Hey, I’m Kieran and I was asked to drop you a wee few lines about my BCC experience! I was staffing the Backpacker DTS at YWAM Oxford when God led me to stay on after the school to do the BCC. This was an amazingly intense crazy busy school that continually blew my brain (thankfully it wasn’t just the workload that was blowing it, but also the stuff I was learning ).
The staff, school leaders and lecturers continually persevered teaching us the induction method of
bible study and really worked hard making sure we were getting all we could out of the school and the Word of God.
The skills I learned during the three months of study I am continuing to apply during my personal
study; its incredible how much more alive the bible has become. If you want to set aside three
months for an insanely busy but even more insanely rewarding school….then take the BCC!
Carolyn lives in Christchurch and attends Grace Vineyard Church. She and her husband did a Crossroads DTS in Kona, Hawaii “many” years ago and she has continued to be involved in YWAM in various roles, serving currently as a trustee for the Oxford Base. She has a background in social work working with dysfunctional families and pastoral care. She has 4 married children and 8+ grandchildren. Her hobbies are water colours painting, tramping, and gardening. Her passion is to see believers come into a revelation of the Father’s Love and become all they were created to be as His sons and daughters.
Staff
Peter and Christine-Rangiora-NZ
Peter and Christine live in Rangiora. They did a Crossroads DTS in Kona Hawaii in 1992 and have been involved with YWAM in various roles. They led King’s Kids in the South Island for many years. Peter is currently the chairman of the trust for the Oxford base. They have been married 42 years and have 6 married children and 14 grandchildren with the 15th due in February. Christine enjoys painting,gardening and is a music teacher. Peter enjoys the electronic and computer side of life and has a background in Television. They have a real desire to see everyone come to a deeper relationship with their heavenly Father.
Staff
Barry + Judi-Oxford-NZ
Barry + Judi
Barry and Judi have been married for 35 years and are the proud parents of 6 children, 4 sons-in-law and 8 grandchildren. We live on our farm and are involved with the local church which includes being part of the YWAM Oxford team. We did our DTS in Kona Hawaii in 2006, a cross generational D.T.S. with a four month outreach to the South Pacific. We enjoy helping all ages to come to know Jesus and then to grow into a firm developing relationship with Him.
My wife, Jenny, and I live with our 4 children at our home just over a hectare of beautiful land on a hill at Old Tai Tapu Rd, near the city of Christchurch, New Zealand. Our children, Rachel aged 19, Johanna 16, Jonathan 13 and Susanna aged 8 are home schooled and are very much a part of our work and ministry.
I have a degree in Natural Resource Engineering from Canterbury and Lincoln Universities and have worked since 1974 on many engineering and conservation projects throughout New Zealand, focusing on river and land restoration, and nursery establishment .
After searching many different philosophies and religions, at the age of 26, I became a believer in Jesus Christ in 1978. Other than my family, my greatest passion and joy is to worship and get to know our wonderful Lord and Saviour
In the early 1980s George Ehau and I founded the Wai-ora Trust, a local land based Christian community organization committed to help disadvantaged people from all cultures and backgrounds. The trust has become one of the main providers of social support and
work for disabled and otherwise disadvantaged people in the Christchurch area, with extensive community gardens.
This work has given me a wonderful base of multi cultural experience and opportunities to apply my training and background in new ways.
Since 2003, the Lord has called us as a family into overseas mission work, including Discipleship Training and student leadership with the University of the Nations, YWAM in Kona Hawaii, Cambodia, Indonesia, Fiji and Colombia.
We have a strong commitment to the people of Cambodia, especially in the
province of Battambang in the northwest. From a vision in 1978 of seeing Gods light and love in amazing places of beauty, healing and restoration, He is now leading me through fresh revelation
into new places to establish EarthCare, a vision to see people turning to God, worshipping Him as the Creator and sustainer of all life and seeing restoration and healing of the land.
I continue to work part time as an Ecological Engineer on river and land restoration projects, but my primary passion and vision is to see the work of Earth-Care established in many needy countries as the Lord leads us.
In addition to the school fees, there is a required activity fee of $NZ750 per student. This fee covers the cost of transport, organized weekend activities, and a trip into the nearby city of Christchurch every Friday night. Throughout the twelve-week lecture phase, the students are given many opportunities to see various local sights and participate in outdoor exercise.
