After twelve weeks of learning, over 200 hours of classroom time, fourteen other students, and twelve different speakers from all over the world-I have finished my second YWAM School called SBFM (Studies of Biblical Foundations and Missions).
I was blessed to take the first SBFM that took place in Asia. This school was pioneered from the Maui YWAM base that I work for, and will continue to grow as God directs. The base was in a location that seemed to "hide" our purpose from the government-isn't God AWESOME?! He has been so faithful to provide for this new school, and also faithful to work in each of the students' (and staff's!) hearts and lives.
On a more personal level, I would like to share a bit what God has been doing in my life with you! First, this step of obedience to take SBFM was God building my faith BIG TIME. Because I still feel like a beginner at hearing His voice, I was often scared that I had heard Him wrong about going TO Asia to take this school. This left me with questions such as: "Lord, is this REALLY You telling me to GO?" or "What if I don't get enough money to pay for the tuition required?". Because of these questions, it brought me to a state of dependency on the Lord more than ever before... and He was faithful to direct and provide for my EVERY step. Even before the school He grew and stretched me in many ways that I am so thankful for. He is such a good Father!
Within SBFM, He has transformed my heart and mind in many ways. Everything I learned would be too much to write in this blog, so I will limit to a few main points. :) This school teaches the importance of living in both Spirit and Truth, applying a Biblical worldview within all areas of our lives, then taking this truth into the world. One of my favorite weeks taught by Andy Byrd, was about the importance of spiritual discipline motivated from intimacy with the Lord, and not motivated to gain His love. That week helped me see areas in my life that I try to "do" things in my life to feel good enough for God's love, instead of doing them as a natural result from His love. Isn't it funny how we can hear all our lives how much God loves us and nothing we can do or not do will change that, YET our minds and hearts can believe different things? We tell non-Christians that they can't earn their salvation, yet we as Christians easily fall into the same mindset without realizing it. This released more joy and intimacy in my life because of His love for me and desire for intimacy with Him.
I also learned the foundations of many world religions, along with the results from these worldviews. This helped me understand more fully why Christianity is the only Truth, and what makes Jesus the only way. Questions such as: "What makes Jesus so special?", "Did Jesus really die for my sins and also living today?", or "Can't people just believe in whatever religion they want and eventually get to the same place?". This school definitely challenged deep questions that need to be answered! From what I have learned, I feel more equipped to witness to people within other religions.
There is much more I learned, and am so honored that God called me to the first SBFM in Asia. He has not only stretched my faith, but also grown my patience, my character, my love for Him and love for the people He calls me to reach. I have learned with my heart but also been open to change within my heart. And I want to express to YOU how thankful I am for your prayers and support that helped me walk in obedience to take this school! Your interest in my life has helped me so much, and I am beyond blessed. :)
So what am I up to now? I am visiting home unil August, and will return to Maui to continue my commitment with the YWAM base there. I still have a year and a half left (unless God calls me to a longer commitment :). My prayer is that I will allow God to use me wherever I am, and am excited to continue my YWAM commitment with a fresh love and new vision. So thanks once again! You are not only making an impact in my life, but the lives of many others as well. :)
I was blessed to take the first SBFM that took place in Asia. This school was pioneered from the Maui YWAM base that I work for, and will continue to grow as God directs. The base was in a location that seemed to "hide" our purpose from the government-isn't God AWESOME?! He has been so faithful to provide for this new school, and also faithful to work in each of the students' (and staff's!) hearts and lives.
On a more personal level, I would like to share a bit what God has been doing in my life with you! First, this step of obedience to take SBFM was God building my faith BIG TIME. Because I still feel like a beginner at hearing His voice, I was often scared that I had heard Him wrong about going TO Asia to take this school. This left me with questions such as: "Lord, is this REALLY You telling me to GO?" or "What if I don't get enough money to pay for the tuition required?". Because of these questions, it brought me to a state of dependency on the Lord more than ever before... and He was faithful to direct and provide for my EVERY step. Even before the school He grew and stretched me in many ways that I am so thankful for. He is such a good Father!
Within SBFM, He has transformed my heart and mind in many ways. Everything I learned would be too much to write in this blog, so I will limit to a few main points. :) This school teaches the importance of living in both Spirit and Truth, applying a Biblical worldview within all areas of our lives, then taking this truth into the world. One of my favorite weeks taught by Andy Byrd, was about the importance of spiritual discipline motivated from intimacy with the Lord, and not motivated to gain His love. That week helped me see areas in my life that I try to "do" things in my life to feel good enough for God's love, instead of doing them as a natural result from His love. Isn't it funny how we can hear all our lives how much God loves us and nothing we can do or not do will change that, YET our minds and hearts can believe different things? We tell non-Christians that they can't earn their salvation, yet we as Christians easily fall into the same mindset without realizing it. This released more joy and intimacy in my life because of His love for me and desire for intimacy with Him.
I also learned the foundations of many world religions, along with the results from these worldviews. This helped me understand more fully why Christianity is the only Truth, and what makes Jesus the only way. Questions such as: "What makes Jesus so special?", "Did Jesus really die for my sins and also living today?", or "Can't people just believe in whatever religion they want and eventually get to the same place?". This school definitely challenged deep questions that need to be answered! From what I have learned, I feel more equipped to witness to people within other religions.
There is much more I learned, and am so honored that God called me to the first SBFM in Asia. He has not only stretched my faith, but also grown my patience, my character, my love for Him and love for the people He calls me to reach. I have learned with my heart but also been open to change within my heart. And I want to express to YOU how thankful I am for your prayers and support that helped me walk in obedience to take this school! Your interest in my life has helped me so much, and I am beyond blessed. :)
So what am I up to now? I am visiting home unil August, and will return to Maui to continue my commitment with the YWAM base there. I still have a year and a half left (unless God calls me to a longer commitment :). My prayer is that I will allow God to use me wherever I am, and am excited to continue my YWAM commitment with a fresh love and new vision. So thanks once again! You are not only making an impact in my life, but the lives of many others as well. :)
~Violett
