San Francisco Discipleship Training School

Urban Missions

2009-04-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

Urban Missions

Sadly we have come to the 13th week of lecture, because it is our last. All the students have been very eager to start outreach part, so it’s not to tragic. Tim Svoboda our YWAM bay area coordinator was out speaker this last week and the theme is urban missions.

Monday morning started off with a time of worship and bible meditation. Then in class Timothy gave us an overview of our week and a theme scripture for the week, Jeremiah 29:7. He then taught upon activity v. incarnational ministries. An activity ministry is when you go out and do things for people, but incarnational ministry is relational, being born into a service and there is an exchange not you just giving. Timothy explained that cities are the new mission field and told us 160,000 people move into the cities all around the world everyday. In the afternoon lecture that day Timothy taught us about how Paul the apostle was one of the masters of urban missions and we went over his work. That night there was intercession for Jun and Daniel, two DTS students, who had their birthdays the weekend before.

Tuesday bright and early the DTS again had morning worship. In lecture Tim taught about the theology of place and different instances where ministry was done in the city. Then Tim talked on 3 theological views of cities that people have. First, one mind set of the city is that it is evil, another is that the city is good and the last the city is strategic. That night there was intercession for Jun and Daniel, two DTS students, who had their birthdays the weekend before.

On Wednesday quiet time was first in the morning and then there was outreach prep. Soon class started and Timothy discussed the theology of place/going within the mission field. He then taught about how Jesus didn’t only have a going theology, but a place too. Timothy talked on decentralization with organizations and instead of only having one building in a city, but multiple ones. Then after class each student scurried off to their ministries.

Thursday there was a prayer walk throughout the Tenderloin and then bible meditation on Psalm 33. Then in class Tim talked about the differences between macro and mirco apostles. He also went over community development and mobilization. Afterwards there was the food pantry.

Friday morning got kicked off with our discussion groups and then intercession for tenderloin businesses and people we know who run them or are employed there. Timothy taught in lecture about 3 different kinds of transformational city ministries that were prayer/revival, collaboration/strategic planning and incarnational. Then he discussed on the issue of harvest evangelism strategies and paradigms. After our last day of lecture the students headed off to their small groups and hot chocolate ministry. Saturday the YWAM staff and DTS students threw a block party for our neighbors, they live in a senior citizen home. Yay!

Good Bye Lecture Phase!

Holly!

Plumbline with Praetzel

2009-03-29T15:16:00.000-07:00

Week 12

Jerry Praetzel came to town for our 12th week and blessed us with his presence. This week was all about forgiveness and healing from our past. Every student was anxiously waiting for this week, because it is one of the known best weeks in DTS.

No one really likes Mondays, but when they start off worshiping God nothing could be better. Following worship was a bible meditation on Exodus 15:1-18. In class Jerry explained why they call this week plumbline and what it is. He also spoke on how rejection leads to a reaction and in most cases the reaction is rebellious.

Tuesday the students went on a prayer walk and then worship was after that. In class Jerry spoke on forgiveness and said, “Forgiveness means that the offender will no longer pay a price for what they have done to me and the battle in my heart is over. He also explained how important it is to us personally and the spiritual realm to forgive. Then some students went in front of the class and corporately forgave people that hurt them in the past.

Wednesday was also a day of forgiveness and healing. First, in the morning there was a quiet time with God and then discussed our schedule for our outreach in San Francisco. After that was over class started, but there was no lecture. More students went up in front of the class and forgave people of their past. Some leaders and Jerry got encouraging words or visions from God. Then for the rest of the day the students went about there own ministries.

Thursday morning there was a time for encouragement and prayer among the students. Right afterwards class got started early, so students could continue to forgive the people of their past. Then in class Jerry spoke on humility and said, “Humility is being known for who you truly are.” He brought up the topic of shame and how we should never be ashamed of our sins, just repentant. When people normally feel ashamed they condemn themselves and God doesn’t want that. Jerry then told us to spend time with God and ask him if there is anything we are ashamed of and bring it to the light, so we can be healed.

Right away Friday morning we prayed for each other and then class got started. The students all went up in front of the class and confessed their deepest shame. Then they prayed for God to forgive them. After class there was small groups and hot chocolate ministry at night.

Holly!

Criss the Cross

2009-03-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

THE BIG 11!

The 11th week is here and I’m proud to say that Peter Ilyn is here to speak. This week’s theme is the cross and Peter explains it beautifully. He is the best story teller and has the most epic tales!

