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DTS Equip accomplished …for 2013 September 10, 2013

Filed under: DTS Equip,Updates — GoWests! @ 2:27 pm

Hello everyone.

The DTS Equip programs for 2013 have been successfully completed.  This year we ran two: USA (Montana), and EASTERN EUROPE (Ukraine).

USA (Montana)…

Personal discussion following a lecture

Personal discussion following a lecture

The 2013 Montana DTS Equip has officially ended.  20 participants graduated and are off and running to their next assignments.  For some that is leading Fall Discipleship schools, others are preparing to pioneer works in other nations, others to staff their first DTS.  From School of Biblical Studies leaders, Family Ministry leaders, to Discipleship school leaders, all agree that “this course was foundational to my leadership, and should be taken by anyone in leadership or discipleship, regardless of the program or location they work within”.
Thank you to all of you who participated, released, prayed for us, endorsed us, or encouraged people to attend.

EASTERN EUROPE (Ukraine)…

Class with my faithful [Russian & Ukrainian] translator, Tanya.

Class with my faithful [Russian & Ukrainian] translator, Tanya.

Last week I gave a lecture via Skype to the Eastern European DTS Equip being run in Ternopil, Ukraine.  They are completing their final week, and I believe that this initiative to train and disciple leaders in Eastern Europe has been a significant addition to our ministries in that region.
From one couple,  “I am not sure about all we expected when we came, but whatever that may have been, DTSEquip definitely exceeded everything thought we would receive.”  A school leader remarked, “Now I see how important it is to develop  staff for the long-term and not just focus on training them for the next school. I think my worldview has been too short-term.”  Another DTS leader said, “This training will be so important for the staff of our region, not just DTS, but for all. We see our weaknesses and our strengths much more clearly now and will be making some changes.” It was an honor to work with leaders like these.

Now, how about a Mandarin-speaking Equip, or a Spanish-speaking one…?

Working to equip and empower others,

Jeremy and Molly.

 

Equip Underway in Montana! July 21, 2013

Filed under: DTS Equip,Updates — GoWests! @ 2:38 pm

Hello everyone.

IMG_6916As many of you know, we run a development school for leaders and staff called “DTS Equip”.  We have just finished our 3rd week, and it is going great!  Equip focuses on the individual leader: core identity, character, vision, and skills.

Team Processing; USA, Uganda, & Ukraine

Team Processing; USA, Uganda, Ukraine

The curriculum begins by focusing inward as identity is challenged, then equipped.  From there we moved into working with others in both discipleship and leadership.  Now we approach more interpersonal roles, and then on to cross-cultural skills as well as outreach and evangelism.  Some of the topics we have dealt with so far include: identity, vision, decision-making, leadership styles, discipling people with difficult backgrounds, spiritual authority, and more.

This school is always a highlight for us.  We have the opportunity to gather leaders and disciplers, get personal, and develop from the inside-out.  We have 20 participants from as far as Ukraine, Uganda, Taiwan, USA, and yes, even Canada! Understand something: many of the people we work with through this program have extensive experience in multiple nations and cultures, different levels of leadership and responsibility, successes and heartbreaks.  It is a privilege to work with them, and the school-standard is high.  Not only do we work with truly outstanding individuals, we also know we are impacting the hundreds (even thousands) of others that they will then return to teach and lead.

"Drawing" them out

Day 1: “Drawing” them out

IMG_7054

A good view of class. Arnold and Debbie, 38-yr missions veterans, reinforce the “who” and “why”.

Thank you for your continued prayer, interest and support.  We are truly doing it together.

With love and gratitude,

Jeremy and Molly.

 

Short Report from Vietnam May 14, 2013

Filed under: DTS,J's Journey,Updates — GoWests! @ 2:37 am

IMAG0584Hello everyone!

I wanted to write while I had decent internet access.  As many of you know I arrived here in Vietnam last week for two weeks of teaching in the undrgnd’ chrch and YW’ (spelling deliberately incorrect!).  Even though being away from home for 2 weeks is a stretch for me, it is an absolute privilege.  The saints here are worth it; they are my heroes.  Yet, they are so grateful for the short time and meager offerings that people like myself can bring them.  When they heard I paid for myself to come all the way from America to them for a short time, and especially just for Vietnam (not a stop off on another trip) they seemed amazed (I was actually a little shocked at this).  They are worth it.  They work tirelessly with little support, yet risk so much from the authorities (imprisonment), family (rejection), and even some of the state churches here (undgrnd chrch can be seen as “competition”).

