This week we want to feature Melissa, who may be the most determined, outgoing and friendly person you ever meet. We love having her around, it guarantees a lot of laughs and nuggets of insightful wisdom.

What is your role with YWAM Louisville?

My role with YWAM Louisville mainly entails me being a Momma to our two little girls, Maggie & Norah and also helping in the 4K department with marketing and promoting all the wonderful things that 4K offer.

How long have you been YWAM staff?
Since March of 2009

Why did you decide to do DTS?
When I turned 18, I really had a strong sense and “revelation” that every decision that I made from there on out would have consequences or benefits and those would now rest on me, since I was now an “adult”. When I graduated high school just two months later, I was unsure of what I wanted to go to college for and if I was strong enough in my faith to make it through those 4 years without having a lot of regrets & poor choices. I also felt like the Lord was asking me to come and know HIM more so that I would be equipped to walk in whatever calling He had for me and DTS was a perfect fit for that.

Where are you from?
Manvel, ND (population 330)

What’s your favorite Starbucks drink?
Latte with 1 Raw Sugar

Mac or PC?
Mac…thanks to my hubby

What one word best describes you?
Motivated

What do you like to do in your free time?
I love spending time with my girls, going to the zoo with them and just exploring the world together. I really enjoy people, so anything with people is a great way to spend time. I also enjoy reading & learning. Oh and EATING is ALWAYS  a great way to spend time =)

Favorite sport/team?
University of North Dakota Fighting SIOUX!!!

What is your favorite country you’ve been to, and when/why did you go there?
Haiti. Sonny & I went there twice in 2010 after the earthquake to help, first with medical aid and then the second time to work with YWAM Haiti to assist in the rebuilding process. It is my favorite country because it totally captured my heart. It made me realize that I could love a place that from the outside is very unlovable.

What’s the first section you visit in a bookstore? Why?
Personal Development. Why? Because to me it is vital to grow as a person. One of my favorite sayings is “Change your MIND, Change your LIFE”. That’s what personal development is all about.

If you could sit beside anyone on a transatlantic flight, who would it be and why?
Sonny, my husband. Why? Because he’s awesome!

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
That’s a great question…but I don’t know =)

Today we are featuring a blog from a friend of our base, Don Stephens. You can find the original blog posted here.

Back when I was religious, I had my life all sorted into neat piles of “things that matter” and “things that don’t”.  Church, Bible study, prayer, and Christian music had value because those things were “sacred” and eternal.   But other things, “secular” things, were essentially meaningless:  Hollywood and hobbies, politics and parties, the way I dressed and the way I kept my yard.  It was easy in those days to prioritize: I merely had to sort the sacred from the secular and turn my focus full onto the sacred.  Now that I see the Kingdom I’ve come to realize that my twisted thinking was just one more remnant of hyper-religious, super spiritual yada yada.   The truth is, Everything Matters!

From the majesty of a sunset to the stripes of a caterpillar, ours is a world designed for glory and destined for redemption.  Every little piece of it.  Abraham Kuyper, the Dutch theologian captured it perfectly when He said,  “There is not one square inch of the entire creation about which Jesus Christ does not cry out, ‘This is mine! This belongs to me!’”  There is no division between sacred and secular because there is no secular.  It all belongs to a holy King, from the tidiness of my car, to the trimming of my shrubs, to the brightness of my smile.  In fact, everything I do carries the seeds of significance.

I’m reminded of “The Broken Window” theory that became a crime-fighting strategy of former Mayor of New York City, Rudi Guilanni.  The theory says that there is a direct correlation between broken windows and crime rates.  When people go into a neighborhood and simply replace the broken windows of the vacant buildings, crime rates will drop measurably.  Glory begets community health as surely as neglect and broken windows beget crime.

So while our postmodern neighbors suffocate under the lie that says “nothing really matters”, we believers have inherited a message of hope, the glad news of a Kingdom where everything matters!

by Don Stephens, original post: http://donstephens.wordpress.com/2011/11/08/everything-matters/

Coming from Lancaster PA, Steph is a level headed well rounded woman of God.

What is your role with YWAM Louisville?
My main responsibility is in the Accounting department. This means that I write checks, process receipts, and keep track of the finances and banking. This allows me to serve our staff, teams, and students by helping them be sure that the practical financial details don’t keep them from doing what God has called them to.

How long have you been YWAM staff?
Since October 2010, so about a year and a half.