Monday is always exciting, because that is the first time the students ever encounter their speaker for the week. First we had worship with the staff and afterwards did a Bible meditation on 1 Corinthians 13. Then in lecture Peter told us his family’s story about how faithful God is.

Tuesday comes along and an early morning prayer walk awaits us. It was followed by intersession for DTS financially and soon after class started. In class Peter talked about Gods way vs. our way. That night there was intercession on the homeless ministry and we prayed over certain individuals that come into our storefront.

Wednesday morning we had a two hour quiet time with God. Then there was class and Peter started teaching us about the cross. Dealing with the cross he talked about Old Testament sacrifices, different types of biblical justice, sin and death. After each student dispersed to their own ministry and enjoyed their day!

Thursday when we met up there was intercession for China again and also Pakistan. While in intercession we had worship and praised God. In class we tackled knowing your enemy and that God is always right. It is crucial for Christians to know in tragedies that occur through our life that God is always with you and in the midst of our trials to be well in our souls. After lecture was over next came the infamous food pantry on Thursday mornings.

Friday in the morning we had discussion time within our whole DTS and the students opened up to each other by telling them what God has been speaking to them about. Right after we interceded for people back at home who are domestic violence victims. In lecture Peter talked about genuine repentance, excuses for not making restitution and confession. Then he discussed different types of sins and they are secret, public or private sins. Later in the afternoon the small groups met up and at night there was hot chocolate ministry.

P.S. Did I mention we went bowling?

Holly!

Justice League!

2009-03-13T16:39:00.000-07:00

Week 10

Our YWAM base has a justice league and it is called Because Justice Matters. Ruthie Kim, founded that ministry, and is our speaker for the week. It is so much fun to listen to her British accent and yes she is from England! She is pregnant, so if you could pray for the baby’s health that would be really appreciated. This week our main theme for the week was justice and some on hearing God’s voice.

Monday got rolling along with worship and bible meditation from 1 John 3. First in class our lovely speaker gave the students more information on her ministry Because Justice Matters and they focus on human trafficking, domestic violence, immigrant discrimination and economic inequality. Then we went over what justice is and injustice. That afternoon in class we learned about human trafficking and how relevant it is in our world today.

Tuesday morning we had the blessing to do an hour long prayer walk and the get into some intense time of worship. Then intercession started and we interceded for one randomly picked person in the group. That night we had a really ruff lecture, because it was on domestic violence and with some of the students it really hit close to home. Please pray for the students and their minds that God will protect them from the devils lies. It was an amazing lecture! Ruthie taught us about how to help someone being abused, different types of abuse and signs of an abusive relationship. There was also a discussion on immigrants about why they leave their country and what happens to them after they leave.

Wednesday, there was a staff meeting and an important YWAM director came to speak, after we started learning Italian and had our quiet times with God! Then it was back in the classroom for the students and we learned about hearing God’s voice. Ruthie went over different ways of hearing God’s voice and backed them up with scripture like through creation, dreams, visions, prophetic words, the arts, circumstances, angels and his audible voice. Then after class the students went to their ministries that are Life Group a homeless bible study ministry, evangelism, university and women’s ministry.

Thursday was a lovely sunny day and some students decided to take advantage of good weather, so they got out of the base. In the morning we interceded for China and then had bible meditation on John 17:20-26. Afterwards the students worked on different outreach projects. Later in the afternoon there was the food pantry again! That night we had another night class and had a reflection night on what gifts God gave us to react on injustice.

Friday came finally after an intense week of learning about the injustice happening in the world. That morning we had a 2 hour quiet time with God! Then in class Ruthie gave us different ways to raise money, volunteer and make people aware about injustices. All the students after class had small groups in the afternoon. Many students left the base for the weekend, because we have an off weekend!

-Holly!

Bible Study

2009-03-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

Week 9

The day has come when Art Collins is the speaker for the week! The theme for the week is how to have proper bible study. All the students have heard stories about him and how amazing he is, so we have been anxiously waiting for this week. He showers us with love by talking to us, comforting, taking us out to dinner and buying us donuts.

Monday morning there was the typical worship with staff and bible meditation. Art taught us about different translations and what’s the difference between them. Then he went over why we should study, how it is necessary, the word is trust worthy and to be open to the word.

Tuesday, there was an hour lecture on making the big decisions in life by the Tim Svoboda, international director of urban missions of the bay area and is also the base director at the YWAM San Francisco. After there was worship and then lecture started. Art talked about the different basic conditions of the heart that you need to have as you read the Bible and they are a new, hungry, obedient, disciplined and a teachable heart. Then at night we had intercession for the country of France. In France there is a .08% of the population of France is Christian and 95% of people have never seen a bible. There was a lot of prayer for the church, people and YWAM bases located in France.

