The Art of Packing for YWAM DTS

Packing for a weekend away is hard enough, but for a 5-month trip, packing becomes a foreign art.

When you're preparing to go do a discipleship training school with YWAM San Diego/Baja, it is common to wait to even think of packing until the very last minute before leaving. I call this pack-crastinating, a thing of which I too am guilty of doing. But “pack-crastinating” leads us to overpack, leaving no space for those fun international gifts you inevitability buy to bring back to your family and friends.

Not taking time to pack, or not knowing what to pack also leads us into a “just in case” mindset. We end up attempting to bring our whole worlds to our small 6-8-person dorm rooms. We squeeze our stuff into our allotted space, consisting of only a 1 1/2 foot wide closet with two drawers and a bit of hanging space per person, maybe even a shared drawer under your and your bunkmates' bunk bed as well. 

My point is not that our dorms should have more storage space, it’s actually nice to have your own little nook, but that coming to a DTS means that you need to be mindful that the other 6 people in your room are also embarking on this journey with you, and also brought some luggage of their own.

Additionally, pile on the fact that after your time on the beautiful campuses in either Ensenada or San Antonio Del Mar, Mexico, you'll be hopping on a plane and traveling to a remote destination to spread God's word. You definitely don't want extra luggage to weigh down your ability to mission to the nations during your final 8-week phase of DTS.

I promise you don’t need to bring everything you own, and you can learn to live with less - it is actually a freeing feeling. But understand that the panic is natural, and we've all been there! The good news is there is a strategy for how to pack for DTS, and I'm happy to report it works.

So read on and get ready to take some notes!

Before You Go: Understanding DTS

In 1960, Loren Cunningham was a man with a vision and a prayer. By combining his passion for helping youth with his deep relationship with God, he founded Youth With a Mission that year. Now a global organization, YWAM has helped thousands of young people realize their full potential in Christ and become a part of the largest missions movement & Christ-centered community in the world.

In 1991, Sean and Janet Lambert brought Loren's vision to life in San Diego and the neighboring region of Baja, Mexico, just south of the border. Since then, YWAM San Diego/Baja has offered 10 year-round missions training experiences and conferences, including discipleship training school, to hundreds of students including you and me.

DTS is available to people from all locations and walks of life. The training experience is open to recent high school graduates or young people 18 years or older. Many students are seeking a Christian gap year experience that traditional gap year programs can't replicate. YWAM's gap year missions training can even help you gain college credit to apply toward a future experience and connect you with a gap year team with the same faith-based goals that you have.

Whether you're searching for a fulfilling gap year program or simply desire practical tools to help you become a powerful missions leader in whatever sphere of society you choose, YWAM San Diego/Baja's DTS is a great first step toward the rest of your life.

Apply today, or if you've been accepted, read on to learn more about the art of packing for a YWAM gap year.

Step 1: Pick Your Bags

As far as what to pack in, you can pack in either a suitcase or a hiking backpack. Bring what you have - there is no need to go crazy spending money on super expensive or high-tech luggage.

Usually, a hiking backpack will be best, especially if you end up with a more remote or physically active outreach location. In my experience, using a larger, comfortable backpack also encourages you to pack less, which is a plus when you're on the move.

Step 2: Packing for Campus Phase

The campus phase, here in sunny Mexico, is 3 months long and is the first phase of the Discipleship Training School.

In this phase, you will experience practical training, leadership training, and daily worship to help you discover how God calls you to ministry and the skills you need to answer this call. During this time you will establish a strong foundation for the rest of your life, but physically you'll mostly be walking around the base, to and from classes, going to meals, serving the campus, having downtime in your room, and doing local ministry.

You are welcome to bring that unique splash of your own style, believe it or not, you don’t have to invest in Chacos right away. I was thrilled to learn that YWAM San Diego/Baja is a community of individuals. They want you to be you!

When I say this, it does come with a couple of restrictions. Because being you does not mean showing us all of you. You probably have that in mind already, but the fact that we are in Mexico and it can be warm at times isn't an excuse for the shortest shots partnered with the smallest shirts. Be the modest-fashion forward young adults that I know you are. 

