Completing their six weeks of the lecture phase our six students get their teeth into some more meaty lectures and times of ministry as we delve into deeper topics challenging and encouraging them to review teachings, way of thinking, lifestyles and generally life as a whole through the eyes of the Word of God and His Kingdom.
Being present during this time I can say that on the whole the school is going well and we can see God ministering and teaching the students from those small noticeable changes that begin to grow and bloom before our very eyes. Yes, there are many more victories to be taken but our hope and our trust is in God, that He will be faithful to fulfil His promises.
A very key week for us was the Plumbline week (also known as inner healing week) where we had our own Counselling Team from Earls Court come and teach and minister to us. Though I personally was not able to be present during the teaching days I was with the students during the day of ministry which was very intense but so powerful at the same time. On that day you could almost tangibly see, hear and sense chains breaking and walls crumbling as many situations in each person’s life was given over to God and He allowed to come with His healing and love. I would say that day was a day of miracles.
Cristian or Ezequiel as he is better known to us writes about his first few days on DTS…
“It was like a quick and brisk change. It felt just like I was standing in the centre of God’s will; leaving everything to search for Him and know Him. I felt that my tongue was all in knots and at moments I wondered if things were really from God. I asked myself this question and God answered - He will not take me where His grace will not sustain me. In my mind thoughts pass by of only a few days previously, my last days in Spain.
The DTS group are nice and quite expressive and this helps me a lot. We talk about cultures, countries, churches and ministries and I found that I could open myself a little bit more. I felt my shyness and the things that hold me back, breaking a little.
On the Saturday the DTS officially started. There was a great programme and presentation and also a good preach about Jonah and his attitude when God decided not to destroy Nineveh. We had pictures taken of us at the end of the opening and we were asked to remember those faces on that day, because we will see a transformation in them.
So far we have been to Notting Hill Gate on the double decker bus to celebrate (where I was assured I would receive help with my English!!), we also went to Hillsongs Church where the Word was about making a difference something I believe I can do. And I was also given a word about my role here in England.
Day by day the group is opening up a little more and expanding. The challenge has begun or better put the challenge began with my decision.”
Just in the last two weeks the students have been to the YWAM DNA conference at the Kings Lodge. This was a week jam packed full of sessions and worship and all great things by some of the most noteable speakers of YWAM including the founders themselves, Loren & Darleen Cunningham. The team came back very tired and a little sore but I would say encouraged.
As well as celebrating a couple of birthdays we also had our first love feast celebration just this week where we have a time to just enjoy each others company, eat good food, play games and dance. It also symbolises a kind of milestone, of hitting the half way mark. We look forward to more celebrations and milestones as the weeks come up and also to turning our heads to outreach, shortly following the Christmas holidays!
Come back for more news on how the team is doing and keep us all in your prayers!!