Wednesday got started off with quiet time with God and then there was a discussion on leadership positions for outreach. Then in class Art talked about basic tools we need to have a bible study and how to have one. Later the students broke off into their different ministries, Evangelism, University, Homeless and Women’s Ministry. People’s lives have been getting touched by our ministries. We are finally seeing the fruits of our labor!

Thursday, was a crucial day in history! In San Francisco at the Civic Center there was a huge protest, because the courts are going to review prop 8 again. Therefore, that morning we had intercession there, but were broken up into twos and prayed. It was sad to Christians misrepresent Christ and his love by condemning them. The only example homosexuals have of Christians are crazy mean judgmental people. In class on Thursday day we continued talking how to have an awesome Bible study. Art taught us general principles of interpretations. Luckily, we got to do the food pantry this week! Later at night Art Collins is taking our whole DTS out to In n Out.

Friday, in the morning we had our discussion groups and then intercession for the Tenderloin District. In intercession we broke off into different groups and prayed on the four corners of the Tenderloin District, because recently there has been a lot more violence than normal. Then in class Art taught us how to use the synthetic approach to study the Bible. In the afternoon we had small groups and at night the hot chocolate ministry.

Saturday was a very relaxed and stress relieving day! In the morning some students joined a ministry called Because Justice Matters and spread awareness on human trafficking. Then at noon we went to Golden Gate Park and we had a reflecting day. Most students spent a good 3 hours alone with God.

Have a Good Week!

Arrivederci!

Holly!

Everything and Anything!

2009-03-01T19:21:00.000-08:00

Week 8

This week has been crazy and fun! Each day there was a different speaker or activities and all together amazing. This week’s speakers were Tom Petty, Carol Svaboda, Steve Binnquist, Grame, and Steven Goode. There was no theme for this week,

On Monday there was as usual worship in the morning and then bible meditation on Colossians 3:1 and Revelation 22:16. After Tom Petty came and spoke about relational evangelism dealing with market ministries. Tom owns a diner in India called Sparky’s Diner. Then for afternoon lecture Steve Binnquist, our leader, spoke about worship. It went over four different questions: Who do we worship? Why do we worship? How do we worship? Why am I not willing to worship?

Tuesday, it was our lovely Allie Mickey’s 19th Birthday. Happy Birthday Allie! In the early morning there was worship again and our DTS leader really felt like God wanted us to discuss why we love him; therefore, most of the students really expressed and their love for God. Next on our schedule we normally do a prayer walk, but God told our leader that he just wanted the students to focus on how glorious and holy he is. After we focused our hearts on God our lecture with Carol Svaboda started. She did a wonderful job explaining the fear of the Lord we should have.
Carol stated, “God created our fear for Him to have intimacy with us.” Later that night there was intercession on a ministry at our YWAM base called Wildfire and also for Allie! Wildfire ministry works helps men and women who are addicted to heroin, crack, etc. to realize that they are valuable human beings through creating art. By creating art and doing projects they start seeing that they are valuable and Wildfire shows them that God values them! It’s a new ministry up here so please pray for it! They really want a building for it, so it can be a place of refuge for the men.

Wednesday morning Tom Petty spoke again, but this time our DTS team was with the staff. Then we went out to Delores Park in the Mission District and focused on scriptures on God’s holiness and how to be holy. Then we talked about what we meditated on and what hit home for us. Another reason we went to the park was to spend time together and create unity within the students. Later the students went off to their different ministries.
Thursday, the first thing we did was intercession. We interceded for the Financial District, Nob Hill and the Civic Center. There was prayer for those areas and that YWAM could reach out to those different areas. After there was bible meditation on being righteous and how God is righteous. We actually didn’t have class, but we had a family meeting! It was a time to get things of our chests and to express ourselves.

Friday came really fast with our insane mixed up week. We started off with a discussion group about relationships and then had intercession. That time of intercession was a personal time with God. Each student asked God how they should learn to put others before themselves and if they have an issue with someone how could they overcome it. It was a time to listen to God about how we should treat
others in different relationships. Friday we had a new speaker and his name is Stephen Goode! He spoke about listening and having a voice for the voiceless. Then in the afternoon it was time for small groups! At night there was hot chocolate ministry and students that go to a Cumberland Church, a Chinese church, joined them for fellowship.
Saturday we helped out at a church called Protestant. The students were put to their test with physical strength and endurance. Later that night two students, Eva and Jaylon, saw a woman commit suicide by jumping out of her window. Please be praying for the family of the girl who committed suicide and for the students.