With both of our campuses being right on the beautiful ocean that God created for us to enjoy, a cool breeze is common. It may also come as a shock that it can be a bit colder at night, especially in the spring quarter. If you are planning on doing a fall quarter DTS with us, late November-December is when sweater weather kicks in, so don’t only pack your summer wardrobe.

So, What Should I Actually Pack?

Here's a list I think covers all the essentials:

• Passport: Make sure it is valid for more than 6 months from the end of DTS so you do not have any issues while traveling. 

• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, shampoo & conditioner, deodorant, etc. 

• 6 shirts: 4 for out and about and two for sleeping.

• 2 pairs of pants

• 1 pair of shorts

• 1 light sweater/flannel/cardigan

• 1 heavier sweater 

• 1 modest swimsuit & sunscreen

• All the undergarments 

• 1 set of sandals

• 1 set of running shoes/close-toed shoes

• Baseball hat

• A set of clothes you wouldn't mind getting paint on or dirty (maybe two if you're in the Building Hope DTS).

• Your Bible & journal

• 1 good book other than your Bible

• Computer/camera if you have one (especially for the Photo-Storytelling DTS)

• Guitar, instrument, or your art supplies if you are doing the Music + Arts Collective DTS

• Surfboard or skateboard if you are doing the Surf + Skate DTS

• Small backpack for day trips

• Water bottle 

• Twin-size bedding or a sleeping bag for your bunk bed

Important Notes for the Campus Phase

You aren't stranded when you come to one of YWAM San Diego/Baja's campuses, so if you do forget to pack something, don't stress.

You can use US dollars as well as Mexican Pesos here at both our Ensenada and San Antonio Del Mar campuses, and there are ATMs in town for you to be able to get cash.

There is a Walmart nearby if you need something immediately. Plus, our local Oxxo (like a 7/11) is within walking distance from the base and has snacks and some toiletry essentials. You also can order things from your Amazon to our SD offices and receive them later in the mailroom on campus.

You will have access to a washer and dryer, which can help you pack light. We recommend you go in on laundry soap with your new roommates once you get here. Oh, and be sure to bring some quarters for the laundry machines! 

We do have a storage unit where you will be able to leave some stuff when you go on outreach, so you don’t need to plan on bringing everything with you into the outreach phase if you do overpack initially.

Step 3: Packing for Outreach Phase

The outreach phase is harder to pin down until you know exactly where you will be going. This second section of DTS lasts approximately 8 weeks and consists of a mission trip to an international destination.

This cross-cultural experience is the first time many people travel internationally, which means you'll probably be nervous about more than just packing. But that's totally normal! I was too!

The good thing is you'll be surrounded by your fellow YWAM students. You'll serve alongside them and spread God's word to unreached communities using your newfound missional mindset. Experience a foreign language and navigate cultural differences to be the best disciple you can be.

Outreach teams are determined a couple of weeks into your campus phase. So, don’t panic, you will have time to prepare. And Amazon will come in handy for any location-specific items you may need.

Here are some must-haves for the outreach phase:

• Passport (obviously!)

• Bug repellent

• Shoes to walk and potentially hike in

• 3 shirts

• 2 athletic pants, ones you won't mind hiking in

• 1 set of nice clothes for church services (guys: button-up shirt and pants - girls: modest dress or maxi skirt)

• All your undergarments

• 1 pair of modest shorts 

• Toiletries bags/baby wipes are great when you don’t have access to a proper shower.

• Flashlight/headlamp 

• Bible & journal

• 1 set of sleepwear

• Sleeping bag (You could wait to order one to make sure if you need to have a thicker or cooler one depending on the temperature of where you’re going.)

• Space for cool little gifts you’ll want to bring back.

• Your camera/computer if you feel comfortable (those in the Photo-Storytelling DTS will need to bring this one). 

• Light rain jacket or windbreaker 

Keep in mind that you’ll probably be able to replenish essentials somewhere along the way at a local market.

How Does Packing Tie in With Discipleship?

THE TRUTH:

“Don’t take any money with you, nor a traveler’s bag, nor an extra pair of sandals. And don’t stop to greet anyone on the road.”

