Hi there, and welcome to the first update!
A big thanks for your interest (and patience) in getting an update on just what is going on here as our Fall 2011 DTS is now well underway. For those of you who may not know, our DTS began just one month ago, on September 17th, 2011 as thirty-one students from around the world joined us here in Smithtown, New York to embark upon a journey of growing in relationship with God. Through learning about Him, our beautiful kingdom, and His purpose in our lives, each student is seeking and growing, through trials and triumphs, in preparation to live their lives as Disciples of Christ, no matter where their paths may lead. The school has three tracks: Compassion, Photography, and Frontier Missions. Our desire is to keep this page up to date with the goings-on here throughout the duration of the school, including information about specific events, lectures, outreaches, and simply how God is working here in the lives of these students in New York.
The weekend of the 17th of September was undoubtedly a busy and very excited one, as staff prepared for the arrivals of the new students, running back and forth to airports, receiving each student, and settling in. The first week here was spent in orientation, getting accustomed to schedules and routines, listening to devotionals and teachings on the importance of quiet time, intercession, and worship, and what to expect over the course of the next five months living in community and fellowship with nearly forty people! It is certainly a change but such a beautiful thing to see as the students and staff began to spend time together, share in each other’s cultures and backgrounds, and hear their hearts especially- where they came from, where they are now in their life and walk with the Lord, and what their dreams are for the future.
The second week here in New York was the first taste of what the school would typically look like as we welcomed our first speaker, Kristi Wilke, long-time YWAM DTS Director in Lakeside, Montana. She joined us to speak on hearing the voice of God and intercession, a truly perfect introduction to the school. After each of her lectures, many students expressed how important these ideas and principles were to them, and how much they were learning and tuning their hearts to hear God speak. As a talented musician, Kristi further blessed us by sharing in our worship time that week as a school and dedicating much of her time whilst not teaching to making connections with the students. That Friday was the first day of outreach where staff and students alike traveled into one of the five boroughs- the Bronx- to do Prayer Station ministry, a form of street evangelism born out of a vision from our leader here at YWAM Metro New York, Director Nick Savoca. Such a unique form of ministry required each person to step out of their comfort zones and to walk out the trust that they put in the Lord, and we were blessed in return with the opportunity to pray for many and spend time just conversing with people about God’s presence in our lives and His character, sharing the gospel of Christ one stranger at a time.
Our next speaker, Cindy Mandrell, who is also on extended staff here with YWAM Metro New York working out of Canton, Ohio, joined us the following week to speak on the nature and character of God. This topic was also very important in laying the foundation of a strong faith as she shared with us scripture, methods, and ideas that taught us truly who God is, and who He has called us to be as His children. Though it is seemingly simplistic, many truths were revealed that began to transform how we look at God, how He loves us, His great sacrifice. Students began to reveal more about their histories and backgrounds, bringing us closer together, and allowing each other to work through the difficulties and affirm and encourage one another during this time. It is not surprising in the least, but no less incredible, to see how so many men and woman of God, from many of walks of life, can come together for His purpose, and truly unite as a family.
Admittedly it is a ceaselessly busy atmosphere here, full of energy and life, curiosity and growth, a place of transformation. It is our greatest joy to not only witness, but partake in, the dedication and commitment, truth and love, passion and fruitfulness of young people who have made the decision to commit their lives to Christ wholeheartedly, and have followed His call here to New York in this season so that they may grow closer to Him in heart, mind, and soul.
Thank you so very much for your interest in the lives of our students and in our ministry here. We welcome and encourage questions and comments in regard to any part of our ministry and the DTS. Please feel free to send an email to
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with such question or thought, we would love to hear from you.