Meet Ryan Jongeward!

This classy, but not so classy fellow is from Yakima, Washington. He is famous for being sarcastic and one day he will get a major in the science of being sarcastic. His favorite things to say is “your mom” or “I do what I want.” Ryan has a deep love and passion for coffee. Fun Facts: He hates sticky things.

Introducing the author of the blogs…Holly Geber!

I am from Huntington Beach, California and no I don’t surf. Out of everyone I am the loud laugher in the group and you can here me from miles away. Not only do I laugh loud, but I laugh at everything. Snuggling up to a good video game or book always sounds good to me. Fun Fact: I think potato skins are nasty.

Arrivederci!

Holly!

Spiritual Warfare

2009-02-22T15:08:00.000-08:00

Week 7 (I messed up last week!)

Week 7 was an interesting week, because the students got their lecture from a video. Thankfully Dean Sherman was our speaker, because even though he isn’t present he has kept the classroom alive with comments and questions from the students.
Majestic Monday, our day got started off with worship and bible meditation on Psalm 42. Then our first video lecture got kicked off by Dean Sherman going over Ephesians 6:10-20, which in the bible is the biblical foundation of spiritual warfare. He dives into each verse and explains what each verse means. The best question asked this whole DTS has been from Dean Sherman and he asked the audience, “What would I do to ____ if I was the devil?” Then in the blank just fill in your name, family, church or a nation and then you will know what to pray against Satan’s strategies. Dean makes a subject so complex, so easy to understand. Later at night the students had created a secret Valentines Day gift exchange and everyone gave their Valentine their gift.
Tubular Tuesday, was a day with lots of rain! By now you can hear some students whispering prayers to God about having warm sunny days. The beginning of the day had a nice rainy prayer walk and worship. Next class was initiated by Dean discussing the topic of gates and what they meant to the Jewish people, explained the symbolism and logic. Then he went over how to properly open and shut different gates to the spiritual world. When someone is shutting a gate they are being personally defensive against Satan, but when they are opening a gate it is an offensive way by praying over kings, nations, church, etc. The day passed quickly and then at night we had intercession over our outreach in Italy!

Wacky Wednesday, we joined the staff in the morning for a staff meeting and after did our own personal devotions. Then it was back in the classroom for the students and to sit attentively listening to Dean. In lecture he spoke about angels and how present they were. Dean also said that angels were warriors, messengers, and worshipers. After class we were dispersed to go do our ministries.

Thorough Thursday, was initiated with intercession for an old ministry that might be brought back up called Hunter’s Point. Bible meditation on Luke 14:25-35 and Mark 10:29-31 came next. Then in class Dean went over God’s authority over the devil and discussed how we can exercise those powers. It was so exciting to learn how to squash the devils temptations! Soon after lecture the food pantry opened up for all our neighbor is the Tenderloin. The food pantry gives us such joy to bless people and just make relationships with them. Sometimes our neighbors help us with the work!

Fantastical Friday, sadly it was our last day for our Dean Sherman videos. Before lecture we did intercession for our ministries that we are in. Then lecture started with Dean speaking on why the devil attacks you and how. He also taught on how to wage warfare and you can do that by intercession, living holy lives, going to places where need prayer, preaching the gospel, fasting, unity, loving servants, endurance, worship, etc. Dean speaks very biblically and knows his stuffs, so readers I recommend that you go buy these spiritual warfare videos! Later that night we did the hot chocolate ministry and on Saturday we did a prayer walk at Hunters Point.

Meet Mindy Reyes!

Mindy Reyes Rocks! This sweet young thang is from Dallas, Texas and she doesn’t have an accent! Mindy is quite the nutritionist and athlete. Whenever someone needs help with their diet and learning to eat right they seek out Mindy. She is always open to talk and has the best advice. By way have I mentioned that she is the best Aunt ever! Fun Fact: She loves sushi!

Dangerous Daniel Reardon!

Daniel is from Vacaville, California which is also in Northern California. He plays the guitar very well and is very humble about how good he really is. Daniel is such a joker and one of my personal favorites goes like this: What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear! Fun Fact: His evil twin has a mustache!

Arrivederci!

Holly!

