With God, All Things are Possible - Even a Faith-Based Gap Year

Whether you're seeking Christian gap year programs or want to take a more meaningful direction with your life, a YWAM Discipleship Training School is the first step toward a lasting future in global missions in which you'll positively impact the everyday lives of those around you.

At YWAM San Diego/Baja, we have a wide variety of gap year programs to fill your year off and turn it into an experience that fosters personal development and spiritual growth all in one cross-cultural experience!

Discipleship Training School (DTS) is our flagship program and acts as the gateway to the rest of our powerful mission training courses and mission trip experiences. However, it's a whirlwind of fun, learning, and uninhibited time with God packed into five incredible months - not technically a full gap year. That's why we have a range of secondary courses designed to extend your time growing with the Holy Spirit and expand on your learning in a close community of like-minded believers.

Karl is a former DTS student who recently completed one of our secondary courses, the Chronological School of Biblical Studies.

Check out his story and how his journey with YWAM San Diego/Baja is transforming his life below. And when you're ready, apply to do a DTS and experience the power of discipleship training for yourself.

Following Jesus Christ to Unexpected Spiritual Growth

Throughout the process of my Discipleship Training School with YWAM, God gave me hope for a life with purpose.  During that time the Lord had been clear in calling me to go deeper and build a foundation of faith in Him and, for me, that meant doing a Chronological School of Biblical Studies (CSBS).

After the first day of introduction to the Inductive Method, the technique we would be using to study the Scriptures, the fear of failing overcame me.

Would I ever be able to understand this? Was I smart enough? I was convinced that God had been mistaken in calling me to do this school because there would be no way that I could shoulder that amount of work for nine months straight.

The Unwavering Support of God and a True Christian Community

I was just about to purchase a flight home when Mark, my school leader, came to talk and pray with me. 

I had been running away from seemingly insurmountable challenges all my life, and this instinct to leave was no different. I tend to focus on what I can do, not what is possible with God. After some debate, I decided to stay and give it a shot.

Gaining a Deeper Understanding of God's Purpose for Our Lives

 “Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 18:26

I can truly say that I didn't finish this school on my own strength and capability. God was faithful to sustain me and fill me up over and over again.

During the school, He spoke to me “that I would find a calling in life that sustains the yearning in my heart for purpose if I stuck with the school.” Now I am about to step into the next season with a three-month program for graduates of CSBS who wish to become teachers and be sent to different cultures and destinations greatly in need of Bible teaching.

This is another new beginning in which I will start to teach God's word and educate others about what has given me life. 

CSBS showed me how much I need and want to depend on the Lord for all the trials ahead in life. He never broke his promise to take care of me and lead me faithfully, and He never will. I have only scratched the surface of the Living Word and I can’t wait to continue studying and applying it to my life daily and teaching others to do so as well. 

The Bible is not some ancient book full of outdated stories, it has the power to be applied in every situation we find ourselves in today.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4: 12 

A Faith-Based Gap Year with YWAM San Diego/Baja

At YWAM San Diego/Baja, we've created a unique gap-year curriculum for high school graduates seeking a transformative experience rooted in faith.

At our two campuses just south of the U.S./Mexico border, and only minutes from some of the country's most beautiful beaches, our Christian gap year programs offer an unmatched blend of adventure, service, and spiritual growth. Start with DTS for your first 5 months, and then come back to campus after outreach to explore a variety of secondary courses tailored to your interests and future mission goals.

Discover the beauty of serving others while immersing yourself in diverse cultures. Do a YWAM gap year today!

The Discipleship Training School Christian Gap Year Program

DTS is a 5-month program designed to equip you with practical skills and deepen your relationship with God.

An ideal opportunity for recent high school graduates seeking a faith-based gap year, the missions training experience is open to diverse age groups and backgrounds. It's for anyone ready to answer God's call and start their life in missions.

DTS is divided into two transformative phases: the campus phase and the outreach phase.

In the campus phase, immerse yourself in intensive teachings, dynamic worship, and personal reflection as you deepen your faith and understanding of God's word. You'll live in dormitory-style housing on one of our two beautiful international campuses and engage in practical training sessions that equip you with essential skills for ministry and outreach.

Then, embark on the international gap year of a lifetime during the outreach phase. A cross-cultural experience like no other, DTS students venture into diverse communities to spread the love of Jesus Christ through service and evangelism. Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and transformed as you step out of your comfort zone and into a life-changing adventure with YWAM San Diego/Baja's DTS.

What is the Chronological School of Biblical Studies?

YWAM's Chronological School of Biblical Studies is a nine-month journey into God's word. A profound exploration of the Bible and its place in our lives, this secondary course is designed for ministry leaders and young adults seeking to deepen their faith and expand their mission capabilities through a better understanding of Scripture.

Through the immersive study of all 66 books using the Inductive Method, participants uncover the heart of God and gain insights into His divine plan. Delve into the historical context of each passage to grasp its original meaning and significance.

During thought-provoking lectures and hands-on instruction, students develop essential skills in the observation, interpretation, and application of Biblical truths. This intensive program, conducted in both English and Spanish, equips individuals to share God's word effectively across cultures.

Join us at our scenic San Antonio Del Mar campus in Baja California, Mexico, and let the transformative power of God's word reshape your life and ministry.

Why Should I Do a Christian Gap Year Program?

A Christian gap year program with YWAM San Diego/Baja offers a multitude of benefits. Above all, it's about transforming yourself and setting a strong foundation for the rest of your life.