Some weekend activities include, but are not limited to:
Rock climbing at the popular and breathtaking Castle Hill
Climbing at the Port Hills
Indoor climbing at a rock wall in Christchurch
Surfing
Caving through Cave Stream, which is close to where the scenic movie Narnia was filmed
Hiking some challenging mountains and trails with breathtaking views, such as Mt. Oxford and Avalanche Mountain
Soaking in the thermal hot pools of Hanmer Springs
Camping trip through Arthur’s Pass National Park (over 75 years old & covers 280,000 acres)
Overnight camping in Lewis Pass
Mountain biking
Back-country 4×4
From your home, feel free to bring any outdoor equipment (camping gear), rock climbing gear, hiking boots, etc… that would allow you to better enjoy these activities. The base has some camping equipment that will be used for the outreach teams; however, if you want to use your personal belongings, bring it along!
Do you want to manage and care for natural resources and the environment?
The EarthCare DTS introduces students to a Biblical approach to managing and caring for
natural resources and the environment. It will make this approach real to the students, by
giving them hands-on experience in working with poor villagers in a developing country to improve their agricultural practices and their lives.
The course aims to give students an opportunity to deepen their relationship with God and discover new ways to reach out with Christ’s compassion to those who are oppressed, poor or disabled in rural communities. EarthCare focuses on God as Creator and sustainer of the earth.
EarthCare students will develop skills in working with poor rural communities to develop ways to improve their land, gain first-hand experience of conditions in a developing country, and learn
how to share their faith in practical ways.
Students will participate in aspects of : 1. Training poor rural communities in simple sustainable agriculture technologies.
2. Testing, monitoring and demonstrating appropriate EarthCare practices.
3. Teaching the foundational Biblical principles of EarthCare.
4. Evangelism through word and action to bring the good news of Jesus Christ
The teaching phase will be based in Oxford, New Zealand with some weeks in other community based and wilderness areas.
Apply now to learn how to share resources and your faith with needy communities.
Earth Care DTS Outreach
The outreach phase will be in New Zealand and SE Asia from mid December 2010 until the end of March 2011.
Teams reunite in New Zealand for a debriefing time and graduation.
Outreach is a time of tremendous evangelism where we can put into practice what we’ve learned in the lecture phase.
Start date: 3rd Oct 2010 finish date: 26th February 2011
Description: Crossroads Discipleship Training Schools are especially designed and staffed for those 30 yrs and older.
This is an exciting new school being pioneered in New Zealand that disciples students in a nurturing environment where hearts and minds can be transformed by experiencing the love of the Father. Globally, God is bringing a growing revelation and awareness to His church of Father’s love and enabling his children to find their true identity as His sons and daughters.
During the Lecture phase students are welcome to provide Caravans or Motorhomes(RV) for their accommodation or to choose YWAM Base accommodation. Food is included in the lecture phase fees.
There will be a two weeks break between lecture phase and outreach for students and staff to have free for Christmas and New Year.
The eight week outreach phase will be in New Zealand and China, with a possible alternative overseas location yet to be determined.
We have made great progress!
Although we do not put our trust in buildings, we are aware that without them we would not be able to carry on the activities the Lord has called us to perform – the discipling of young men and women in the ways of God.
June 2009 saw the opening and dedication of the first stage of our building (see photo). This gives us a large new classroom, a 120 seat dining room and an amazing commercial kitchen, and of course a fantastic new office with space for 20 to 30 staff to work either in open plan spaces or in private offices.
We thank the Lord for the provision of volunteer labour for this first stage, especially the help of men and women associated with MMM (Mobile Mission Maintenance). We also have held a number of fundraising events such as banquets, an auction and a concert to raise the required funds for materials. We applied for and were granted a $200,000 mortgage from the bank which would be nice to clear.
The second stage of our programme is accommodation (see concept plan). We need serious financial help with this next stage. We are unable to service more loans from the bank, so would like to see at least 50% of the required $750,000 come in before we start.
The accommodation blocks are composed of two long buildings with motel like rooms which have their own bathrooms and toilets. Each building will have its own communal space, including a kitchen and lounge. These two buildings will be situated on the field we call “the field of dreams” and will accommodate up to 70 people.