Why did you decide to do DTS?
I knew in high school that I wanted to be a missionary but also knew that I wasn’t ready to move overseas. Growing up in Lancaster, I had always known about DTS and YWAM and knew some people who had done training with YWAM. I decided to try it and am glad I did!

Where and when did you do DTS?
I did my DTS here in Louisville during the fall of 2009

Where are you from?
Lancaster, Pennsylvania

What’s your favorite Starbucks drink?
Hot- Vanilla Latte, Cold- Cafe Vanilla Frappucino

Mac or PC?
I currently have a PC but more and more I am becoming a fan of Macs!

What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to run, spend time with friends, read, and play ultimate frisbee!

Favorite sports team?
I love the Philadelphia Phillies!

What is your favorite country you’ve been to, and when/why did you go there?
I have a lot of favorites! I went to India for my DTS outreach in the winter of 2010. The people were amazing. I loved being able to minister to kids and talk with families in the slums. I also loved South Africa, which I went to in the winter of 2012. The ministry was so solid and again, I loved the people! Since most South Africans speak English, there was virtually no language barrier and I saw God change lives in a way I hadn’t experienced before!

Where’s the first section you visit in a bookstore? Why?
Most times I go to the Christian fiction section, because those are the books I enjoy reading. I also like to stop at the coffee shop!

If you could sit beside anyone on a transatlantic flight, who would it be and why?
A good friend so we can chat and laugh together!

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Definitely octopus soup. Last summer I was in a small village right by the ocean in Mexico. We were served a lot of seafood at meals and our first one was octopus soup. It was just chunks of meat in this reddish tomato-ey broth. I ate a couple of bites, but once I realized what I was eating, I couldn’t bring myself to eat any more!

We asked our current DTS some questions about their “adventure of a lifetime!” In case your new to Youth With A Mission, the DTS is an introductory five month course that focuses on you and your relationship with the Lord. The first three months are here in Louisville, where we have classes specifically focused on personal growth in your Christian walk. The second phase is a two month mission trip, or a “field assignment,” where you and your class will travel to a nation and put into place what God has invested in your life.

Our current DTS is just now about a month into their training, and are very excited about God’s work in there life. We asked them some questions about what God was doing in their class.

What is the biggest thing that God has done in your life since being in DTS?



He has taken away my shame. I finally understand that all my pain and shame was nailed to the cross and it is no longer my burden to bear. I’m free! Yea! ~ Gail

Jesus has shown me how prideful I’ve been in past relationships, and He’s convicted my heart to reconcile those relationships. Before I came to DTS, I had a very hard time actually doing anything about these situations, but God has given me the strength to write those letters, and make those phone calls . ~ Amanda

What is the Community like?

We come from all over the world, with different backgrounds and it’s so awesome how we can all come together as a family in unity. ~ Lara

I miss my family in my home town, but it is like your family is here with you. You are loved and accepted right when you arrive. Even when you try to isolate yourself the first week people love you through your sin and isolation. I will never forget these people. ~ Sarah

I would describe the community here at YWAM Louisville as a family with great unity in Christ. ~ Dylan

What do you see God doing in your class?

We are learning to love each other despite our differences, enjoying each other, learning from each other and sharing truth that’s being spoken into our lives. We are longing for real community and we are doing something about it. ~ Gail

At first we were all some what quiet and kept to ourselves the first few days, but now we laugh with each other, help each other, pray with each other, joke with each other and we are there for each other like a team. ~ Sarah

God’s helping all of us grow and stretch our faith in this DTS. I can see how much community means to Him. ~ Dylan

If DTS would be over today, why would it be worth it to have come?

It would be worth it just because I’ve seen myself and those around me grow so much, even in this short amount of time. ~ Laura

I’ve experienced real community. I’ve learned that if I want to have real relationships that are deep and worth it I have to be humble enough to let people love me. I have to stop hiding behind the person I think people want me to be and be the real me. A wall between me and God has broken, and I feel closer to God in so many ways that at times it’s overwhelming. I’ve seen the power of prayer and felt God’s heart and passion for the lost ones and I no longer can simply observe how the world dies without God. I need to follow his heart-beat, wherever it takes me. ~ Gail

I have already learned so much, and it’s almost crazy that we have more than two months to keep learning! I have learned about pride and humility – how being proud is the root of every sin, and how choosing humility consistently is becoming more like Christ. I’ve also learned a lot about relationships and how to mend them in an appropriate way, so in some ways I almost feel like I’m already set! Just kidding! But in reality, I have already learned so much about myself and what I need to change, so it’s great!!! ~ Amanda

What would you say to someone thinking about doing DTS?

