perpetrators of human trafficking; completely lacking the love God has for them. But through the stream meetings and prayer it’s been a beautiful journey in which God has shown me how deep and vast His love is for ALL His children. God completely changed my view and I couldn’t be more thankful for this experience!”
Kara Spencer, 19, BC, Canada
“Doing SPHC was an amazing experience. Not only was I given the opportunity to continue to grow spiritually, but I learned things that can be used in a very practical and much needed way. SPHC gave me the opportunity to show the Father’s heart to people in a very unique way and love on the person in front of me while helping them in such a simple way.”
Karunia Been, 20, Portugal
“Did you know that according to WHO more than half the world does not have access to healthcare? After seeing those statistics first hand, while in the mission field, I was heartbroken, but I was not without hope. God used my SPHC team and me to meet the needs of many individuals both physically and spiritually, and He opened my eyes to the possibility of a career in healthcare. I now attend the University of Missouri and I am pursuing a degree in Public Health. I hope to one day work for the WHO and take on the challenge of reaching those without healthcare with God’s healing hands.”
Caroline Wilson, 21, Colorado, USA
“SPHC was honestly one of the best experiences of my life so far. From the lecture phase to outreach, my mind was constantly blown by the endless stream of possibilities that become available when you combine practical medical care with the power of prayer. Also, getting to hike, ride in boats and in the back of trucks, and setting up clinics basically anywhere was quite the highlight for a city girl like me.”
Tabitha Abishegam, 26, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
“Doing The Cover to Cover DTS at Marine Reach was one of the best things I’ve decided to do. Reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation helped me see more of the different characteristics and nature of God. The Cover to Cover DTS was great. It taught me how to be diligent, manage my time properly, and helped me have a more sturdy foundation and in my beliefs. “
Talon Jernigan, 20, USA
“Upon first coming to DTS, I had settled for a mundane and ordinary life. But over time, He has captured my heart and instilled in me a new passion for His purpose. This has given me confident hope that I am worthy of intentionally being part of the greater good.”
Taya Newton, 20, Alberta, Canada
