Here in Nuremberg, YWAM does 3 things:
1. Make Missionaries
2. Make Disciples
3. Build Communities
One way we make missionaries is through our Discipleship Training Schools (DTS) I’m living proof of this! My DTS began in March 2020 and by the time it came to an end I’d made the decision to give my whole life to God and whatever He was calling me to. For me, that looked like becoming a missionary, traveling and living in Brazil for 6 months, and now living in Germany, working with YWAM, and helping disciple others to see the call that God has put on their life… whatever that may be.
DTSs are one of the main ways we make disciples, but we see it happen in our friendships and staff community as well. It was through the DTS staff and leaders that God showed me what a sacrificial life looks like (Romans 12). With encouragement and help from God, and the people that discipled me in that DTS season, when I felt led to become a missionary, I did. Today I choose to continue allowing my friends and fellow staff to disciple me, and I them. And it is a joy to invite others to be part of this discipleship process.
We love to foster and champion the God given ideas our team members have. One of the many ways I’ve seen this play out is through the Ukraine Relief work in 2022. I have seen how big of an impact this had, not only on the people we are helping, but also in our community. Churches and individuals from the Nuremberg area, and even other countries, have come to volunteer, cook, or bring donations. It’s so incredible to see how God can move in a difficult situation like this one to bring people together, build communities, and show His love.
Another way we love to help build community is by sharing meals together. Every Wednesday we have "community lunches“ where we all come together with our families and also our new Ukraine friends. Food connects everyone. One time I was talking to a friend who had come to help cook for the Ukrainian refugees living in the YWAM Center… she told me how much she loved to see us all, the YWAM staff and Ukrainians refugees, sitting and eat together. "It’s like you all are a big family… it makes me feel right at home!" Crazy how God can use the simplest thing to touch someone’s life.
I hope these stories from my experiences in being part of YWAM help paint a picture of what YWAM staff does. Just a few of the examples of how we make missionaries, make disciples, and build communities here at YWAM in Nuremberg.
Are you curious to learn more about YWAM and how to get involved? A Discipleship Training School is a great place to learn more and get involved in world missions.