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I became a friend of God in DTS

April Yates

I came to YWAM Boston thinking I was a pretty good musician, dancer, and artist, but I am leaving as a worshipper.  I honestly came to improve my abilities and learn a little about God, but obviously, He had other plans.  He was growing me as a leader and clipping off my pride, one snip at a time

He spoke to me one day in class saying, "April, talents may impress, but it's the Spirit who impacts." 

Something clicked inside of me.  I realized how right God was!  I was so focused on getting my abilities down pat that I totally forgot without the Holy Spirit leading me, I could never lead others.

I don't want to go through life trying to please people by what I can do.  I want to live a life of surrender and show others what Christ can do through me.

DTS was challenging in a lot of ways.  I had to lose a lot to realize what I've gained.  I may never be the best at anything, but I can truly say, I am a friend of God.

My life was changed -

I came out to Boston, from Fargo, ND, knowing that YWAM Boston was focused on creative arts and using them in Worship and also in the advancement of God's Kingdom. Other than that, I had failed to really do any other research about what specifically happens in a DTS, who are your leaders, where you go, basically the important stuff. I was really just sold on their heart and their vision for discipling young people! To my great surprise the environment and community I blindly ran in to accepted me with open arms and loving hearts and stood beside me during the next exciting 5 months of my life.

 During those 5 months I underwent major "heart" surgery with Jesus.

He showed me areas of my life I had kept from surrendering to Him and also places that He wanted to heal. I will never forget the support and encouragement from my fellow brothers in the DTS and from the staff as well  We were always constantly accountable with each other and really loved each other as if we were really brothers! The friendships I made I will always have.

One major thing God did for me during my DTS was teach me (or begin to teach me, you never stop learning!) how to be a Man after His own heart. How to see through His eyes and not think lustfully of women, but treasure them as He treasures them and treat them as sisters in Christ! He spoke to me through His word and different teachers we had visit how to listen to Him and how to make decisions with Wisdom and to really rely on him for everything.

Over all, my DTS opened my eyes to a hurting world, aching for the Love of Christ and how I, along with every other Christian am commanded by Christ himself to be portrayers, messengers and givers of that love! Our lives revolve around Him and should be 100% focused on bringing Him glory in all that we do! - Aaron R