Experience Christ
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Hi, I’m Merissa Letander from Sagkeeng First Nation. A few years ago I met a group called Island Breeze and they were in the Outreach phase of their DTS or Discipleship Training School. So one night I met with the school leaders, Isi & Tessa Masi, and they discussed the possibility of doing DTS sometime in the future. That time came in May 2013. I was excited and happy but also very timid and hesitant. I didn’t know what I was in for exactly and that scared me, but that’s just my personality. I had this idea of what DTS was going to be but it was so much more because God had a different plan. I didn’t know that I had just begun walking this path that God had set out for me, one that was going to be difficult but awesome because it was a path of healing, forgiveness, and finding who I am in Christ. That very first week of lecture phase God was like, “Ok, first things first, we need to deal with this and I’m going to help you and love you through it all. You can trust me.”. So I did, each week I took a step further and by the end of outreach I had gained so much healing and restoration within. I wouldn’t be where I am had I not trusted God and was not willing to take that first step of Faith in doing DTS. If you’re at that point of not knowing what to do and you are meant to be, I encourage you to try DTS. Take that step of Faith in discovering who you are meant to be in Christ, you’ll be amazed at what God will do if you just trust Him and follow where He leads.

1 Corinthians 3.13 says, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” God is love and He loves you like no other, let Him love you.

Tansi! My name is Dean Garrioch. Since I have completed DTS, I felt it was time for me to go back home to Cross Lake and explore deeply who Creator made me to be. It has been three years since I graduated from DTS and there are many instances where I recall what I’ve experienced during my time there, that helped me prepare for what I am doing now. If any Native guy or girl is reading this right now and is thinking of attending DTS, I can confidently say that DTS will shape you and prepare you for what may come on your journey after you complete it.

Hi there, my name is Amberlee Masi and I attended the Island Breeze Manitoba Discipleship Training School in 2013.
I went into this school thinking “God, what else is there really to learn? I’ve gone to church my whole life and I know all about you.”
I really did know a lot “about” God, but DTS showed me that knowing “about” God just isn’t enough. I needed to know Him personally.
During the second week of lecture phase, God unquestionably spoke to me. His words to me were so personal, that I could no longer deny His desire for me to really wholeheartedly seek a relationship with Him. My life was forever changed.
Since then, I have continued to experience more revelation and understanding of our Heavenly Father and His goodness and unconditional love for us as His unique and precious creations.

Hi, my name is Paul and I’m from Alberta. Before I came to DTS I had a narrow perception on how and where God works. God showed me, in everything I do, he wants to work on every aspect of my life.
God showed me this when I was in DTS lecture phrase. We learned about the 7 mountains of the Kingdom of God.
The 7 mountains represent 7 main aspects of our society; Religion, Government, Business, Family, Education, Media, Arts & Entertainment.
In this teaching, it talks about how we need to have people who love God and live their lives dedicated to God in all these regions of society to influence and change the world. God also wants every part of our lives surrendered to him.
After DTS God has shown me that my job is my missions field.
God has also given me the boldness to ask some of my other coworkers about their faith, and I have been encouraged to hear that a few of them are Christians! God is so good and I’m looking forward to what he has for me now and in the future!

Hi, my name is Teesha and I’m from Whitedog, Ontario.
Through DTS, I have been through so much and I overcame tough battles. I thank God for the strength he has given me. I feel so blessed to have been part of the Island Breeze DTS for 5 months. I am definitely not the person I was 5 months ago. My opinion on God has changed, I look up to him as He is my father and He’s been so good! He has answered my prayers in my time of need. I have grown so much being here. I have been given grace, love, understanding, and forgiveness. I will treasure this experience I have in my heart forever and these people I have grown with will be in my heart forever. What I have experienced and done here won’t stop. I’m inspired to help in my community and surrounding communities. It won’t be easy but hey, great things don’t come easy. With God, it’s all worth it.

Hi, I’m Joel from Steinbach.
My experience with Island Breeze’s Discipleship Training School was an amazing experience. My highlights of DTS were making new friends, learning about new cultures like First Nations and Fijian culture, learning the Father Heart of God, Sonship, Identity, Worship, Hearing the Voice of God, and traveling to the islands of Fiji. Although I had many highlights during my time here, I have learned that I am very creative, loving, kind, giving, and have the heart of a Lion. God has given me a blessed life with family, friends, and mentors. I am thankful that God has saved me from my past and darkness. I am a new clean person moving forward, and he has given me a group of youth to run today. I encourage you to do a DTS – it’s a life-changing experience. The door is open to you, and God is waiting for you. Remember God loves you always. Have a blessed life.

Tansi, my name is Danielle Bellegarde of Little Black Bear First Nation.
Coming to DTS I was completely naive about anything religious. All I’ve known was from a few times I went to church. However, during DTS I’ve learned so much more about the Bible and of God than I could have ever imagined. Before DTS I was angry and lost, and I didn’t know how to express my feelings or how to ask God for help. Throughout it all, I’ve learned way more about myself and I’ve learned to love myself the way God sees me. Not only did I come out feeling light and refreshed, but I also became more aware of myself and of God.
I’ve made friends and family I didn’t know I could have. I’ve been to places I’ve never dreamed of going to before, and I’ve opened my eyes to the possibilities that are before me. I laughed and I cried, and just prayed way more than I have in the years leading up to DTS. Truthfully, I would recommend everyone do a DTS at some point in their life.

Hi, my name is Emily and I’m from Ontario.
My entire DTS experience was like nothing I’ve ever done in my life.
I’ve grown up going to church and surrounded by Christian family and friends, and yet this was the first time I’ve ever been bold in my faith and stepped out to do something incredibly adventurous, completely relying on God to guide me.
Throughout the experience, there were challenges, tough questions to answer, and a lot of self-identification, but I came out of it so much more confident in my faith and my relationship with God. This experience showed me how important having a unique relationship with your Heavenly Father is and how amazing life can be when you step out in faith. God has blessed me richly through joining YWAM with new lifetime friends, amazing memories, and a renewed relationship with my Lord and Saviour and I’m so thankful for that.