Undertaking a Christian gap year can provide a dedicated period for personal growth and spiritual development that you might not be able to foster otherwise. It's an opportunity to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life into a Christ-centered community to gain clarity and direction from God for your future.

In a more tangible sense, our programs are full of practical training and hands-on experience in various aspects of ministry and service. Whether through missions, discipleship training, mission trips, or studying the Bible, you'll acquire valuable skills and insights that will not only enrich your own life but also empower you to positively impact others.

Additionally, a gap year allows for cultural immersion and cross-cultural experiences. It's a chance to broaden your perspective and develop a global mindset all in one.

A Christian gap year program is an investment in your spiritual, personal, and professional growth. With YWAM courses, you'll be equipped with the tools you need to confidently start your life in missions.

Do a YWAM Gap Year Starting with DTS Today!

Unleash your potential and make a lasting impact with YWAM San Diego/Baja. Whether you want practical training for a life in international missions or simply want to do better with community service projects and everyday discipleship in your hometown or college community, DTS is for you!

Serve alongside seasoned ministers and fellow newbies alike and discover how to disciple in the world around you every day. Once you complete DTS, the possibilities for additional training are endless. So, what are you waiting for? Apply to DTS today!

The author Karl, completed the Chronological School of Biblical Studies here at YWAM San Diego/ Baja.

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. 

Come Up To Me On This Mountain

Over the last year, I’ve written “I trust you” in my journal more times than I can count. It’s funny how I need to write it over and over again. Somehow the act of writing it etches it into my soul. It takes it deeper. “Jesus, I trust you.” There’s so many things I don’t understand yet I feel this inexplicable peace that beckons me, “be still, you can trust Jesus”.

It’s so easy to make our relationship with God less of a relationship and more of a transaction. I find myself wanting to have the what, when, where + why before I’ll settle into God’s presence. There’s too much to do, too much to understand, yet God is ever patient with me in my messiness. He waits there for me on the mountain. Waiting for me to put down my list and just rest in Him. Waiting for me to receive His love and His relationship that He gave everything to have. He waits there for me to simply be with Him.

You see, God is faithful and worthy of my trust. He is ever working for me, going before me and staying so near, intentionally pursuing my heart. We were never meant to be robots, mindlessly following a God shouting out instructions to us. From the very beginning of creation, it was always about relationship. We cannot miss this part!

Being able to trust God with my everything, my hopes, my dreams, my futures, my days and my finances, doesn’t happen on accident, it all comes out of relationship. We can’t spend so much time searching for the will of God for our lives, for our calling, that we miss out on knowing Him. While I press in to knowing Him, to being with Him- there comes the breakthrough of my trust beyond circumstance.

So I will spend my days, waking up and pursuing the heart of God. I will learn to trust slowly but surely, as I discover more about Him and His character. The greatest adventure we have at our fingertips is walking in intimacy with God. He’s asking us to come up on the mountain to meet with him. So I’m embracing this adventure with everything I have. I will meet with you there my God.

JESUS, I TRUST YOU.

“COME UP TO ME ON THIS MOUNTAIN…”

EXODUS 24:1

WORDS + PHOTOS BY TIFFANY LAMBERT.

TIFFANY IS FULL TIME WITH YWAM SAN DIEGO/BAJA AND LEADS THE PHOTO-STORYTELLING DTS. 

In the Waiting

Does a delayed response or fulfillment of a promise from the Lord signify a closed door? The well meaning and often used expression rings loudly “If God closes a door, he will open a window.” This can be true, but not all the time. God truly does know best, and sometimes His best for us looks different then the door we attempt to go through at first. Other times this is not the case. Often, God will wait until circumstances look impossible to do the impossible and prove His sovereignty. He works for His glory and our good. He doesn’t speak things in advance to mess with us or discourage us. He speaks in advance to build up our faith, to refine our trust and to prove to us that He really is who He says He is and His word does not come back void. He does not delay and He is not impatient, but rather He is so specific when he implements things, not just in the scriptures but also in the lives of all those who believe in him in faith.  Just because things look unlikely or unrealistic, does not mean that God is not going to move. Out of intimacy and knowing God, we can navigate when a door closed means move on or when it means keep knocking.  That is the nature of walking with God. He is the Good Shepherd, gently guiding us even when we fear or don’t understand. He is cultivating our faith and our trust. 

25 years after God promised Abraham descendants as many as the stars, Isaac, the child of promise, was born. It had seemed impossible. Sarah’s womb was dry + barren. There was no hope for an heir, yet God had a miracle in mind. Sarah and Abraham were able to rejoice in the fulfillment of the promise and God working in their lives in miraculous ways. God had done as he promised and in her old age, Sarah nursed her very own son. Abraham’s faith had grown  as he discovered more of who God was in the waiting. At the perfect time, as Abraham’s character had developed and he had come to have fear of the Lord, the promise was fulfilled. Years later, when the testing came and God asked for Abraham to sacrifice his only heir, the fulfillment of his promise and the source of great joy and redemption, he did not hesitate to sacrifice. He trusted in His God, because He had gotten to know him in the mean time.

The question is not so much about when the fulfillment of things will come but what are God’s purposes in the waiting. God’s timing is different than ours and His ways are above our ways. He is not casual or unconcerned with timing, rather He moves in intentionality and sovereignty over His people. We may not always understand but we have the beautiful opportunity to have a response of faith in the waiting. 

What are the things God is asking you to believe for? What will you do in the waiting? 

“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 

Words + Photos by TIFFANY LAMBERT.

TIFFANY IS FULL TIME WITH YWAM SAN DIEGO/BAJA AND LEADS THE PHOTO-STORYTELLING DTS.