I was asked to come and teach on the Hly Sprt.  They simply don’t get teaching here on whom He is, His function, role and relationship with the believer; it’s amazing.  Gd is real and Gd is faithful and He is eagerly meeting with his people over here.  I personally believe that a new awakening is about to happen here in Vietnam.  There is a groundswell in the undrgrnd chrch and a critical mass is about to be reached.  It feels to me much the same as Cambodia 10 years ago.

IMAG0580I have included two photos: one in Ho Chi Minh City in the school I was teaching there, and another from today in a different city (name withheld).  Security for the believers in non-approved religions is always an issue, and I know that several of the people I have worked with have been arrested in the past.  So, they cover up as much of my “white-ness” as possible, then take me to the meeting place.  While there I stay inside and away from windows, and then they shuttle me back to my hotel afterwards (I’m the one on the back!).  Fun times. We might think that it’s hard to live like that, but in a strange way we should be jealous of these people: Gd loves to break-through in the persecuted church, and the revelation, passion and zeal they have is something to aspire to.

IMAG0585Blessings to you all,

JW

 

Mission Accomplished October 29, 2012

Filed under: DTS Equip,Family,Photos,Updates — GoWests! @ 11:28 pm

We are home now and sitting near our fire trying to keep warm, as there was a carpet of white snow to welcome us home! Samuel put it well when he declared, “It’s weird Mom, yesterday we were soooo hot, and today we are soooo cold!”

Our time in Cambodia ended on such a high note! So much was accomplished in the lives of the Equip group (42 people serving throughout Southeast Asia). Our work there was incredibly rewarding- seeing fruit daily in lives of leaders and staff that we know are already multiplying into others. But it was terribly sad leaving our close friends and co-workers. Certainly our hardest departure, as God has knitted our hearts with so many in the region.

There are piles of things to be thankful for, and one is our prayer and financial support team. Thank you. We have made a big impact together! We were told by Cambodians, Vietnamese, and Thais, that the fruit of the last 2 months of training will be seen for years to come. We have done well.

One highlight came through our mode of transportation – the TukTuk. A young man called Borat was our TukTuk driver….and he became a Christian! After he had been driving our family around Battambang for several weeks, Jeremy stayed up late one night talking with him and then a couple days later, Jeremy and some friends met with him and he committed his life to Christ! People have been witnessing to him for a while already and Jeremy got to be involved in the harvest! Borat shared with his Buddhist Mom, and she is accepting his decision. This is so rare, and so we know she is coming to Jesus next!

Here we are with Borat, our brother in Christ!

Another highlight was the outreach we did in a nearby slum. People came to know Jesus and felt the love of God for the first time. One woman in her 70’s has decided to follow Jesus…because when some Equip participants prayed for her, she was healed of blindness!

Following are some photos from this slum which convey more than words!

Samuel making balloon animals for the kids in the slum.

Playing Games

We handed out plates of food to all who came to the gospel presentation. It was sweet bbq corn, sweet pineapple, and sweet coconut jelly. I loved it because they were hearing sweet news about a Savior who loves them!

Jeremy chatting with some Cambodian Soldiers across the alley from the gospel presentation

And now a couple family shots….

Eden turned 5

A Khmer friend climbed a coconut palm and gave one to Joel…who loved it.

…He also ate a roasted cricket =(((

God was absolutely faithful to our family and to the people he loves in Southeast Asia.

Thanks for being our friends and for being committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. It truly is transforming people and nations!

Love ~ Jeremy & Molly, Samuel, Joel and Eden

 

Family Update, BTown 2012 September 30, 2012

Filed under: Family,Photos,Uncategorized,Updates — GoWests! @ 12:15 am

Family Update

We have been here in Cambodia 4 weeks, and are undoubtedly walking in the grace of God!  Despite all the challenges in the areas of comfort and convenience, (oh, and injuries) we are having fun, laughing a lot, and growing together as a family as we minister in the third world.

A few days ago, Samuel realized we are half way through our time here, and he offered his opinion that we should probably stay longer!  Wow!

Highlights as a family so far would certainly include the boys fishing adventures.  They got a hold of some bamboo poles, fishing line, and hooks, and away they went!  They love fishing in the pond here on base.  Their first attempt yielded 6 fish, which they handed over to some Kmai staff to eat when the base kitchen is closed!  Their second day was 10 fish, and we have stopped counting since.  I love how their new hobby is supporting Kmai missionaries =))

Another family highlight would be eating at Café Eden.   Our lovely friend Anna has established an amazing café – some of the best eats in Battambang!  40 % of the profits go to supporting Kmai staff, and 25% towards new ministries starting up, so it feels reasonable to eat delicious food and put our money towards that every now and then!  Eden happens to like the name too…

Arriving by TukTuk to Café Eden.  This is how Battambang rolls!

