Hey there! There have been a few changes in my mission trip and I am so happy to share them with you! Originally I planned on leaving in June for Melbourne, Australia to attend the Arts Discipleship Training School (DTS). However, after I got that acceptance letter I couldn’t help but continue to think of the Music & Worship DTS that I came across at the end of November. I pushed that idea away because I had already applied to the Arts DTS, but for some reason (God’s reason) I could not stop thinking of this one. I spoke with (who would have been my leader) James, and he encouraged me to pray and decide which direction to take because ultimately this trip is to further build my relationship with God. If Toowoomba was the city I felt called to he would be happy to send my application over to them...and that’s just what I did :)
This following quote is directly from their website to further share with you what I would be getting involved in. “The Music & Worship DTS is a 5 month long program created to strengthen your relationship with God while finding purpose in the field of music & worship ministry. This school is specifically for singers (vocalists) & musicians and those passionate about supporting musicians in ministry (photographers, sound engineers, graphic designers etc). If you are a singer or worship leader but don’t play an instrument, you are still more than welcome to be a part of the school!” Even though the Arts DTS had musicians as part of their group, this DTS is “specifically for singers...who don’t play an instrument” which is me :)! I would still spend 3 months in Australia but only 2 months in the ‘Outreach Phase.‘ The outreach phase was going to take place in Thailand however, Thailand’s Government is declaring a state of emergency to civil unrest in the country. This being said, the ministry has decided to no longer send teams there unless there is a dramatic change in the next 4 months. Currently, they are praying about sending us to either Taiwan or possibly Malaysia. All this begin said, it would be a total of 5 months instead of the 6 (I would leave at the end of July instead of June and still return around December 14th). As a result, it is a bit cheaper however I am going to keep my goal of $10,000 the same. The Music DTS already shared with me the many areas of additional cost. I hope this letter gives you a better insight into the plans the Lord has for me after graduation. I am accepted into this program and I already sent them the “Acceptance of Placement” form and deposit! Thank you for your continuing prayer and support!
Blessings, Kristen Anne Doull
P.S. I am taking a group guitar course at CSUCI so I will actually have some background before I take off!
