When I was in high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I really struggled with anxiety and depression and didn’t know how to move forward. I had plenty of time to figure out what I wanted to do, but I spent so much time worrying about the future I ended up having no clue.
Cut to senior year of high school when it was time to actually start solidifying post-graduation plans.
I decided to take a gap period to try out some different things I thought I might like. My school had summer mission trip sign-ups to go to Mexico through YWAM Louisville’s Mission Adventures program, so I signed up.
At the time, I believed in God and most of the Bible, but I still had doubts and concerns. On the first day of ministry especially, I had worries about a few specific things. But, on that first morning, God spoke to me directly through the Bible. I felt His presence giving me a sense of supernatural joy I had never experienced before! That personal connection with God made me so excited to share with people that He is personal and can turn lives around.
My Turning Point
Towards the end of that week, I was thinking about all of the things we had seen and experienced. My life had changed very quickly and I saw miracles happen in ministry. I decided that if God is real, if I have felt His presence, and seen Him do all these things, I have to do something about it.
I decided that if God is real, if I have felt His presence, and seen Him do all these things, I have to do something about it.
Now cut to the last day of the mission trip.
We were told about the Discipleship Training School (DTS) starting that September and I thought, ‘Well, I’ve got nothing better to do. Why not?’ Once I came back home, I started to have doubts. ‘What if this is a waste of money? Should I really make this commitment? I hardly even know what DTS really is!’ So, I talked to my friends and family about it, and they all thought it would be a great opportunity that I should take. I remembered what I said in Mexico, though. This was my chance to do something about it.
So, I finally signed up and pushed through the fear and doubts of the first few weeks of my DTS. The school was hard at times, but saying ‘yes’ to God through the difficulties was extremely rewarding. Now, I have confidence in who God is and confidence in my calling. I’m so excited to see where He takes me next!
The funny thing is, I have no recollection of actually signing up for that trip with YWAM through my school. Now I can see how it was definitely the Lord’s plan for me to go.
– Kathryn, September 2019 Discipleship Training School