If you would like to donate to this project please either send us a check or pay online from this website. See “donations” under the Online Payments menu. or press DONATION
We are privileged to count on 50 – 60 volunteer, self funding staff working here on the base, however, many folk who would like to be actively involved in discipleship and missions are unable to make this sort of commitment due to family and work obligations. If you are one of those, here is an opportunity for you to be involved. Without finance their will be no further building, without further building there will be unable to cope with the growth. Please partner with us in this very worthwhile work.
New dining room, offices, and classroom Future student accommodation
Honestly, coming into DTS I thought that the ‘missionary lifestyle’, if you will, was only something that can be seen in third world countries when you’re working with the poor, the destitute, and the dying. God showed me that He speaks to us always, that we can share Him with people in the way we live and the words we speak. I learned how to incorporate my relationship with God into my everyday life. Now I see that God can use me just as much in school or as a nurse as He can working in an orphanage in India. He’s that Big…
Jonathan
USA
I have always enjoyed the outdoors, but this DTS revealed to me how much I truly love it!
Carina
England
I have been allergic to all dairy products my entire life. God completely healed me!
Hunter
USA
This DTS has renewed my love for life and has given me understanding about our Creator that I can build on throughout this journey of faith.
Outreach Report
Katrina and Dave
New Zealand
Hello Everyone!
We just finished our second week of outreach, and it has been incredible! We are doing a backpacker’s outreach, which basically entails doing what the backpackers do, and sharing the love of Jesus with them in the meantime!
We kicked off outreach by spending New Year’s Eve in the Blue Backpackers hostel, and invited everyone in the hostel to share cheese, crackers, fruit kabobs with caramel sauce, and sparkling apple cider with us. 2 backpackers from Holland (Silvia and Preska), a couple from Germany (Anna Marie & Ricka), and a few guys from South Korea joined us for the evening. We had a lot of fun with them, and had the opportunity to share with them why we are in New Zealand traveling around, and tell them more about the school that we’re at. By the time that we left 2 days later, we all exchanged email addresses, and are planning to keep in touch!
After New Years in Kaikora, we headed up to the Nelson area, and did one of New Zealands Great Walks, the Abel Tasman. We spent 8 days hiking, first in the rain forest, and then along the coast of the top of the south island. It was absolutely beautiful, with crystal clear water and isolated beaches with seals and penguins! The first day of our trip, we met our new friends, Shela and Joe. We ended up staying at the same camp grounds with them almost every single night. Through dinner, cards, and laughing, we were able to show them the love of Jesus, which led to some cool conversations about their beliefs,and our beliefs. Shela used to go to church, but said she didn’t believe in going any more after they rejected her during her painful divorce. We invited them to join us for our team devotions and worship, and they said that they felt so at home with us, and loved seeing how much we loved each other! Keep them in your prayers, as we know that God used us to plant a seed in their hearts. We also saw our friends that we met in Kaikora again, and Dave had the opportunity to share Christ with them! We also met another couple from Germany, Steffan and Cena, along with many others that we hopefully planted seeds in!
This week, we rented a house, and our desire was to use it to bless anyone in need! We realized that a lot of backpackers, especially those traveling alone, are very lonely, running low on money, and are very open. We decided to start out our time at the house with a big barbecue, and go into town and invite as many different backpackers as we could! We had a houseful, and about 8 of them have been hanging out with us every day, and about 5 of them have been living with us, sharing our meals with us, and worshiping God with us in the mornings! Only one of them, Tim, is a Christian, and the rest of them either don’t (didn’t) believe in God, or don’t believe in one God. I get goosebumps as I think about the conversations we’ve been having with them throughout the week. One of the guys, Simon from Sweden, didn’t believe in God a couple of days ago, and after many many conversations about God, along with different things, worship sessions, and team devotions, he prayed to God for the first time in 4 years! He’s going to be spending the next 2 weeks with us as well, so be praying for his salvation! He is an amazing guy, and I want to see him again in heaven!