Getting back to basics has been a family highlight as well.  The joy of playing games together and finding creative things to do is a good change from the usual go-to’s at home, ie..the Wii!  Games like, “Don’t touch the ground” can last for hours!!

We got to visit one of the many crocodile farms in the city…they are farmed to sell to Thailand for leather, meat, etc.  It was creepy and shocking really, to discover a person’s yard filled with hundreds, yes hundreds, of crocodiles!  I certainly would not want to live next door!

Check out this short clip of the Crocodile Farm!

A river runs thru Battambang, which Eden has named the Chocolate Milk River=)

It is such a privilege to be here and be part of fulfilling God’s dreams for Cambodia and beyond.  While we miss the comforts of home, God is faithful in reminding us that investing in His Kingdom guarantees the best return!!

Fun Fact #1:  In about 10 days the DTS here leaves for India, Laos, and Tajikistan!  God is raising up Cambodian missionaries! And sending them into all the world!!

Fun Fact #2:  Izzy, a gal from Washington state, is co-leading the outreach to India.  Izzy was in a DTS we led in MT 4 years ago!  God called her back long term, and Jeremy and I couldn’t be more proud of her obedience and love for Cambodia.  This is what we call in YWAM, a big paycheck!

Thank you for your prayers, here are a couple ideas, if you would like them…

–          We have been to the hospital twice already (Eden’s sliced under her chin, and Joel his lower back) and we would prefer to avoid that in the last month!

–          Joel has been struggling a bit with taking deep breaths.  This may be asthma or an indicator or stress..

–          Eyes for all 5 of us to see God’s beauty here and opportunities to show love to our Equip class, to folks on campus, and to those we encounter in the streets.

–         Cambodia and Southeast Asia were designed to glorify God!  Join us in prayer for this!

 

Scratching the itch in Eastern Europe and Russia! April 23, 2012

Filed under: DTS Equip,Updates — GoWests! @ 9:58 pm

Hello All!

There is an itch, and we get to be a part of scratching it!!
After Jesus rose from the dead, he directed us to go into all the world and MAKE DISCIPLES of all nations.

Our EQUIP program is a response to this Great Commission – scratching the itch so to speak – as there is a desperate need for leadership training in the area of discipleship in eastern Europe and Russia.

Currently we are midway through the EQUIP “Multiplier” –  a leadership school focused on equipping trainers.  We are extremely pleased to share with you about the team of people we have in this program.  Leaders from many parts of Ukraine and Russia have come to Lakeside for 6 weeks of training.  The really exciting part is that this crew will be multiplying the Equip program in Ukraine – to be a resource for Eastern Europe and Russia!  We are so impressed by the caliber of people and their long term commitment in their region.  They are planning to run the first DTS Equip in Ternopil, Ukraine in 2013.

We think this calls for celebration!!

A big THANK YOU to those who pray for us and support us financially.  You are a huge part of our team, and this is your fruit too!!

Join us in praying for effective leadership development and disciples to be multiplied through these saints in Eastern Europe and Russia!

 

Cub Scouts, Birthdays, Buckingham Palace and more! April 1, 2012

Filed under: Family,Uncategorized,Updates — GoWests! @ 10:56 pm

It sure has been an exciting first quarter of 2012 for our family!

Our boys are Cub Scouts!  In their uniforms, they are hands-down the cutest! They have been busy earning badges which has involved charting nutrition (wake up call to mom to provide more produce!), talking with elders at church about faith, creating collages on being good citizens, speaking with an attorney (Papa Craig!), and much more. A highlight was the Pinewood Derby – taking a block of wood and making it into a race car, which they then raced against other Scouts in the valley. Jeremy and the boys even made the newspaper!  Samuel’s car was named Qantas, and Joel’s was named Slug Bug.  (See a newspaper photo here)

In February, Samuel turned 10 and Joel turned 8. We took them up our local ski mountain for lessons – Joel in skiing, and Samuel in snowboarding. They were awesome! Joel says skiing was really fun and easy =), and Samuel persevered a tough but fun first time on a snowboard.