— LUKE 10:4

This verse seems extreme. None of that, Jesus? But she just said something about Chacos and a hiking backpack…

Jesus isn't saying that you sitting at home packing right now should stop or not bring any material items on mission trips, or be unfriendly, not greeting anyone on your journey here. No, what he is doing is asking you to trust Him.

Discipleship has always been at the center of Jesus' story. The Greek root word for discipleship, akoloutheo, means "to follow," aligning with Jesus' call to "Follow me." The emphasis in discipleship has always been on action, letting go of personal attachment to follow Jesus to the greatest capacity throughout your life.

He is asking you to let Him be your source of provision. So, whether you're getting overwhelmed and stressing over each item or you're a pack-crastinator, stuff is just stuff and Jesus is bigger than stuff.

Here’s the good news - you will survive even if you forget your flashlight.

At YWAM San Diego/Baja, less is more. Embodying the spirit of full-time ministry, people are always giving and sharing, participating in the generous provision of God. It’s a new journey and just like you’ve trusted God so far, you can continue to trust while participating in the art of packing.

Apply for DTS Today

Interested in doing a DTS? Click below to learn more about the different Discipleship Training Schools that are offered at YWAM San Diego/ Baja! Get to know God's heart and use His love as a launching pad for the rest of your life in global missions.

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The author, Olivia Meers is full time staff with YWAM SDB staffing the Photo-Storytelling DTS and in the Communications department. 

Just Scratching the Surface

32 days.

Today marks 32 days until the final deadline for coursework, the final day of sitting in front of a computer for hours on end, the final page in my Bible being marked up by crayons - 33 days until the final day of my 9-month journey through the Bible with the Chronological School of Biblical Studies.

It’s hard to put into words all I have learned, as it is hard to process within the cycle of moving on to the next book right after finishing.

It’s when I get talking to people I feel the passion inside of me rise and I realize that the words coming out of my mouth are finally coming from a place of understanding (to some degree). It’s when I share my faith with people that I see how much God has taught me in this school and it gets me pumped up to start a life driven by sharing the love of God with people!

In the Beginning...

Before coming to YWAM San Diego/Baja, I knew that God was real from experience. I told people about Jesus because it was my duty as a Christian. I was eager to share because I had tasted and seen the Lord is good, and it made me want to share it with others.

Even in my misunderstanding and lack of knowledge, God used me and still would regardless of whether I chose to do this Biblical texts school or not. Although I have a better understanding than I did 8 months ago, I now know more than ever that I am just scratching the surface.

The fullness of His Glory simply cannot be revealed within a limited time or circumstance. So, I suppose I have learned that I just need to learn more and that in this life there will never be a “final day” of learning about God through his word. I will always be sitting at the desk with Jesus Christ teaching me, and that excites me!

Learning How to Apply Scripture in Biblical and Theological Studies to My Future

I never expected to like it this much but I love being a student.

It’s true, I love sitting down for hours doing coursework if it means soaking in the presence of God with each word that he has spoken since the beginning. I love spending most of my time reading if it means I am learning about God’s story of His creation.

I love diving deep into history each week if it makes God’s word truly come alive. I love being deeply challenged by my preconceived notions if it means that God’s truth is being revealed.

A popular phrase I’ve heard in YWAM is “being ruined for the ordinary” and I can definitely say that this phrase is true for my life. I have been ruined for the ordinary.

I can’t settle for the ordinary skimming through scriptures as if I am reading the daily newspaper, for being comfortable in my ignorance to the questions that arise while reading the Bible, for reading a daily bible verse to be fed for the day, for the avoidance to the Old Testament (or the Bible entirely) or for the lack of drive to seek understanding. I can’t settle anymore for these things that used to be normal for me.

I can’t settle with having these 9 months be the extent of my studies. I hope to spend the rest of my life with the same determination to study the Bible as I have during this school because the words in this book are so real, true, and tangible.

What Biblical Theology Taught Me

God is good.

I say that not because someone else told me so or just because of something he has done in my life, because even that is so temporary.

