It was 1992 when my 29 year old daughter called home and announced that she was in Tyler, TX at Youth With a Mission to start a DTS the next day. My husband and I were astounded. DTS? What was that? Was our daughter involved with a cult? The last we had heard she was in upstate New York.
After several weeks of worrying, I decided to fly from New York to Texas ready to drag her home. Amazed at the change I saw in her and the Biblical teachings I was hearing, I was reassured and intrigued. Wouldn't it be wonderful if I could do a Discipleship Training School (DTS) too?
My husband at the time was an unbeliever, and he didn't think too highly of my being gone for five months, so I put my desire on hold. Years passed, and the thought faded because I felt too old. I even told my daughter, if I was widowed I would do it, which showed there was still a wish in my heart, but of course I wasn't planning on that.
Twenty-six years later, after my husband passed into the arms of Jesus, having been saved shortly before, my daughter reminded me, I could do a DTS now. No way, I thought. I was way too old to be with a group of 18-24 year olds.
My daughter then proceeded to tell me about the Crossroads DTS, specifically designed for those 30 and older who find themselves at a crossroad in life, and it started in July. Well there went my excuse. "Oh God, what are you doing?!" And immediately I thought to myself, there's no way I'm doing an outreach!
"Just sign up," He whispered quietly.
So reluctantly, I did and to my surprise was immediately accepted! Good thing I won't have to do an outreach, I thought. However, before classes started, I started sensing God did intend for me to go on outreach. I just knew.
Now at week nine of the CDTS, I can't wait for outreach. There you have it. At age 79, I can say it's NEVER too late to do a DTS. 😀❤️
Guest Author ~ Allie Lou Richardson