Monday, June 24, 2013

YWAM Details

So its been quite a crazy couple of weeks in my world!

but as I sit here waiting on my Bulldogs to play in the College World series I thought I'd take the chance to share with you guys what my plans are for this fall. (I'll sprinkle it with a few of my photos from trips I've taken in the past just for fun!)
Sweet Girl in Bangladesh
As many of you have heard (or read) I have been accepted into the Children At Risk DTS at YWAM Madison, Wisconsin. If you aren't familiar with YWAM... they love acronyms.. haha... I'll start backwards to give you a better idea of what it is. 

YWAM stands for Youth With A Mission. YWAM is a HUGE World Wide missions organization that specializes in training and preparing young people to spread the love of God through out the world. The answer to the question I get most often when sharing is "No, its not southern baptist." Its usually followed by a gasp and widening of the eyes but don't worry guys... I've done my homework. You can check out their statement of faith and more about who they are here.

House Visit in Bangladesh
Next is DTS... This stands for Discipleship Training School. This is their basic program where anyone wishing to be part of YWAM starts out. Its a 6 month program where we will spend around 3 months in classes learning more about ourselves, God and his heart for the nations as well as learning about the needs of our target people group and how to meet those needs. There is also a huge emphasis on intercession for the nations and we will be spending a lot of time in prayer. 
Then after the "Lecture Phase" we will have a short break for christmas then come back and prepare to go overseas to live out and practice all that we learned in the classroom.  For this DTS we will be deciding where we will be going after we arrive at lecture phase. The first week our options will be given to us and then after prayer and seeking God about it we will decide where we will be going in the "spring" (january&february) 

Infant in YWAM Orphanage Chittagong
And lastly, our emphasis for this school is Children at risk around the world. We "will focus on the needs of children around the world and the issues that put them at risk — sex trafficking, poverty, AIDS, abuse, child soldiers, and broken families. We will also focus on the heart of God who promises to be a “Father to the fatherless, who sets the lonely in families.” (Psalm 68:5,6)" - Direct from YWAM Madison Website << you can read more about this DTS there


So there you have it a little more detailed info on what I will be doing. I will be leaving in early september and the school lasts from Sept. 15-March 11. and I AM SOOO EXCITED!!! This is something I've been mulling over and praying about for YEARS and I'm so blessed to be given the opportunity at this point in my life. 

Bangladesh 2009
Now I've got to share my needs. As any good adventure it does cost money and I do have to raise it myself. I'm not worried one bit though. My God has always 
shown his perfect provision each time I've needed it! 

It will cost around $7,000 for the whole 6 months, plus travel expenses for getting there and back for the holidays. 

This $7000 includes school fees and room and board as well as all the travel costs for our outreach phase. I only have to have $3500 when we start in September and then the rest as we are preparing and buying tickets and things for our outreach. 

Local friends in Ghana
I've been saving for a trip like this and worked for a snowball business last summer to help start a savings account but I still have a ways to go. If you'd like more info on how you can help out feel free to email me at cburks420(at)gmail.com or you can visit my GoFundME page and donate there!

Also If you'd like to keep updated through a newsletter VIA email or SnailMail email me your address and I'll be happy to send you things you can be in prayer for as well as other ways you can help! 

Mabel, The most cheerful child I've ever met!
Whew.. that was a mouth full but I thought it was time to share it. Please be in prayer for me over the next few months as I am preparing for this adventure, one step at a time. (I've got to get a new passport next. the Hurricane last fall ate mine1)

Tootle Loo!
Chels

P.S. This has been such a stressful game! No time to look away from the TV to check my Grammar!!
HAIL STATE!!

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