DTS - Discipleship Training School

A DTS, or Discipleship Training School, is YWAM's (Youth With a Mission) entry program into their organization - as is the CDTS, or Crossroads version, designed for older people. You can learn more about YWAM and their programs:

http://www.ywam.org
We'll assume you are already familiar with YWAM and stick to the theme of this site - and this is fundraising for your Christian Mission Work. Even though most young people who go through it do not stay on as full time missionaries, many are surprised and like the work and continue on; Some for a year or so, others the rest of their lives! Whether you have plans to continue beyond a DTS program that lasts anywhere from a few months to a couple of years (it varies base to base), it will serve you well to think about and do some fundraising efforts prior to, and during your trip.

Before you go on your DTS

You are about to embark on a journey that will change your life! Bring along (in spirit) those who love and care about you! Share with them what you are doing, where you are going, AND how much it is going to cost! Invite them to sow into your missions work. You will be going on an outreach which is usually to a foreign country. Ask them if they want to be a part.

The best way to do this is one - on - one, or in a small group context. An appeal for giving is usually for on-going support, but if you are not sure, or don't think you will be going on with missions work for more than a year or two, it would probably be best to simply ask for a one time gift. Have a presentation to show them - even just a video from a website, and then have the details in how they can give to you so they can get tax credit for it if they want (USA.)

Be sure to collect everyone's contact information including physical and email addresses. Use the information in this site to send them a weekly or monthly email updating them on your journey. Another great idea is to send them a postcard from your DTS location, which is usually away from your home state, AND from the country you do your outreach to. A great resource that I love is called Send Out Cards. This is especially handy when wanting to send multiple post cards.

During your DTS

Most of your classmates will not continue on with YWAM, but will have an awesome experience and gain an incredible heart for missions. Be sure to collect all of their contact information. If you decide to continue on in YWAM many of these life long friendships you will form will want to support you in your on-going work. Be sure to collect all the leaders contact information also. The more people you have informed about your journey, even if they just know and pray is essential for success.

As stated, begin to correspond with those you collected name and email addresses from - especially those who gave you a gift to go. Be sure to send them a thank you - one from the country you do your outreach to will be especially meaningful to them.

Also - you may meet people in your outreach country that you will "bond" with. Be sure to add them to your list, whether you think they can afford to give into your ministry or not. Remember your main goal is to build relationships. Out of these relationships will come your support. Someone who gives even a little can be a great spiritual blessing to your work.

After your DTS

After your YWAM Discipleship Training School, be sure to send a complete report to your list. Tell them what happened and a personal highlight. If you are going to continue in YWAM, share with them what your next step is going to be, and ask them for on-going support.

DTS - Discipleship Training School