We also had an amazing discussion with a ton of backpackers that we invited back to dinner 2 nights ago. One of them, Mattias, asked why the Bible is split up in to the Old Testament and the New Testament, and we were able to tell them all (including and Israeli,) about how the Old Testament is based on laws, and sacrifices as means to atone for sin, and have a relationship with God, and then the New Testament is about how Jesus came and fulfilled the law, so now we can have a relationship with God through Christ! That led to many more discussions about other topics like evolution/creation, etc. Wow! it was amazing, because it didn’t turn into an argument, but instead, we all talked about some really deep stuff, and everyone was genuinely interested. God is doing some amazing things here, and the coolest part is, we’re just living life here in Nelson, loving each other, and loving others. Our hope and desire is that through this, our team will learn that life and missions aren’t two separate things, our lives should be so completely holistic with our love for God, that He just pours over into other people’s lives, and we can’t help but love the lost, feed the poor, visit those in prison, because through loving God, He gives us His heart for people, and our life isn’t complete if we aren’t loving others!
Right now, we’re praying about what God wants us to do next. We have been hearing a lot about this backpackers hostel that is in the center of Nelson that we might spend some time in. Some of the guys that we’ve met have been telling us we probably wouldn’t enjoy it because the people aren’t good people there and drink a lot…and we’ve been thinking that that’s exactly where Jesus would’ve gone if He was walking on earth now, because those are the people that need Him! Pray for wisdom for us!
Also, a few more prayer requests:
Saskia’s (one of the backpackers who’s living with us) mom has cancer in her back, and we’ve been praying for a miracle!
More boldness for our team to share Jesus’ love with people outside of our comfort zone
That God brings the people along that He wants us to meet!
That’s all for now. We love you all so much, and would love to hear back from you!
In addition to the school fees, there is a required activity fee of nz$1500 per student. This fee covers all lift passes, 4×4 transportation to and from the mountain, organized weekend activities, plus trips into Christchurch on Friday nights. On Wednesdays, we hit the slopes at Porters, and on Saturdays we head up to Mt Hutt. If we are unable to head up the mountain, we give alternative opportunities to explore this beautiful island, including activities such as:
Rock climbing at the popular and breathtaking Castle Hill
Climbing at the Port Hills
Surfing
Hiking some challenging mountains and trails with breathtaking views, such as Mt. Oxford
Soaking in the thermal hot pools of Hanmer Springs
“Some of the things that I did during my DTS were more hard than enjoyable while I was
going through them, but at the end of every trial was a reward and the strengthening of my
faith. Before my DTS, I was in a bad situation of drunkenness, drugs, and sales of them, but God looked down on me and found favor on his child and extended his hand to save me.
The first three months in New Zealand was a time of restoration of my past pains from drugs, friends and family. During this time, I received a revelations of the Lord’s presence that still rest upon me.
My DTS was a time of trials and hard ship after missing my sisters wedding, grandpa’s death, and mission trip to Africa that my parents did, but I would never ask for God to not give it to me because it has grown me from being a boy in my faith, to a warrior that has all authority in God, my Dad.”
Katie - USA
I went on a DTS because it was time for me to run away from my comfortable,
complacent life. God and I had hit a plateau in our relationship, and it was nice, but it was
comfortable. Change was in the wind, and the wind was speaking to me, whispering in my ear, “Go
shake things up with God at YWAM Oxford, and while you’re at it help people, show them Jesus,
and travel the world.” So that’s exactly what I did. I met with God in New Zealand, and from there
He led me to many people, places, and experiences. I saw people healed, released from guilt and
shame, renewed, transformed, and loved by an Almighty Father. I saw Jesus in the faces of people
all over this world. He spoke to me about bringing art where ever I go, because He instilled that in
me. He spoke to me about being a missionary to whoever is around, wherever I am, which at the
core of it all is just showing the love to others that He has shown me. He spoke to me about just
being with Him, and delighting to be in His presence always, especially being with Him in the
mornings. God spoke, and I listened.
My number one expectation of going to this DTS was to have a deeper relationship with God, and I
got that. But God had more planned for me, He said, “Yes Kadi, let’s go deeper. But let’s not stop
there.” And so God took me beyond the mere request of going deeper that I had lain at His feet,
and took me beyond what I could imagine, and He continues.
Jonathan - USA
“DTS really changed my view on the world. My student year was my first time ever out of the
country, and it was a shocking experience. Especially in Africa, where I went on my outreach, the poverty and corruption really got to me. It was a tough realization that others live on so little and yet still survive with joy. It also makes you wonder what we, as those with much, are missing. My DTS was a life changing experience that would set the stage for me to come back and experience some deep changes in my life.