God’s goodness is more precious than the Garden, deeper than the flood, beyond the promise to Abraham. It goes farther than the borders of Israel, and it is immeasurably displayed on the cross. God has been unbelievably good and faithful to me personally but I have seen such an impact from understanding the story of God through the big picture of the Bible.

It has been such a beautiful and humbling experience to see His love and the love of Christ Jesus from the very beginning consistently pursue man in all his wickedness. Love is not at all what I had once perceived it to be.

Reading the entire Bible is where one can truly discover genuine truth, which is the genuine love of God.

 

MEET THE AUTHOR:

CHELSEA FERGUSON IS A STUDENT IN THE CHRONOLOGICAL SCHOOL OF BIBLICAL STUDIES RUNNING AT OUR SAN ANTONIO DEL MAR CAMPUS. 

Are you interested in learning more? Check out more information about the Chronological School of Biblical Studies or the secondary courses offered at YWAM San Diego/Baja by clicking HERE.

10 Reasons We Love Tijuana and Why You Will Too

Just south of the busiest border crossing in the world lies one of Mexico’s largest cities, Tijuana, Baja California.

This is the city where YWAM San Diego/Baja gets the incredible opportunity to do life and ministry. And with our immersive discipleship training school, DTS, you could live and serve here as well. We love it here and we know you will too!

In the past years, this city has seen incredible growth in local businesses and attractions. From the stretches of beaches to some of the most creative art, to killer coffee, and of course incredible tacos, Tijuana is an epic destination to spend a few months or more!

The Best YWAM Locations

Why is Tijuana one of the best YWAM locations? It goes beyond the incredible experiences you'll have at a YWAM discipleship training school. Many DTS students who attend a DTS at YWAM San Diego/Baja are drawn here due to the unique culture and campus diversity. We are one of the few YWAM DTS locations with two distinct campuses.

Both within walking distance of the beach and vibrant local communities within Tijuana, our Ensenada and San Antonio Del Mar campuses give students even more to explore in their YWAM location.

DTS Programs at Ensenada

An hour and a half south of the U.S./Mexico border, our Ensenada campus houses 200 staff, volunteers, and students. Hosting international conferences as well as local concerts and events such as skateboard competitions, it is a community hub, as well as a YWAM DTS location.

Experience the DTS Campus Phase at San Antonio Del Mar

Our flagship property in Tijuana, San Antonio Del Mar overlooks stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. While you participate in your YWAM school, you'll enjoy God's beautiful creation with natural landscapes, as well as close access to a thriving local culture. Currently, with 200 beds, this YWAM base is expanding to host more than 800 students and staff, and even DTS graduates taking part in University of Nations training schools and Missions Adventures.

But enough about us... here is a list of 10 Must-Do’s in Tijuana, for you to use as a bucket list when you are with us!

1. Telefonica Gastro Park

Telefónica is Tijuana’s favorite Gastro Park. Think of anything you’d want to eat, chances are, it’s here. You’ll find ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, vegan tacos, ramen, kombucha, and even sushi burritos. You’ll definitely want to try more than one thing. But don't worry, discipleship training schools have free time built in so you'll be able to try every dish on your list.

2. Nativo Coffee Community

This cafe is incredible!

There are two Nativo Cafes here in TJ, the Estacion Federal location is just a block from the walking border crossing, and another on Calle Sexta. Nativo serves excellent coffee and is a beautiful space for reading, meeting, or hanging out with friends. Our favorite drink to order and share with our YWAM community is the Spicy Orange Latte.

3. THE CULTURAL CENTER

In the Zona Río district of Tijuana, you’ll find the Tijuana Cultural Center. This center opens its doors to over a million tourists per year.

Why? Besides the several art and cultural programs for the public, this center has the only IMAX theater in all of Mexico. This cinema has a 360-degree projector, literally surrounding its viewers with the ultimate movie experience. And our YWAM bases are only a short distance away!

4. THE COFFEE SHOPS

One of Mexico’s many gifts to the world is its coffee. We hit on Nativo earlier, but Tijuana is a city full of awesome coffee shops. Be sure to check out:

• B HAUS

• Das Cortez

• Grulla Cafe

• Electric Coffee Roasters

5. THE TACOS

What more can we say? Tacos are everywhere here and they are delicious!