Eager to Evangelize

2009-02-15T22:32:00.000-08:00

Week 7

Ciao! Finally the weather has cooled down and it’s been raining a lot! It has been six weeks in and our little team is becoming a family! This week on the agenda Danny Lehmann has been expressing the importance of evangelism! Danny is so passionate and spunky I miss him already! The Pismo DTS team joined us for a week and it was great sharing Danny with them.

The most perfect way to start off a Monday is to worship the Lord our God! Then we did a bible meditation on Psalm 23 and asked the lord what he wanted to reveal to us. In lecture Danny started it off by asking us our fears or anxieties about evangelizing. Danny loves statistics and he told us that 85% of people that get saved is through one on one evangelism. After he told us about 7 different witnessing styles and they are intentional, interpersonal, intellectual, invitational, testimonial, demonstrational and supernatural. Evangelism means to give the good news in Greek! Why wouldn’t you want to give good news to someone?

Tuesday, was an amazing day for everyone on our discipleship training school! We had the privilege to intercede for the issue of human trafficking, in different small groups we prayed for the victims, corrupt traffickers and policemen, the Johns, more
aftercare help and much more. Then we helped Tax Aide, a company that gives free help with tax returns, and we passed out flyers for them. Next was lecture and it
was about the messenger who is evangelizing about the gospel. That night there was an intense worship session! We were all singing our hearts out to God and just desiring to be close to him. Steven Binnquist then asked us what is keeping us from drawing close to God. Every student asked God what it was and searched their hearts. After those areas of our lives were revealed we literally nailed those things on a cross and gave them to God. Then Steven told us to say sorry to someone in the group that we might have wronged or forgive those who has hurt us. Soon after that different students started praying out loud and crying out to God. It was one of those moments that could change our walk with God if we meant what we said.

On Wednesday morning there was a family meet where we discussed issues and the outreach portion of our DTS. In Rome, Italy there is a need for us to go there and be present in the community. When we are there we will be making the community aware of human trafficking, evangelism, talking with the people of Italy and finding out their needs so YWAM can be affective in Italy. This is going to be a pioneering outreach since much isn’t established and God is going to do wonders in our lives. Within the next hour we had our devotional time. Then lecture quickly came and we learned how to effectively share the gospel with nonbelievers. Throughout the rest of the day everyone scattered off to their different ministries.

Thursday, we sang worship and bible meditation on Job 36:22-37:24 came after. Lecture got started quickly and Danny went over the motives for us to desire to spread the gospel. After the food pantry started and the rest of the night was free.

Friday the 13th came along and nothing crazy happened, because superstitions are made up! First, we started off with discussion groups on the wonderful topic of worship. Some students thought of an idea to create our own worship session! Then we interceded for San Francisco and for God to have mercy on the city. Sadly it was our last day of lecture with Danny Lehmann and he wrapped up his week with talking about different methods of evangelizing. Soon after there was small groups and then hot chocolate ministry.

This weekend was the annual Pillow Fight in San Francisco!

Meet Andrea Wilson

Andrea comes from the little town of Los Angeles, California. \. She loves getting swept away by watching old movies. Miss Wilson has a talent of taking pictures of ordinary things and turning them into a work of art! Fun Fact: Andrea feels that she was born in the wrong decade…I’m thinking the 1920’s.

The Aussie!

Just kidding Mom, I mean Eva Kuczborska! She is from Perth, Australia and the only other foreign student besides Seng Jun. Everyone likes to call her Mom, because she is so maternal and a nurse! Eva’s occupation back at home, but she still acts like one here, by attending to sick people here. Fun Fact: She calls people chicken as a term.

Arrivederci!

Holly!

Prepare To Be Disciplined!

2009-02-08T22:15:00.000-08:00

Disciplining our Mind, Body and Souls.

The fabulous fifth week has been radical! The last thing we thought that we would love was to hear about being disciplined. Mark Scandrette, our speaker, was a blessing to have at our base. He made every meeting have some activity whether it was stretching, hugging each other or doing the hokey pokey!
Monday morning we dove right into worship and then bible meditation on John 14:6-7. After the morning routine Mark spoke on the disciplines of Jesus and our bodies.
Then he went over different ways we need to have physical self-control and the areas that we learned to regulate were sleep, eating, fasting, exercise, personal care, healthy sexuality, managing stress and Sabbath-keeping. Mark explained to us that if we didn’t stay on top of all those areas of our life it would affect our ministry/witnessing to other people.

