What does it take to become a courageous individual? William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, observed that "some of my best men are women." During the last few years two brave women, who trained at YWAM Tyler, went to the Middle East to make an impact on people and point them to Jesus.  We recently touched base with "Sarah and Mary" to get an update on their ministries. 

From as far back as my junior high school, I remember struggling to find happiness. I felt like I didn’t fit in and lost confidence in myself.  School was difficult and friendships evaded me. I wondered if I would ever be happy.  My high school years continued to be a challenge and I was looking for happiness in all the wrong places.   My Mom tried everything, even sending me to Wilderness camps to help me find my footing. Eventually, I went to a private therapeutic school for my senior year.  Unfortunately, my life continued to be shrouded in darkness.

Have you ever been curious about going to a Discipleship Training School but don't know what to expect? In a recent interview, Christy Ellis gives her perspective on the transformation she witnessed God do during her step-daughter Katelyn's DTS experience.

I was sitting in my DTS classroom, my head wrapped in thoughts of a family circumstance that was happening. We had teaching on Lordship and Surrender, which was timed perfectly for what I was struggling with. I had a sense of fear and lack of control over the situation, but throughout the class, God kept reminding me that He has control of the unknown and that I can trust and surrender it all to Him.

As news spread across America about the wildfires in Maui, we have been postured in prayer for our friends and family affected by this devastation. We've come together and lifted up prayers to God on behalf of the people affected by these wildfires. Missionary staff here at YWAM Tyler, Kaina and Brandee Lee are from Hawaii and give us a feet on the ground testimony of what's happening. 

In a recent interview to see how we could come alongside the people of Maui, here is what they shared with us⏤

It is well with my soul . . . Really?

I’ve heard these words many times. Something about them stands out to me, but can I say it is well with my soul and really believe it is? Loving God is one thing, but living with Him fully enthroned can be difficult sometimes because it's not about me anymore.

It’s hard. I desire. I fear. I feel. 

Is God calling you to step out in faith and apply for a Discipleship Training School (DTS), but fear keeps kicking you in the guts? What if this turns out to be the biggest mistake of your life? What if you're asked to do something way out of your comfort zone? What if you don't fit in? Run out of money? Or fail everyone's expectations? What if you're not really hearing God's voice after all? Something is gnawing away inside your head saying, "I just don't think I can do this!"

"Well, I don't want to kill myself anymore!" That was not the response I was expecting to hear when Mia was asked at a staff meeting interview how going through discipleship training and serving at our mission affected her life! As we applauded her answer, I realized a lot was packed into that simple arresting statement.

The chilly air in the theater lobby reminded me I should have brought a hoodie to stay warm. As my wife, and the 16 year old young man we invited to watch this film with us strolled past the marquee, he asked, "What kind of movie is this, anyway?" That's fair. The photos of hippies and what looked like a Jesus type character decked out in psychedelic garb made it clear this would not be a Liam Neeson thriller.