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
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