Then on Tuesday we had morning worship again and then traveled to Mark’s house for lecture. He made us feel at home in his house by just being his loving generous self. That morning we traveled through the disciplines of the mind. Then Mark gave us different ways to spend time with God or to train our minds to be more Christ like, a couple examples were to sit in silence and solitude, breath prayer, gratitude, discipline of the eyes and asking God to examine our hearts and minds. Later at night we had intercession for purity, God transform us to be a selfless and caring generation. It ended up with us repenting to God for all the things that we idolize and put before him. Therefore, we all wrote on a piece what we wanted to give to God and threw it into a bucket. Then afterwards we confessed with everyone what we idolize so we can keep each other accountable in those areas in our life.

Wednesday, is always an exciting day, because we get 2 hours of alone time with God! Everyone practiced the new techniques we learned the day before with Mark. Then in class he went over how to be disciplined with time and money, which we all needed to hear! “Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…” it says in Ephesians 5:15-16. Mark gave us this good scripture to think of when dealing with our time and money. Later we did our weekly ministries!
Thursday is one of my favorite days, because in the morning we have intercession with the staff. We interceded for Madagascar and the terror they are in. Then we had lectio divina on Psalm 150 and it was all about different ways to praise God. Therefore, the students did different expressions of praise whether it was through a poem, art, or song. Mark’s lecture came next and to start it off we did an interactive poem together. Then we learned about….. After lunch the food pantry was up and running.

Friday bright and early we kicked off the morning interceding for each other. This time we all picked numbers, so we didn’t know who we were interceding for. God totally spoke to everyone about the person they were interceding for and it was insane! Then we rapped up the morning with Mark’s last lecture about the Jesus Dojo, missional living. Later there were small groups and then the students were free to roam, because it is our first off weekend!!!

Meet Seng Jun Hong.

He is one hip dude from San Ramon, California. Seng Jun has been teaching some students the Korean language and culture. His wife makes the best Korean food and his kids are precious. Fun Fact: He is starting up his own YWAM in San Ramon!

Introducing Allie Mickey!

Allie is one cool cat from Oceanside, California. You can always count on Allie to make a funny face, sound or talk in weird voices, if you are feeling down just go hangout with Allie, because she will turn your frown upside down. Fun fact: Her real last name is not Mickey!

Arrivederci!

Holly!

1st Outreach Week!!!!

2009-02-02T20:28:00.001-08:00

Hello readers! The fourth week has come and has been exciting to all of us, because it is our first official outreach week. This DTS in San Francisco is like no other! It isn’t anymore 3 months of lecture and 2 months of outreach, now it is a total of six months that is intertwined with lecture and outreach! We are trying to focus more on the community.
Monday, was not a usual day in the life of a DTS student. All the students were kicked out of their beds at 6 am and got put out on the San Francisco streets till 5:15pm! The staff wanted us to just get a taste of what it was like being homeless. Let me tell you the students definitely did! Some students slept on the streets, kicked out of businesses, literally got kicked, recycled for money or panhandled. That night the Fall DTS students arrived at the YWAM base for their last week.
Tuesday, both DTS schools joined together for an hour of worship. Then the students walked around the Tenderloin offering coffee, conversation and prayer for people. That afternoon we split off into two groups. The first one was worship evangelism and the other was called the prayer station. Both groups met amazing people and had great conversations. Later at night we had intercession with God about encouragement for ourselves and each other.
Wednesday morning we did prayer walks and then passed out hot chocolates. The main focus on our day was preparing and doing our ministry. It was a very relaxing day where we could just have some amazing alone time with God.
Thursday, there was prayer time with the staff and we meditated over the Lord’s Prayer. After that there…. Then after lunch we the food pantry was up and running again. This Thursday was very emotional for the fall DTS, because it was the day everyone was graduating. That night there was the ceremony where there was great food, worship, laughter and tears for the students and staff.
Finally Friday came and we did a morning meditation on Psalm 119:9-16. Then we did open ministry and that’s when we ask God where we should witness. Some people wrote out scriptures and then left them in places for people to find, witnessed, prayed, and supported small businesses. After lunch there were small groups and then hot chocolate ministry at night.
Saturday, in the afternoon the students split up into three groups to go to different cathedrals and spent four hours alone with God. It was very nice to reflect on what God has been teaching us this past month. That’s right we are 1 month into our Discipleship Training School! Arrivederci!

Holly!

Finding Our Identity in God

2009-01-26T20:15:00.000-08:00

Finding Our Identity in God

The third week is here and it has been a really exciting week! Patrick Dodson was town speaking on Finding Our Identity in God and Hearing God’s Voice. He really cares about each of us as students and strives to get to know us. It is nice to spend quality time with him, because he helps the students in their personal situations instead of just hearing the lesson.