Last month Samuel placed 2nd in his school science fair!! His project was called, “Boiling up the Mountain”, and he researched the way elevation affects the boiling point of water. So we may have another budding scientist in the family! Samuel also loves learning music on the recorder. He is progressing so well and really loves to play…Ode to Joy, Oh when the Saints, America…, and we love to listen!! He is in the top two of 60 fourth graders. But what I love most about Samuel (this month) is the grateful heart I see naturally coming out of him. He is absolutely awesome at saying, “Thank you, thanks Dad, thanks Mom”, thanking people in stores, even thanking his brother and sister.

Joel is quite the clever second grader. His teacher tells me that despite his dreamy nature, he is especially quick to grasp new concepts in math and he reads way above grade level. Joel is still in a shy season, but boy you should see him go crazy on the Wii! He bounces up and down in the air, squealing and shouting the WHOLE time! Joel picked up skiing so easily and was taking runs all over the mountain! And what I love most about Joel (this month) is how he hugs and cuddles us! He squeezes tightly and then does a little pat on our heads or our backs!! Precious. And when we say, “I love you Joel”. He sweetly says, “I know” =))

Then there is Eden, aka Bossy Boots, Dolly, Princess, the Pink Explosion, Peanut, and Missy Moo! In Preschool, she is perfecting her letters and enjoying story time and art the most. Eden loves coloring, playing house, bossing the dog around (since she is older than him!), playing with her Rapunzel doll while wearing her Rapunzel dress, and helping Mommy cook. If I grab the garlic, she grabs the garlic press. If I scoop out four, she brings the mixing spoon. I have an awesome assistant!! What I love most about Eden (this month), is how she reminds me daily through her actions that time spent together is time best spent!!

As we were in England last month for meetings, Jeremy and I got 2 days in London to enjoy the city!! We were able to float down the Thames, tour the Tower of London, appreciate the grandeur of Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, saw a show in the West End, chillax in a couple of British pubs, ride in red double decker buses, travel underground in the tube (pronounced “chewb”), pass through the Queen’s Galleria to see a most amazing exhibition on Sir Ernest Shalckelton and Scott, and race through the British Museum. We were blessed to stay with friends we worked with in Kona years ago. Love how our work gives us lifelong friends around the globe!  And let’s us travel the globe!

And that a wrap!!

 

God is on the move.. March 20, 2012

Filed under: DTS,DTS Equip,Updates — GoWests! @ 8:07 pm

Greetings Friends!

It has been a busy and fruitful beginning to 2012!  We are so privileged to serve the King of all Kings and to be part of the gospel reaching the ends of the earth!

Recently, the Montana DTS had amazing outreaches to Thailand, India, and Malaysia.

Malaysia highlight – Our team of young people found themselves staying in a red light district area.  So they began reaching out to the sexually broken and drug addicts.  The team made a couple key discoveries as they entered this challenging atmosphere.  1.  Don’t dress nice, dress like a traveler (sorta hippy) and they will be more open!  2.  Invite them out for a meal – food is a way to their hearts!  These discoveries led to times of prayer and sharing the very good news of Jesus!  The team was able to share these keys (dress like a hippy and feed them) with some local Malay Christians who have since carried on evangelism and discipelship in that area!

India – Our DTS team prayed for the sick and they were healed!  These signs and wonders led to commitments to follow Christ!  Check out an amazing youtube clip this team made while in India at  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufamfjvyoVM   You don’t want to miss it!

Thailand -The harvest is ripe!  This team experienced God’s favor, bringing hundreds of people to concerts they were giving and being able to share about Jesus from the stage as well as one on one to countless young Thais!  One of the leaders, a friend, said it was particularly difficult to bring the team home.  She just wanted to stay!  Being a part of turning someone’s eternal destiny heavenward is a pretty rewarding job =)

We love being a part of equipping these DTS staff for leadership, and the impact they have in the nations.  We have been able to teach/train here in MT with the DTS and Dance school, as well as Cimarron and Colorado Springs in Colorado with the DTS and School of Biblical Studies staff.  We also participated in the International DTS Centre meetings in England, which boosted our faith and reminded us of the importance of our work.

Next week we begin “The Multiplier”. This is a version of our 6-week leadership school, DTS Equip, created for advanced trainers and leaders so that they can be equipped to plant the program in their regions. A small group of trainers is coming specifically to  take it to… Ukraine & the Caribbean!  We are so thankful that God is raising up trainers to strengthen discipleship in the nations! This year alone we are running 3 DTS Equip leadership programs: the Multiplier, DTS Equip in Montana in June, and then again in Cambodia in September.  (PS. Plans are emerging for even more leadership development in other nations in 2013, but more about that later!)

