School Leader
Sara // Indiana, USA
I like life these days. Since I was young I believed that God loves me. Jesus has always been there for me, even in dark times. He has seen me through a lot. There is no one I love or trust more. I’m still learning and He’s still patient with me.
In 2005 I came to Oxford for the Around the World DTS then joined the staff team for 3 more AW80 schools. Then, in 2010 I joined the staff team in Auckland Central for the Justice DTS. It’s a joy to have the opportunity to be part of the JDTS this year from my home base of Oxford.
I’m a jeans, t-shirt, and flip-flops girl. I love lakes and trees. I’m fascinated by the possibilities and potential that exists in every person. The kingdom of God is about developing possibilities and potential through faith and God’s power. It’s life changing, world changing.
I dream of seeing slums transformed into thriving communities, of hungry people growing lush gardens. Wouldn’t it be glorious to see the oppressed set free, realize their potential and take hold of the possibilities of education, health and a good future? Jesus said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” Luke 18:27.
DTS is an amazing opportunity to grow and step out in faith, knowing God more through each step. It’s my dream to see this generation discipled in the Word, know their God, know who they are and live lives of purpose and significance for Jesus.
I like life these days and have hope for the future. I want to know God and live to see His kingdom come.
“And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin:
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art!”
How Great Thou Art – Words: Stuart K. Hine
School Staff
Sarah // 25 // Pennsylvania, USA
My name is Sarah aka smalls. I love my God and want to see His Kingdom come to ALL nations! I wanted to see more life come from these bones and wasn’t satisfied with the mundane way of living and that’s what brought me into missions. I am enjoying becoming more intimate with my Daddy as He continues to capture me in awe of who He is.
I did my AW80 DTS back in 2007. My team went to Africa and it was there that I got a little glimpse of the Lord’s heart for the nations. Since that school, I finished my BFA at Kutztown University and continued to go back to the Cambodia using Art and the creative process to bring the gospel to the nations. I have a heart for Asia and the Muslim nations. I know He won’t come until every tribe and nation has heard and what a blessing it has been to be apart of His body to see that mission come into effect. The Lord continues to blow my mind as He pieces my life puzzle together right before my very own eyes. I’m excited to see what lays ahead for this school as seeing
justice come to the nations is my hearts desire.
“Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn’t.” – John Piper
School Staff
Anna // 26 // Nebraska, USA
In a life sold out for God, things are never boring. In mid 2009 I got tired of watching the clock everyday at my 9 to 5, wondering when my life was going to begin. In October 2009 I left corporate America and attended the first every EarthCare DTS in Oxford. I haven’t looked back since.
During DTS God rocked my world and I couldn’t believe it when He called me back to Oxford to serve as registrar and then to staff the 2011 AW80. Staffing in Oxford for the last year and a half has been the most rewarding time of my life.
Everyday I have a deeper understanding of the love of my Father God. Not only His love for me, but His love for the world. On outreach in S.E. Asia I have seen many heartbreaking things. God is calling us to share His heart break for these people and to share in bringing His love.
I can’t wait to staff this DTS. It is my privilege to walk alongside other young people as they experience anew the love of their creator and as they pour out that love on the world. DTS is something you will never regret!!!
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle of the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me; your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalm 139:7-10
School Staff
Jane // 26 // Brisbane, AUS
I was born and raised in Brisbane, Australia. I had the privilege of growing up in an amazing christian family and church family. At the age of 16 I decided to devote my life to full obedience to Christ. Whatever and wherever he sent me, I would go. I trained as a teacher and taught Australian Indigenous children in the outback and loved it! There, I felt the call to cross-cultural, overseas missions.
In 2011 I completed the Around the World in 80 days DTS at Oxford, New Zealand. I was on the quest to find where, who and how the Lord might have me minister his love, mercy and justice in a long term capacity. But I’m now learning to focus on one step at a time rather than trying to rush ahead and figure out the future.
I love and adore kids! My heart is geared towards children – the oppressed, marginalized, disadvantaged, neglected, abused, those desperately needing to hear that there is a loving father who created them and loves the dearly.
I’m excited to be staffing the Justice DTS in Oxford. I’m looking forward to walking through life alongside the students as we come to know, understand and experience God’s heart more as well as focussing on issues that address the quality of life for God’s people of the world.
School “Starf”
Seth // 20 // Texas, USA
Howdy, not to sure where to begin with these things but I guess I first found out about YWAM after one of my cousins went and did a DTS in Europe. After hearing all of his amazing stories, and more importantly seeing all the great pictures I decided that running away from all my problems and jumping on a plane to new zealand was my best option.
Well my DTS was amazing I did the backpackers school in 08, but when I got home I found most of my problems still lingering very close by. Since then I’ve staff a couple Backpackers schools and dealt head on with all of the issues that kept coming up at home.
After this last DTS I felt called to staff in New Zealand, and God directed me to Queenstown. After an amazing season there I decided to pop over to the Justice DTS. For me It wasn’t really a matter of my own heart but His, and I think there is an intolerance to injustice built into all of us. Im super excited to be stepping out on this adventure and I am looking forward to October!
School Staff
Stephanie // 21 // Wisconsin, USA
I’m Stephanie and I’m a planner. I love to plan ahead and know what’s going on. Funny thing is, the past few years of my life have not been my plans at all, and they’ve been the best yet!
I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin going to Sunday school and asking Jesus into my heart at a young age. At the age of 12, I realized God was way bigger than just some songs. So I began pursuing the knowledge of Christ and grew and grew as the years went by. After high school I went to university, not because God called me there but because “that’s what you do.” I didn’t like it…at all. I seriously considered dropping out in the first week but decided to finish the year.
After some serious months of praying, God led me to Oxford, New Zealand where I did the Around the World in 80 Days DTS 2010. God did a big work in me through Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Learning that what society expects you to do is not necessarily what you should do, or what’s right was a huge revelation for me!
God not only rocked me to the core during lecture phase but he made my biggest dream come true: I went to Africa for outreach. After DTS I returned home and thought I’d go back to university. My ‘plans’ changed though in December as I felt God calling me back to Oxford. I made a deal with God and returned to base in January as the Hospitality coordinator, on the terms that I would return to Wisconsin for school in fall ’11. During my time as Hospitality coordinator God spoke to me about my ‘planning’ and pretty much told me to stop. Since it’s a bit hard for me to not have any sort of plan, I decided my plan could be to not have set plans, haha. With a new freedom from my restrictive planning, God has led me to staff the Justice DTS.
It is my greatest desire to see others realize they no longer have to live broken because there is a man who has come to make us whole!
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
