DTS a go-go

Hello Friends,

I just want to write an update regarding plans to attend the 5 month YWAM Supernatural Ministry DTS in Toronto and Thailand starting this September 25th.

I would like to give background regarding why I believe the Lord is calling me to this.

When I first became a Christian I became aware of the ministry organization YWAM and had a desire to attend as the thought of missions in other countries really appealed to me. However, I only went as far as to obtain and read some information packets for their bases in Kona. I think this was due to a lack of maturity, grounding, and good discipleship in my own walk as a new Christian. I believe due to these same shortcomings, and bad choices on my own part, I became wayward in my own walk with the Lord for a time (10 years) and of course that put the idea of missions on hold.

Well, as I am sure many of you are aware, God is faithful to woo His wayward children back! Since 2006, I have been growing in Him, seeking to know Him more, and learning how to walk out this faith in real ways.

I again started to have missions on my heart and mind. I recall a time on November 22, 2007, Todd Bentley was here in Winnipeg for a conference, I was volunteering for Security duty and standing out in the hallway listening to him preach while watching through the doorways of the sanctuary. He released a word that there were many in the conference who the Lord would be sending to the nations. The word rang so true in my spirit. I felt it was for me. I had images of nations (specifically Africa) going through my mind. Children, orphans, widows, discipling the nations. I was back there in the hallway, all by myself, breaking down, shaking and in tears saying, "Yes Lord, yes Lord, send me!"

Shortly after this, I had the opportunity to go to Guatemala with a team to help finish building a part of a school. Initially, I had wanted to go, but after seeking the Lord more about it, it just didn't seem like it was the right time. I think it had also been due to a lack of faith without doubting for the Lord to provide provision for the trip. Either way, I turned it down and kept dreams of going for a future date.

Over the last few years I have pursued the idea of going to a number of ministry schools. For various reasons, those just didn't seem to fit for me. As well, I have become increasingly aware of the need for the power of God, for the spiritual gifts, for miracles, healing, signs and wonders, the prophetic, and basically walking in the authority God has given us, the church, to effectively minister to the lost. So that they would truly put their faith in God. That our preaching would not be with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstrations of Spirit and power (1 Cor. 2:4-5). This awareness has lead me to seeking the Lord for more of the truth of who we have been created to be, in the new creation (2 Cor. 5:17-21). Desiring to renew my mind to the truth (Rom. 12:2) and to walk out a very real, true faith, that believes what the word of God says and to be one who does it (Jas. 1:22). To bring heaven to earth, in the lives of those the Lord loves so much.

Earlier this year I became aware of the YWAM Supernatural Ministry DTS being held in Toronto, Canada. This really appealed to me as it combined what seemed to be a greater emphasis on the supernatural than your regular DTS, with cross cultural missions. Initially I thought how this would be good for some of my friends. I shared it with some of them thinking maybe they would like to go. Not really fully thinking about it for myself. Well, I believe the Lord may have been speaking to me about going.

One day I was out for a walk in the park and I believe the Lord brought the DTS to mind, so I asked Him if I should go. At the time I was walking along a train track for a small train they have in the park. I then went back to my car to wait on the Lord for a bit. The Lord then gave me a vision where I was looking inside an old passenger train car. It didn't dawn on me right away, but I asked Him, "What does that mean?" Later that evening it came to me. DTS stands for Discipleship TRAINing School. haha! I downloaded the application package and began the process to apply. I received notification that I was accepted into the DTS on August 8th and have been trusting Him for everything to work out.

I am going to be completely transparent and say that this has been an up and down step of faith for me. Due to circumstances with my vehicle, and some other situations. Well, I have prayed about it more and truthfully I feel such a peace about going. When I put myself in the mindset of not going, the peace is not there. So, I am continuing to believe the Lord for this. I have 3 weeks left before I need to sell my vehicle and raise all the funds needed to go.

One other thing the Lord reminded me of a few days ago. About 2 years ago, I was in my apartment having a shower and I had an idea come to me. I imagined being in Thailand and I was helping to get human trafficking victims out and into a safe place by moving them into an old school that we had converted into a place for them live and grow in the Lord. I didn't know why the idea had come to me until now. Isn't God amazing?? haha!

Soooo... again I say, please prayerfully consider supporting, not only me, but giving to the Lord and what He is going to be doing in me and through me, to grow me as a child of God, and to touch the lost with the love and power of God and to disciple them, teaching them to observe all that He has commanded (Matt. 28:19-20). No amount is too small. However, I cannot do it without a little help from my friends. :)

I want to add that the Lord is faithful when we give. I believe especially to something He is doing. He will return to us what we have given to Him, many times over, and of course if we do it with a joyful heart. I know this because I have witnessed His faithfulness in this in my own life, numerous times and in numerous ways. And I believe what He says in His word in 2 Cor. 9:6-8.

Many of you may know that this is new for me, asking for support. I have always been the one to give. Not ask, and receive. But that is something I will have to get over if I am going to be used in missions. I will have to depend on the Lord to move on your hearts to give to His work. I so appreciate your prayers and consideration for supporting me.

More details about the DTS, it's costs, and how to give are located on my other blog entry at http://www.amostvehementflame.org/2011/08/ywam-supernatural-ministry-dts.html

Please feel free to subscribe to my blog to get updates of what the Lord is doing and saying and how He is working in and through me to bring His kingdom to the lost.

In humility and love,
Chris