You can sit down in a restaurant or pick some up from a street cart, both are awesome options. Here are the places we recommend to get your taco fix every day, not just on Tuesdays:

• Tacos El Franc

• Taco Nazo

• Tacos Manuel

• Tacos El Yaqui

6. CAESAR’S

Did you know that the Caesar Salad was actually invented in Tijuana?

Caesar Cardini invented the salad in 1924 right here in Tijuana in the Hotel Caesar restaurant. The story is that during a July 4th rush, Cardini had to make do with what was left over to fill orders and he ended up creating what we now know and love as the Caesar salad.

7. The Nature!

Believe it or not, this city is surrounded by many majestic scenes. Besides breathtaking ocean views, there are options for those who like to hike, bike, and stroll. La Jolla, pictured above is right outside the city and is the perfect place for a sunset viewing party.

8. La Playa 

Take a moment (or many) to stroll down the boardwalk here in Tijuana.

It starts right at the border wall where you can see, and touch, the actual border wall between Mexico and the U.S. As you walk down you can enjoy the view of the beach as well as many souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. We also have a beautiful beach a couple minutes walk from each of our YWAM San Diego/ Baja campuses.

9. THE VIEWS FROM THE CAMPUS CAN’T BE BEAT.

We have an epic view of the ocean and the Coronado Islands from our campus. Imagine going out on your balcony and seeing the ocean every day. It never gets old!

10. THE MARKETS

In the heart of downtown Tijuana lies one of the most famous markets, Mercado El Popo.

Here you can explore and buy Mexican fruits, cheeses, herbs, spices, ceramics, souvenirs, and even piñatas! Bring a little cash and enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds as you walk through.

There is also another great market in Tijuana called Mercado Hidalgo and if you head a couple of minutes south of the campus to Rosarito, a popular beach destination, you can explore the markets there as well. You’ll find rugs, blankets, ceramics, and beautiful jewelry.

Apply for DTS Today

Have you thought about doing a school with us but haven’t applied yet? YWAM San Diego/Baja runs various Discipleship Training Schools and Secondary Courses with the University of the Nations at our San Antonio Del Mar campus located just south of Tijuana.

YWAM ministry extends outside of Tijuana with locations across the world including:

• Orlando, Florida - YWAM Orlando

• Salem, Oregon - YWAM Salem

• Louisville, Kentucky - YWAM Louisville

• Kailua Kona, Hawaii - YWAM Kona

• New Orleans, Louisiana - YWAM New Orleans

• Dallas, Texas - YWAM Dallas

• And so much more!

While every location brings something special to the YWAM family, we believe that Tijuana is one of the best DTS locations. While most students only get to go abroad during the overseas mission trip in the outreach phase, Our DTS students can experience international travel throughout their entire DTS experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Apply for our DTS today!

The Good Shepherd

Have you ever been through one of those seasons where everything just feels hard? Those seasons of pressing, of crushing, where everything feels outside of your comfort zone and outside of your control? You may just become numb or want to run away. It can feel incredibly lonely and incredibly confusing. Yet those seasons aren’t marked by God’s absence or lack of concern. It’s quite the opposite actually- they are especially marked by His faithful and steadfast character. If we let Him, He uses those times to draw us in, to refine and to mold us. 

He is a Good Shepherd who takes care of everything and what we need to learn is how to be a good sheep. We need to learn how to trust, how to rest, how to receive His loving care and affection, rather than relying on ourselves or our own control.  He wants to meet our every need, yet sometimes we kick and flail and make wild efforts to get in the way of that. Don’t run along to other pastures on your own accord, assuming you know best. Taking charge, striving to control the outcome, and working to create something for yourself has a way of backfiring, trust me. Well, trust God on this one. I’m learning how to be that little sheep, who can lie down and rest, even in the face of uncertainty. While I can’t see what is next, I can see the one who sees it all. I’m learning to look to Him. I’m learning how to wait and trust as He goes ahead and prepares a place of abundance for me. He truly is the Good Shepherd, and He is worthy of all our trust and confidence. He has never failed, and He won’t start now. 