This week has had a very Greek approach on hearing God’s voice. Patrick says it’s important to know who we are first and by doing that we can know how to hear his voice.

Monday, Patrick told us about his family and lifestyle to introduce us to the theme of the week. Patrick taught us how to connect our gifts and abilities to the community. There were five different ways we could do that and it was relief, education, confrontation, formation and transformation. Later that night Savanna Watkinson gave Ryan Jounward dreadlocks.

Then Tuesday, in the morning we watched the inauguration of our new president, Mr. Obama. Patrick talked on how our culture is a disaster and there were five points that are inherited lifestyles, consumer or creator, family dysfunction, sloth, and the church’s confusing presentation of God’s calling for us.

Wednesday, we discussed our calling vs. confusion. The confusion is that many Christians think that they have to leave our country to fulfill God’s calling. Patrick taught us about the different types of callings that God may lead us to like his general call to help the widows and poor. Then spoke on extra ordinary and specific callings.

Thursday morning we did a lectio divina session on Psalm 119:97-112. Then Patrick talked about how the student could find their identity. In the afternoon we helped at the food pantry and later that night Patrick did an optional lesson on relationships.

Friday, Patrick went over how we could make God a part of everything, he asked asked, “Why do we have government? The answer is that God is just.” Patrick wants us to bring God into every part of our life and hear what God has to say about it. Later that night we had small groups and the hot chocolate ministry.

The weekend came fast and on Saturday we went to the Food Bank. In the factory we packaged pinto beans and danced to the music in the factory. Later that night there was a dance party with the theme of television/movies characters. Fun stuff!

Meet Jaylon Young!

This woman comes from Navato, California which isn’t to far away from San Francisco. Jaylon moves to the beat of a different drum! No seriously, she plays the drums or djembe. Be careful her laugh is contagious! Anytime of the day seems to be Jaylon bust a move, beat boxes or raps! Fun Fact: Jaylon likes being real!

Meet David Delahoz!

David is also from Northern California, but in Fairfield. He is excellent at making up stories on the spot and his partner in crime, Daniel Reardon, helps him along the way. Fun Fact: In San Francisco his favorite place to visit is Walgreens.

Understanding God

2009-01-18T19:15:00.000-08:00

Understanding God

Finally, week 2 has rolled along and the students are calling the YWAM base their home now. This past week our amazing speaker was John Bills, who spoke about the character and nature of God. Student’s eyes were opened to who God really is through John, with his fascinating personal experiences and through scripture.

On Monday it was Jaylon Young’s 21^st Birthday! In lecture there was an introduction into the character and nature of God. We were taught that if we want to understand God’s character then we must read and study the Bible since it is one of the ways that He speaks directly to us. Then John spoke on how God is holy, trusting, immutable and merciful. Later in lecture John gave us some questions to ponder upon throughout our week and he asked, “For what motivations do you have to read the word?” and “Do I trust God?” Most students were convicted by just these two questions, but the pursuit of his character continued the next day. During our free time students took showers, naps or watched a movie called The Goonies at David Delahoz’s brother’s sweet crib.

Tuesday, the faithfulness and omnipresence of God consumed the whole lecture. John explained to the students that if we didn’t have absolute faith in God then how could we lead others to Christ? After discussing about our faith in God John talked about how God is faithful and then he said, “Christians sometimes take past bad experiences of abusive authority and think automatically God will do the same to them.” Later he tied in God’s omnipresence, which means he is present everywhere at the same time. Therefore, why would we ever think that God is not faithful if he is always with us! That night we had an intercession on our DTS trip and students. In that intercession God spoke through many students and leaders! There was a lot of repentance and many tears… it was exhausting but extremely necessary and beautiful!

Then on Wednesday, lecture got really personal with the students about the connection of God’s supreme authority and abusive authority in this world. John taught us how to confront those issues and heal ourselves from past experiences of authority. Many students had unresolved issues that got brought up to the table. After lecture each student got put in a one of four different ministries: Because Justice Matters (human trafficking)/women’s outreach, hangin’ with the homeless, hangin’ with the hippies, and going out to the university to create relationships with international students.

