Biblical Perspectives for Transforming Nations (BPTN)

“These YWAM Bible Schools will take you by the hand and lead you into the truths of God’s Word and why the Word of God literally changes lives and changes nations. Learn it. Live it. Become a living Word.” — Loren Cunningham, Founder of YWAM

“For me BPTN was a very good step up after BSN, as I had a big problem of secular/sacred, BPTN help to bridge that and I now see that all spheres and domains of society are altars that I can build, if I am dong any, to worship God and also to bless other people. God has called me to build His kingdom and it can be in any sphere of society, it doesn’t have to be only church.”–Elisante Sande

“As someone who had been in ministry with YWAM for several years, in a number of leadership roles, BPTN challenged me to think with a more infinite (Biblical, God-like) perspective. As we looked at church history, I was inspired by the large scale transformations of nations and culture that God has carried out as people partnered with Him. It was also sobering to consider the implications and repercussions of their actions which were not according to God’s character. I now consider the impact, both positive and negative, that my actions, ministry, and means of ministry could have 10, 50, or even 500 years from now, if the Lord should tarry. I am confident that every area of society can be transformed and bring glory to God if we are willing to seek Him, learn about and engage with Him in all these areas.” — Dan McCoy

“For me, the BPTN continued to illuminate the beauty of the character of God. As we studied His ways in bringing His kingdom and the goodness of His design for each sphere of society, I saw that as we partner with His ways, even imperfectly, the result is increased liberty and life. This school left me with great hope that the possibility for transformation is very real. The BPTN also sharpened my ability to think about the world in a way that is in alignment with truth. As I told one of my friends, ‘I feel like I’m actually thinking like a Christian for the first time!’. Not because I’m trying to have a ‘correct’ worldview, but because I actually believe it for myself.” — Elizabeth Johnson

Bible School for the Nations (BSN)

“During BSN, I fell in love with God in a new way.  I came to realize that God is consistent from the Old to New Testament, and that his love for people is overwhelming. I saw God’s heart for people, specifically His heart for me.  I found freedom I never knew I could have. I would recommend BSN to anyone who wants to know God not only through the truth of the Word, but through transformation in their own heart.” — Chris

“I wanted to do this school because I want to understand more clearly how God sees the world and how he disciples people and nations.” — Emma

“BSN is more exciting than what I had expected. My knowledge of God is getting deeper and wider. It’s not just about knowledge. I feel God’s presence through these times. I heard God is love in the Old Testament, but I couldn’t feel or see it. But through these last few weeks in the BSN, I could see God’s character in context. He was, and IS, love! Then and now!” — Gyeong

“I’m here because as I was progressing through DTS I realized that there was so much I simply didn’t know. I came to BSN because I wanted to learn about the things I’d been questioning.  I feel called to be a teacher and leader, so when God told me this school was right from me I was super excited!” — Rynn

“God called me to come to the BSN to equip me with the tools to teach the nations how the Bible can effect every area of their nation.” — Caleb

“Even though I was already a Christian, I didn’t feel like I had a firm foundation. I worshiped him but I didn’t feel like it was real inside. I really appreciate the core themes in the BSN about who God is, who we are, and what it means to follow him. I feel like I finally understand what God did for me through the cross.” — Dow

Discipleship Training School (DTS)

“I could be at home watching TV, driving to work… but God gave me this perfect adventure. I wouldn’t trade a single bucket shower or rickshaw ride for all the beef and denim in the world.” — Hattie, Children at Risk DTS 2008

“I couldn’t think of anything better to have done. When I went home, people told me, ‘You’re so different!'” — DTS 2008 student

“I really liked DTS. So did my parents. This was a time from God for me. My parents say I’m changing. They are very happy.” — DTS 2008 student

“DTS was a real training ground. I learned things here I haven’t anywhere else. It changed my life – how I think about God and my purpose. It helped me find my calling.” — DTS 2006 student

“DTS really helped me go deeper, go places many Christians never do.” — DTS 2006 student

“DTS is the most amazing time in your life…My personality hasn’t changed, but my “center” isn’t the same. My heart has changed and now I can begin to understand my personality. I now feel I can seek God.” — Hee Young, summer 2007 DTS

“At first I was confused about why the DTS staff and leaders worked so hard. This was foreign to me. Growing up, I was told to study hard so I won’t have to do all the physical work like cleaning, doing dishes, etc. I see now that my training may not be right. In DTS I learned to cook, clean. That makes me healthier and better able to understand others. I used to disrespect laborers. Not now. Everyone is valuable.” — Chinese DTS 2006 student

