Wow! I am not sure how to explain the season God has placed me in. So much has happened over the past six months of DTS.
Before I went to YWAM Maui, I didn’t even want to go at all because I was concerned that I wouldn’t fit in –but I was so wrong. My life has been completely changed, and going to YWAM Maui is the best decision I have ever made. God broke so many chains off of my life, and I didn’t realize how empty I had felt beforehand.
Coming to DTS, I had just gone through a rough break up and felt more alone than ever. Through growing my relationship with God, I found that even though my earthly father has passed away, I have a heavenly Father who is with me always and loves me more than I could ever comprehend.
I also dealt with a lot of self-image problems, which were really tested in the Himalayas where I got called fat multiple times. It is only through God that I was able to overcome. Through God, I was able to know my identity is not in my body, but in Jesus. I fell much more confident in who I am, and I am now so much closer to God.
I also struggled with anxiety and was super afraid to go on outreach, but I didn’t let that hold me back; I learned to rely on God and pray because He is my biggest comforter. I’m proud to say that I did not struggle on outreach, and had a strength that could only be given to me through the Holy Spirit. Never in a million years would I have thought that I would say today that I wish I could be back on outreach and be serving that nation with my amazing team.
All I can say is that God is so faithful. Before coming to YWAM, I only had a few close friends who I love dearly; but I longed for more Christians, and, oh man, did God provide! I have met some of the best friends of my life. My whole DTS has become like a family to me, and I love each one of them so very much. My team helped me persevere through outreach and the obstacles that came my way, they were always there to pick me up when I was crying from being called fat and they would remind me of just how beautiful I am.
My experience with guys before YWAM was not very good, and I didn’t really trust them. To my surprise, my DTS had more guys than girls. They are all the most kind, caring, and God loving young men I have ever met. They have all really impacted my life, and I know that I can count on them to be there for me if I ever need them.
I highly recommend YWAM Maui to anyone who is thinking about doing a DTS. YWAM Maui has such a fun, loving, and family-like atmosphere that I am thankful to have been a part of. I will always cherish the memories that I made, and remember the spiritual growth that took place there.
The staff played a huge part in making me feel comfortable and helping me grow. They were constantly reaching out, and checking in on me. They had a genuine interest in what I was learning and how God was changing me. Again, these last six months have been one of the best times of my life and I wish I could do it all over again. If you are interested in doing a DTS, please reach out to me; I would love to answer any questions you might have, or tell you more about my time at YWAM Maui!
By Shannon Scales