Thursday, the love and intimacy of how God desires a relationship with us was the hot topic of the day! The lesson explained on one reason God sent Jesus to this world and that was to show what a relationship with God and man was supposed to look like. Then after class we worked at the food pantry which was so much fun. The people that live in the Tenderloin come to the YWAM base every Thursday afternoon to get free groceries. Even though the food pantry started in the afternoon, a group of older Asian women started lining up at 9 in the morning, so by the time we opened up they had gotten pretty feisty! The DTS students would stand behind canned food, onions, potatoes, etc and tell them how much food they were allowed to take, but these some of the women wanted more and would try to take more than allowed. We had to be pretty aggressive and guard the food to keep from them taking more than their share.

Friday came along and it was John Bills last day with us. He was an awesome teacher that provoked us into deep thought, challenged us, and changed our walk with God. That day he decided that it should be a day of reflection. Therefore, each student shared what spoke most to them and asked any last questions for the speaker before he departed. Then that night it was the hot chocolate ministry where we give out hot chocolate at night and tell people about the love of God!

Meet Savanna Watkinson!

Savanna comes from Seattle, Washington and is the anonymous, but now not so anonymous photographer for my blogs! She is extremely talented and you can see that for yourself. Her passions are dancing, love and hippies! Fun fact: She has a twin and dreadlocks!

Introducing Linda Kinsky!

Little Linda decided to come down to San Francisco from Portland, Oregon. This sweet girl is known for her cute laugh that reminds us of a baby seal. Now when we call her we just say, “Bay-bay-bay!”! Linda soon will also be the other photographer for my blog. Fun Fact: Scared of

dump trucks!

Life is never boring in San Francisco!

There are many street performers ranging from opera singers to playing the Morin-Khur!

There are also many energetic protests that take place in Union Square.

Rehab for the Soul!

2009-01-13T15:06:00.000-08:00

Rehab for the Soul!

Our New Home!

The New Year came so fast and that meant time to pack! Monday, January 5, 2009 rolled along and the new DTS students started to spontaneously show up at the YWAM base to begin a 6 month long Discipleship Training School. All day the anxiety was increasing throughout the dorms waiting for the potential roommates to show up. Finally everyone made it at the base safe and sound. That night there was a beautiful welcoming banquet for the students and many idle conversations floated around the room. Later there was silly getting to know you games and finally it was time to sleep.

The rest of the week we had lectures and sometimes we sang worship before class in the building next door. We had many speakers during class like DTS staff and the base director, Tim Svaboda. They taught us about lectio divina, intercessory prayer, repentance, transparency, and hearing God’s voice. The lessons we heard opened our eyes to what our Christian walk should be like and now more students have been willing to opening their hearts for God to transform them. Recently I have been thinking of these next 6 months as rehab for the soul.

This past week the twelve students and the four DTS staff have gotten to know each other really well. Each student had the opportunity to share their “life story” with the all the other DTS students along with all the leaders. We got to know one another over meals, exploring the city, playing pool, ping pong and chess together. A major part of our week was to get to know the city and the community, whether it was taking a tour, roaming, evangelizing or the hot chocolate ministry. Everyday the city becomes more like home to us.

The Tenderloin District comes off scary and intimidating. On every street there are drug dealers, thugs, prostitutes, the homeless, and “massage salons.” These people are hurting and lost. Therefore, they turn to addictions to cover up what is really missing in their life and that’s Jesus Christ, as Jaylon Young says, “The Tenderloin needs tender lovin’!”

Our first week here came so fast and has passed. Finally, the students are adapting to their new home and loving the people of the Tenderloin District. It has been an unpredictable, but an entertaining week. Arrivederci!!

-Holly Geber!

Blog 9!!

2008-11-19T21:58:00.000-08:00

Blog 9

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Blog 8!!

2008-11-14T07:42:00.000-08:00

YWAM Blog 8

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YWAM Blog 7!!

2008-11-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

Blog 7

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Blog 7!!

2008-10-31T19:06:00.000-07:00

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DTS Blog 5!

2008-10-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

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Issue 4!!

2008-10-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

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Issue 3!!

2008-10-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

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Lecture Phaise Week 2!

2008-09-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

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YWAM SF DTS First Blog Post of 2008 Fall School!

2008-09-22T16:35:00.001-07:00

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This is the first post for the Fall 2008 School at YWAM San Francisco. To view the page bigger, click the button in the top right of the frame to fill the browser. To magnify, click the magnifying glass and drag it up.

7 Days in counting

2008-09-08T14:16:00.001-07:00

Hello all, this is Steve typing. Our next dts is 7 days away! we are very excited for what God will do in the next 5 months. This "Blog" is here for friends, family, and all who would like to know to keep tabs on what is going on in the DTS. Our goal is to update this page weekly so please pass by for updates.