“My heart has changed for the nations. Now I look outside of my own life and comfort zone  and want to reach into others’ lives.” — Luke, 2011 UDTS student

“I wish I had done the DTS earlier. Throughout this summer, I realized that it’s ok if I don’t do things the same way everyone else does. Following God’s desire for my life has given me confidence and peace that I’ve never had before.” — Jen, 2011 UDTS student

“I’ve developed a strong foundation in God’s character and how to have a relationship with him in every area of life. I learned that what I do is significant, no matter where I am. There’s not one calling that’s better than another.” — Tim, 2011 UDTS student

Internships

“YWAM Madison has offered me tremendous spiritual growth as I have been getting a flavor for who they are and participating in their various ministries. The very core of who they are is knowing God and making Him known to others. Relationship with Jesus and hearing God’s voice are foundational to everything that happens here.

One of my great paradigm shifts has been in praying with YWAMers—and there is a lot of prayer that happens here! Here they believe that God has a bigger heart for people than even we do and that God knows the right strategies to reach them. So, instead of coming up with all our great ideas and hoping God will bless them, they really seek to hear God to learn what He wants to do. Every event and meeting they do involves a great deal of hearing from God.

YWAM values a live-learn lifestyle, so ministry is hands-on and relational. A comment I have heard several times the past few months is that discipleship happens in the kitchen during clean-up and meal prep. There is a focus on simply doing life together and hanging out. It has been really nice living in community. I get to live and eat and work alongside the people to whom I am ministering.”

Bethany, Summer/Fall ’08 Campus Intern

Mission Adventures

“I am really trusting God more from the things I learned from the teachings at boot camp and from experiencing living for God in St. Lucia. I can’t change anything that has happened in my past, but I can decide how I’m going to live my life now and in the future. I went to St. Lucia, listened and talked to people about God and said my testimony. If I can do that hundreds of miles from my home, I can do it here. From going on Mission Adventures I’m really ready to face the challenges in High School because I know that God will be with me every step of the way.” — Aspen

“During encounter night, I started crying and couldn’t stop. I had hidden my tears from others the whole week, and it was scary to let them be shown to the whole group. God spoke to the most hurt, hidden places inside me and I realized I was scared and felt unworthy of God’s love and the relationship He wanted to have with me. It’s still super scary, but after sharing with my group and being encouraged and prayed for, I realized that this was the first foothold on a huge mountain God and I get to climb together through His awesome mighty and love.”

“Deep things were shared about each one of us that we had never thought we’d ever speak out loud. We found ourselves in a circle in praying for each other’s deepest fears and pains. It felt like the city I’d built around my heart had collapsed, but instead of being attacked, I was embraced.”

“I found freedom during quiet time through applying the teachings to my walk with God. I have never experienced anything like YWAM. This experience has been like being able to experience the early church – how the church is supposed to be. It is true faith lived out in action. I have felt so incredibly safe here, so loved, and taken care of. I have a good life and home, but I don’t want this to end. It’s amazing!”

“I think we had great staff. They were always there to help. They knew what to say. There was a friendship and at the same time we respected them. It was a really cool relationship.” — Melody

“Mission Adventures is awesome. Everyone should do it. You make so many friends. There’s no judgement there.” — Kelsey

“The funniest moment was when the scorpion was in the girls’ bathroom at one o’clock in the morning. … It was funny to see all the girls scream.” Courtney & Angel

“Mission Adventures is different than other camp or mission trip. They teach you because they know you could make a difference. They don’t treat you like a child who doesn’t know anything. They let you express how God’s working in your life.” — Shelby

Phos

“I feel so lucky to live in this house…I love the way we all influence one another for good. I have friends who live in co-ops and oftentimes their community falls apart. I realized it’s a miracle to see all these cultures and ages live together and get along.” — Daniel

“Before I moved into the house, I was very proud and spiritually dry. At the Phos House, I found out how to live as a Christian. And I even found out that Christianity can be fun! I learned to be humble and to bring my faith to those around me.” – Shirley

“I am so thankful for all of the support from each person in the house. It’s such a counter-cultural thing. Most of the world just cares about themselves, but in our house we have so many people who look out for one another.” – Gareth

Outreach

“It’s amazing what happened on this trip! I can have a relationship with God. He does hear me and he’s always there for me.”  — Michi

“This was my first trip out of the country and learning about other cultures.  When we were at the chuch, we played with the kids who didn’t have many material possessions but yet they were so happy.  And when we played with them we couldn’t speak very much but we communicated through smiles.  And when we painted their building it was a way we could love the people with what we had.” – Heidi