Dear little sheep, rest, be still. For the Greatest Shepherd who laid down His life for you, is taking care of it all.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me.”

— John 10:27

God is Not Afraid of Our Questions: How the BCC Transformed My Life

God is not afraid of our questions.

My season of studying the Bible in the Chronological Biblical Core Course was incredibly challenging and life transformational all at the same time. I went into this school terrified that I was going to get overwhelmed with the amount of work it was going to require of me, but while it was challenging it was absolutely worth it. I walked out of the school overwhelmed, not with the workload but with the incredible love of God. I grew to know Him so much deeper throughout those three months studying the Bible.

Prior to my BCC-C my knowledge of the Bible was surface level. I have been a believer all my life, following Jesus since way back, when I was a kid growing up on a YWAM base. But through those 20 years of following Christ I never found the time or motivation to dive deep into the Bible until I did my BCC-C. During the school I read through the whole Bible for the first time. My mind was opened to so much I had never understood before.

I like to explain it like this… Imagine you meet a new friend and never hear about their past life experiences or life story. All you do know of them is the information you learn about them from then on and the experiences you share with this person. Your relationship would be so shallow and not built on any kind of foundation. But the moment you share with each other your history, the way you grew up, what high school was like for you, or the incredible ways God has worked in your life, that is when depth is brought into your relationship. This is what it would be like having a relationship with Jesus without knowing the scripture. It would lack depth and foundation. Your relationship would be shallow, but once you choose to open that door to learning and wrestling with what the Bible has to say about who Jesus is, you can see this massive shift in the way you know Jesus. Throughout the process of the BCC-C, my relationship with Christ was finally built on a foundation of truth.

One of the biggest lessons I learned while studying the Bible was the importance of questioning and discovering truth for myself. I had been so afraid to question things I learned or beliefs that I had. God is God why would I dare to question who He is? I felt that it wasn’t my place. I was also scared of not liking the answers to questions, but the truth is He wants us to wrestle and question, that way we know why we believe what we believe. God met me in all of my questions and I got to know Him so much more through these discoveries.

I encourage you to dive in deep and discover what the Bible has to offer. The BCC-C was only the kickstarter for my continual study of the Bible, a foundation for a future of growing and discovering more of who God is. Allow yourself to question, don’t be afraid of finding new ways of thinking. God is not afraid of our questions, he meets us there and brings transformation.

For more information about the Chronological Biblical Core Course and the link to apply- click HERE.

The author Mikah is an alumni of our BCC-C and is currently on staff at our Ensenada campus.

Fear Not.

Fear, for each of us, it has a different face, a different name. It is a darkness, that creeps up on us. It ties us up with ropes and before we know it, it starts to dictate our decisions. It laughs in the face of our dreams. It dims the light of our future.

Fear is real and how much power it has in our lives is determined by how much power we give it. We are not meant to live captive to this fear and there is hope. You see, we have already been set free. We are adopted as sons & daughters, washed & purified by the blood of Jesus. We have an authority over fear and a God who moves beyond it. God intended us to live fully in freedom, but if we are not careful- captives are exactly what we become. We simply cannot afford to allow fear to cripple us, to keep us sitting, to keep us stationary, to keep us out of the game. All God is wanting is for us to run to Him & fear hinders that.                                                                      

IN ORDER TO OVERCOME FEAR: WE MUST RISK.

Lately more & more, I feel God beckoning me: to stand in the face of my fears, to face them head on, to run towards Him with all I have and all I am, risking it all and holding nothing back. When we face our fears there will be uncertainty, but I can promise you, you can be certain about this one thing: God is faithful.             

FAITHFUL:

LOYAL, CONSTANT, STEADFAST.

That is who God is. God's perspective is bigger than ours. He sees you, He knows your heart. Outside of time & unhindered by circumstances-He works for your good. To have fear in itself is not wrong, but letting it constrain you, letting it chain & contain you-that is wrong. In the end it is really not about the fear itself-it is about who you are facing the fear with. 