Staffing was something that totally blew my world away. The leap between student and staff is immense. Suddenly, you have responsibilities that you never even imagined existed. You also are paid back in many ways for the dork you were as a student. You know that phrase mothers love to say “I hope when you have children they act just like you!” Well, its true for staffing, too. You recognize a lot of yourself (both the good and the bad) in students.
Leading an outreach team also deserves its own mention. It is a life changing experience that challenges you in every way. Are you walking the walk you should? Are you organized enough to get people where they need to be? Are you spending time with every student? And of course if
that wasn’t enough there is always something going on at home that demands your attention. Still, we make the choice to give of ourselves and try to make a difference. In the end, I know that what I am doing will make me a better man and develop in a me a greater relationship
and understanding of Jesus.”
Kenny - USA
“…this is a part of life where you can experience more than doing many different things for the
Kingdom. You will find yourself in a position to seek, listen, go, be stretched, and be tested. This
is a time where true growth and intimacy can happen in very unexpected ways with the Father.
Your life will only be the same if you look to yourself. Look to Him for the Walk-renewing experience
of a lifetime….”
Before doing this school, I was looking for more out of life. My passions for travel and adventure led me to this “Around the World” DTS. I desperately wanted to know God more and knew I needed to get out of my current environment in order to do so. What better place than New Zealand! My lecture phase was a slow and steady renovation of the heart. Through the teaching and God’s guidance, my foundation was made new and SOLID. Instead of the roller coaster faith I had lived for years, I learned how to step into maturity as a follower of Christ. In outreach I was challenged in more ways that I had imagined. Being exposed to such a variety of missions in different countries opened my eyes to what the hands and feet of Jesus working in our world look like. I discovered something I had lost - compassion. When we graduated in Israel I will still processing all I had recently been through, but I knew I was changed. Long story short - this experience was so life changing that I returned to Oxford to staff the next year’s school!
Katy
England, UK
Applying to do my DTS in Oxford was one of the best decisions I have ever made! YWAM changed my life in so many different ways, and I am incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to be part of the ATW80 school. I learned so much about myself over those six months, and where I can fit into the BIG picture if I allow myself. This has significantly impacted my entire outlook on day-to-day events and decisions. I am slowly learning to allow God to have more control over the decisions I make and to trust that He has a plan and I must be obedient to his calling. DTS gave me the opportunity to explore many things which I had never considered and I have met some life-long friends in the process which is a small bonus…!
Jenn
Wisconsin, USA
I’d have to say that my DTS, outreach in specific, fulfilled it’s purpose. I loved getting a full view of a specific region. For my outreach I went to the Middle East and I left my heart there. A lot of the emotions of what I saw and did have impacted me even months after. In the moment, my outreach was challenging…but worth every minute! It was truly a bit of a taste of the culture and people. The Lord has continued to use what I was exposed to to grow my heart for the region and people. My mind and heart were forever changed by the Middle East. The school’s vision is to expose those who are interested in long term missions to what workers are already doing with the hopes that they will be inspired to go back. For me it worked! The ultimate goal for me is now the Middle East.
Roger and Julie reporting on their 3 month Outreach to Malaysia, Uganda and Tanzania. In Malaysia we attended and spoke at Gereja Peace Church Camp then on to Uganda with two Bible Seminars with over 20 pastors and leaders at each one. Also spoke at a gathering of churches in a remote village and several people were healed of physical ailments. We were joined by Rebecca from BCC, 2007 who had a great ministry with young people and sharing her testimony.
Another highlight was being present in Mbarara for a wedding ceremony for 15 couples, who had
not previously exchanged vows, in the church, followed by a great celebration afterwards, all
provided by an American team of six people. On to Tanzania with a further 3 seminars on Bible
Study with pastors and leaders.
There is a great need for teaching of the bible. Floyd McClung states in his latest book,
“You see bones, I see and Army” p.205 in which he writes that “Africa has actually been
evangelised over and over again. But it has not been discipled.:”
This is a challenge for the future, for Christians of all ages to go and join those already working in
Africa and be part of the discipling process.
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