 

Q & A December 21, 2011

Filed under: Updates — GoWests! @ 11:39 am

Hi everyone.

Being the end of the financial year, I received a question about giving. We seldom talk about money, but I thought I would quickly make a comment here. This is not an appeal, but some helpful info’ for those who are interested.

Here is the USA, we can offer tax-deductible receipts if donations are made through YWAM. We can still produce these receipts for 2011 if we process your donations by January10th. Date your checks within 2011, and then have them arrive by January10th. Please email or call us for more info. You can also talk to our accounting department directly for credit transactions.

Other ways of giving are via Paypal. Additionally, some like to give directly to external ministry we do, such as Cambodia, travelling, teaching etc. If you prefer you can give directly into an account I have set up for that: “Missions Assist”. Ask me for more details, or see our “Join The Team” page on this site.

 

Ministry Update – Final quarter 2011! December 20, 2011

Filed under: Updates — GoWests! @ 11:24 am

Well, here we are at the end of 2011. Since my last ministry update in September there has been quite a lot of activity both with ministry as well as family. This blog will cover work, the next family.

September: SBS leadership training in Cambodia In September I wrote to you from Cambodia, beginning a week of training with their School Of Biblical Studies staff and leaders. These workers and dear friends continue to impress me with their passion, commitment and skill. Some of them I have known since their entry into ministry, even leading their DTS’s. Now they are leading others in comprehensive study of the entire Bible, in foreign cultures. Not only teaching how to study and interpret the Bible, but they are also discipling at a personal level, day to day. My role was to engage with these leaders prior to the school in areas of leadership and discipling skills. I don’t exaggerate when I say that it was my privilege to be there.

On a related note, many of you know that we pioneered the first DTS Equip (leadership school) there last year. I just heard a great report and encouragement from a colleague involved in senior leadership development and coaching who just returned from Battambang a few weeks ago. She told me that Even though she didn’t know the individuals she was working with personally, she could see a discernible difference  among many in the group: an ability to think implicationally, decision-making skills, interaction ability, maturity.  After more time with them (and some questions) she discovered why. These stand-out leaders had been exposed to the development and training of DTS Equip. Being able to recognize lasting fruit is always a rush. This is a huge answer to prayer, and effort. God is doing good stuff out there.

October: Oregon and Colorado In the first part of October I traveled to Oregon to another of YWAM’s training locations to teach in a Basic Leadership School.  Again, this is one of those opportunities that really bring me life: training emerging leaders. I love to confront their definitions and identities of leadership that have been “absorbed” from their culture and world. Identities of position, status, power and control. While we would never think we behave according to such definitions, the subtlety of  a non-Biblical worldview that we are bombarded with every day in our culture affect us in often hidden or disguised ways. With all of our complex and sophisticated teachings on leadership, it’s amazing how quickly we forget to remain as followers first; disciples ourselves, always. With this in hand we talk about the transforming truth of Grace – the bedrock of our faith, and identities in Christ. From there, the necessity to hold fast to our true identities as children of God, and disciples first, always. If we aspire to lead, we must learn how to be followers, again.  The remainder of the week focused on other leadership skills and discipleship training.

The last part of the month took me to a Discipleship Training School in Colorado. My week of teaching there was entitled, “The Cost of Discipleship”. Again, truths of grace, identity, disicpleship, followership, and ultimately, friendship with God.

November: Montana, School Of Worship

A first time for me, I taught in one of YWAM’s School of Worship. I was asked to deliver several core messages on disicpleship that affect leadership. Addressing the group as disciples and leaders (regardless of ministry focus or expertise) allowed us to dig deep into identity, decision-making, leadership and calling.

Involvement in Base Leadership : Montana Base Council

Molly and I have been appointed to our YWAM base leadership council. This is a group of 12 who provide overall direction, accountability, and eldership.  Since June of this year we have been extremely busy. While leadership always appears glorious to the outsider, as we know, promotion always increases responsibility, and a multitude of opportunities for personal growth. Our journey on the Council has been no different! We have traversed ground ranging from the privilege of sending teams and resources around the world, to caring for others with serious illness. It has been an interesting ride. I will simply say that we are blessed to live and serve with such wonderful people as we do here in YWAM Montana.

Overall… I would simply say this: that the last quarter has taken me to some very pointed “growth” areas personally, as well as being used to develop and disciple others.

Thanks for following with us, and I apologize for the sparsity of updates. Perhaps 2012 will include a communication resolution?  Blessings, and Merry Christmas!

JW