I would say DO IT! Seriously, you will be amazed at how much God will work in you and through you. Spreading the truth of Jesus Christ is something we’re all called to do and this will definitely equip you (: ~ Laura

Do it. Take a step of faith and do it, its so worth it. You can experience God in a way you never imagined. You are challenged, supported, encouraged, drawn closer to God, loved. It’s a before and after in your life and in your relationship with God. He is gonna break you into pieces and make you new, and even though it can be hard at times, it’s so worth it. ~ Gail

I would definitely tell them that it has been so incredible so far, so heart and life changing! I would tell them I’d pray for them because it’s an amazing opportunity and I’d ask them to pray about it for themselves to see what God wants for them in their future! ~ Amanda

This week we would like to introduce you to Karen. We are so glad to have her on staff! When you need to get right down to it and get something done, she is the one you want on your team. If its a game of Dutch Blitz, you better get ready!

What is your role with YWAM Louisville?

currently, leading small groups in the SOMD

How long have you been YWAM staff?

about 5 months

Why did you decide to do DTS?

I wanted to know the Lord more and, truthfully, I was looking for an adventure. Boy did I find one!

Where are you from?

Lancaster County, PA!!! YEAH!!!

What’s your favorite Starbucks drink?

Hmmm…in the winter, a caramel macchiato for sure, but in the summer I’d go for a frapp! I’m more of a social drinker, but sometimes I randomly get a craving for coffee.

Mac or PC?


PC, mostly because Mac’s are kinda intimidating :)

What one word best describes you?

Caring.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Read, spend time with friends and watch movies.

Favorite sport/team?

I usually just cheer for the team everyone else is cheering for.

What is your favorite country you’ve been to, and when/why did you go there?

I’ve only been to Germany for my SOMD outreach and Turkey for my DTS outreach and I loved both of them!! I’d go back to both any day!

What’s the first section you visit in a bookstore? Why?

Maybe the section where they sell journals and stuff….I just love journaling!

If you could sit beside anyone on a transatlantic flight, who would it be and why?

My sister, because I haven’t seen her in a while and we have a lot to catch up on. Plus, she’d be a great person to sit next to; she can be chatty but also quiet, it’s perfect!

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

I brought Turkish Delight home from Turkey and it had worms in it, of course I didn’t find them until my family ate some of it…does that count?

What better way to celebrate Easter than to serve?

On Saturday some of the staff and students partnered with Greater Faith Church to celebrate Easter by hosting a block party. Our ability to partner with the Church was nothing short of a “Divine Appointment.” A week before, some of our staff were cleaning up in a community that we have a long term vision for and they bumped into some members of Greater Faith who shared about the block party they were hosting. Our specific part in the festivities was to provide a delicious offering of picnic food for any who wanted it!  Through the course of the afternoon there were games, fun and much food for all! After all was said and done, 20 people were baptized professing faith in Jesus Christ.

Below, Who doesn’t like a cookout?

Above: Who doesn’t like a cookout?

Last weekend our School of Ministry Development students immediately put into practice what it means to be a “servant leader”. The SOMD went to Henryville, Indiana, the small community that was hit hard by the recent tornadoes. Here are some pictures of their outing.

Five years ago today, nine YWAMers loaded up our earthly possessions and drove to our new home: Louisville, KY. We didn’t know what was waiting for us when we got here; all we had was a dream.

Pioneering a new YWAM missions base has been an incredible adventure. It’s also been one of the hardest things any of us has ever attempted. The struggles and victories we’ve faced have forged our identity as a community and as individuals. Many of us have said, “If I knew then what I know now, I might not have tried.”

But if we hadn’t attempted something in the face of a real risk of failure, we never would have experienced the “God stories” of the past five years.

Stories like “Tommy” in east Asia, who was radically saved when a YWAM DTS student befriended him.

Stories like the village of Tak Fa, Thailand, where a YWAM DTS team saw over 100 people give their hearts to the Lord in one day and planted 300 Bibles in Buddhist homes.

Stories like “Reyhan,” a young Muslim woman in Central Asia who had never heard the name of Jesus before until another YWAM DTS team came and introduced her to him.