 

 

Are you willing to face fear and risk for more or are you content with staying captive? Dear one, do not fear, for God has overcome the world. 

 

 

WORDS + PHOTOS by Tiffany Lambert. 

Tiffany is full time staff with YWAM San Diego/Baja and leads the Photo-Storytelling DTS.

Hope Continues

David and Daisy (front and center) celebrating with the children and families that take part in their feeding center. 

At the dedication ceremony of a Homes of Hope house, the families are encouraged to find ways to bless others with what they’ve been given. David and Daisy Ortiz received their home in 2016. Since then, they’ve done just that. 

Three mornings a week, the Ortiz family opens the front door of their home, transforming it into a feeding center for neighborhood children. Around 50 children receive meals in their home each week. Local vendors partner with the Ortiz Family to provide supplies and food. 

As David and Daisy began to interact with these children each week, they realized that there was more to the equation. The parents of these young ones needed help, too. So they partnered with another Homes of Hope recipient, named Felipe, to run a six-week marriage enrichment course. Felipe hosted the classes in his home and David and Daisy developed the curriculum and taught each week. 

The graduation celebration was recently held at the YWAM San Antonio del Mar campus for the families who completed the marriage course. Claudia, one of the participants, came forward to share her story. No one was prepared for what happened next. 

“Pablo and I were discussing separation,” she began. “We didn’t want to live together any longer. We knew it would be difficult for the children but we couldn’t continue on. When David and Daisy came to our house to invite us to the marriage study, we reluctantly went.” She shared how the course transformed their relationship, and how their hearts turned towards each other once again. 

“And I want to surprise Pablo with something here at this graduation. Something that Pablo has always wanted but I have refused.” Claudia paused, emotion filling her voice. 

"Pablo, will you marry me?"

Gasps of surprise and joy were heard around the room. While common-law marriages are a prevailing custom in many developing nations, Claudia knew that she and Pablo needed to take the next step. 

She didn’t have to wait long for an answer. Pablo responded with “YES!” and the room erupted in celebration! Then, once the excitement died down, two more couples declared their commitment to marriage by getting engaged, too. 

The influence of Homes of Hope goes far beyond boundaries of four walls and a roof. When families like the Ortizes open their doors to those around them, the impact can reach to the next generation and beyond. 

Are you interested in bringing a team to do a Home of Hope build? Click HERE for more info! 

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Look Again.

We have faith. With God, the impossible is possible. We got this. We got this... and then the storm hits and we are back at it again with all the feels, our fears and our scrambling for control. 

In reality, there is a fine line between faith and doubt and I’ve faltered between the two more than I care to admit. 

When we fix our eyes on Jesus- We can conquer anything.  But when our eyes are diverted, we sink. It is a pretty simple formula. One minute confidently walking on water, the next- a terror filled, spiral out of control. It’s funny how life is like that. 

When will we learn to remember?

When will we learn, that we were never the ones in control?

We will, when we learn to look again. 

Peter confidently cried out to Jesus to call him out on the water. At this point, the storm and the depth of the sea were inconsequential, they were nothing compared to the glory of looking Jesus in the face. He was on a faith high, ready to face anything, until the wind and the waves, began to beckon, picking up speed and dragging his attention away from the gaze of Jesus and onto the danger. He immediately begins to sink.

Did you catch that? When we focus on the circumstances, we sink. When we look at the storm instead of Jesus, we sink. When we look anywhere but Jesus, you guessed it- we sink. 

It only takes a split second, but it has dire consequences. 

Praise Jesus, we aren’t doomed to our sinking. Praise Jesus, we aren’t doomed to our circumstances or our sadness or even our unraveling. For even though we are a fickle people and we look away- we can look again. The minute we do, that storm doesn’t seem so intense any more.  It’s about focus. It's about perspective. It's about our gaze.  

Where are you looking to- your circumstances, or your Savior? 

Are you interested in taking a season to go deeper in your faith? Check out the DTS and Secondary Course options offered at YWAM San Diego/ Baja. 

words + photos by Tiffany Lambert.
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Tiffany is full time staff with YWAM SDB and leads our Photo-Storytelling DTS.