Lecture Phase Reflection

G'day!

This week was (sadly) the last week of lectures. Saturday marked the last day of the "lecture phase" part of DTS. We had three days of teaching on Missions and two days of teaching on Destiny. The Missions lecture was very good... we learned about different areas of ministry, people groups, global issues, and our place as Christ's ambassadors "bridging the gap" between the world and God. The speaker was completely inspiring and stirred us up to represent Christ in PNG and wherever else God calls us to go. Kerstin spoke on Destiny for the rest of the week (discovering our plan and purpose in Christ). We spent time writing out our dreams and passions in life. She explained that God places certain passions in our hearts, which can act as a roadmap for finding direction in life. It was amazing to reflect on my God-given passions and see how they all flow together for what I am designed to do. I do not know exactly what my life will look like, but I have purpose and direction found in Jesus that will certainly glorify God if I keep my eyes fixed on Him.

The first three months of my DTS (the lecture phase) has been more amazing than I could have ever imagined. I came to the Gold Coast unsure of what I was getting myself into... I did not know much about YWAM and did not know anyone that would be here. I just knew that God called me here and I came in response to that stirring in my heart for missions. Since I've been here, God has poured out blessing after blessing upon me (too many to count) and has spoken to me in so many different ways, refining my heart and giving me a vision for my future. I have grown so much in my relationship with the Lord by dedicating this time to learn more about Him, immersing myself in the Word, and telling others about the love of Jesus. I could not have asked for a better experience! I feel like God surprised me with it all.

My heart for evangelism has grown so much since I've been here. I am passionate about telling others about Jesus. I have loved all the evangelism opportunities we have had... I have been able to explore different areas of ministry, sharing the Gospel and encouraging other believers. God has been breaking my heart for the lost and I believe He wants me to pursue more training in evangelism, which is something I am praying about.

Well, we are just 5 days away from leaving for Papua New Guinea. This week is Outreach Prep week... packing, shopping for last minute items, practicing our dramas, preparing sermons, etc. I think it will be a pretty busy week! Please continue to pray for finances for 3 of my team members (Alex, Taelor, and Daniel). We are still quite a bit short.

I am praying for the youth group... I know they leave this week to go to Guatemala. It sounds like a really exciting trip! God will do amazing things during their time there :) I look forward to hearing their stories.

Thank you for your continued prayers! Love you all.

Stephanie