Stories like Jessica, convicted of murder and imprisoned in a Mexican juvenile detention center, who encountered Christ’s forgiveness through a pair of YWAM girls.

Stories of missionary students and outreach participants whose lives have been radically altered as God has met them in powerful ways and worked through them to share his love with a world that desperately needs it.

Stories like these are why we started YWAM Louisville. They’re a glimpse of the fulfillment of our dream – but there are so many stories waiting to unfold! And those untold stories are why we will keep on pursuing the dream for the next five years – and beyond.

Here are some thoughts from those nine:

As I think back on the past five years I am in awe of how God has used a regular group of people to start something that is so significant, but that’s just like Him isn’t it! There has definitely been the really hard times and the “I don’t know if this is going to work” times, but God has always come through and stayed true to His Word and promises. I look forward to the next five years of hard work and God creating miracles! – Amy

In some ways it’s incredibly hard to believe that it’s been five years since YWAM Louisville began. In other ways, particularly as I look at all that God has done in our lives and in the nations, it’s hard to believe that it’s only been five years. Some highlights for me include; Seeing the miraculous provision of housing… and offices… and classrooms. Watching students come into our programs thinking this was just going to be a “nice school” and coming out on the other side ready and willing to let God “spend” their lives reaching the ends of the earth. Seeing our staff catch on to the vision of multiplying ourselves in order to complete the Great Commission.

No, as we look ahead at the next five years I’m sure it will go even quicker and be full of even more of God’s faithfulness! – Andy

These last five years have been some of the hardest years of my life, but they have also been some of the best years of my life.  Pioneering is a lot of hard work, yet it is so rewarding when you begin to see the fruit.  Fruit in the form of transformed lives, people sent to the nations, and greater intimacy with the Lord.  I know the Lord so much deeper because of the process and I’m glad to have gone through it all…..the good and the hard. – Carmelita 

The past 5 years have been an incredible journey with the Lord! It’s the things that cost me the most that I love the most and that is what I have in YWAM Louisville – a family and a vision that have caused me to give of myself in ways I never thought I would or could. God has used the journey to draw me to Him and it’s incredible to think back on all the lives transformed, nations impacted, and things learned along the way.

In the 5 years ahead I anticipate an exponential multiplication of what has already happened – and probably some things happening that we’ve never dreamed of! - Josh

How has YWAM Louisville impacted your life? Leave a comment below!

I will be working with the Discipleship Training School

Since January 2012

My parents always wanted me to do a DTS, but I didn’t want to be one of those weird missionaries.  After a year of college I still didn’t know what I was supposed to do with my life and I wanted to know more about God, so I ended up coming to DTS after all.

Where are you from?

Montana….yes my name is Hannah and I’m from Montana you can guess what people call me.

It changes pretty often; currently it’s an Americano, no cream or sugar.

Mac or PC? 

It doesn’t make a huge difference to me.

Goofy

I like being outside, in the water, reading, drinking coffee, and good conversation.

Favorite sport/team?

To do- swimming, to watch- football

I really like Kenya; I went with my youth group in 2005 to tell people about Jesus.

What’s the first section you visit in a bookstore? Why?

I go to the historical fiction first because it’s interesting and entertaining.

Anyone with a good story or snacks, preferably both.

Youth With A Mission’s newest training school runs April 5– June 29, 2012 on the University of the Nations campus in Kona, Hawaii!  4K Louisville is a key part of pioneering this brand new course called, School of Mapping.  We are teaching and training Christian workers to strategically use mapping in missions!

The goal of this course is to train Christian workers to have an extensive understanding of what a map is, how they are created, how to make maps for any type of ministry, and how maps can have a role in transforming nations.  Participants will learn both the technical and conceptual components of mapping and will use presentation and communication skills with map-making, in order to have the ability to communicate their maps, the world’s needs, and train others.

We know that we are called to share the LOVE & HOPE of Jesus with the world and in order to do that we need to know WHERE they live and WHAT they need! This is why maps are essential in completing the Great Commission.

 For more information about 4K, the School of Mapping or other training opportunities visit our website at www.4kworldmap.com.

We are gearing up to start an amazing spring! This weekend the DTS (Discipleship Training School) and SOMD (School of Ministry Development) begin and we are so excited about what God has in store for us. One of the things we did to prepare for this next season was take a little time to reconnect and refresh as YWAM Louisville staff. Below you’ll find some pictures from the weekend getaway at Agape Wilderness Retreat!