After a month of development, we proudly can say Awaken Discipleship Training School name/branding/website is launched (www.awakendts.com). Formally known as Summer Classic DTS, the name Awaken seems more fitting for this school and its vision. Once we decided to change the name, we had quite a few options. All of them really needed to align with Andrew York’s vision (and YWAM vision and ultimately God’s vision) for the school. Here’s the story:
Andrew York (Awaken Leader) had carried the name Awaken for his set of ministries he set up. As the staff and leaders started praying and preparing for this year’s Classic DTS, we get a strong feeling that God is wanting to do more. The name Classic just didn’t sound right either. We started seeking another name and immediately things started happening that pointed to using Awaken. A friend of the School, Amy Solars, suggested the name Awaken Nations. Meanwhile, I started sketching designs and the only design that I could see working was with the name Awaken.
During a worship and prayer night, Sarah-Jo (Awaken Staff) felt the Lord leading her to write this:
because you are mine
chosen
loved
and my beloved
hand picked to change
yourself
others
the world
to be mine
to be loved
and forever changed
royalty
righteous
beauty
encouraged
for such a time as this
a celebration of jubilee
to walk with others
because you are mine.
a turning of the tide.
living water
covered in the blood
and protected by the armor
awakened by the spirit
on guard ALWAYS
ready for battle
ready to win
ready for eternal change
experiencing my
favor
fragrance
freshness
dreams
dream for more
MORE
you have yet to see what i will do
with you
through you
in you
awake my beloved
my bride
AWAKEN for you are MINE!
by Sarah Jo Sampson (Awaken Staff)
Months before the school started, staff were issued a set of questions on what God had for the school. Now we are going through these words we sought from God and many are lining up with the theme of Awakening.
For further refining of what God is saying about the school we were asked what Awaken means. Here’s my response:
Awaken is really what I experienced during my DTS. I was dead/asleep living life for money and trying to find the purpose and then God called me by shaking me awake and saying, “I’m God and I’m not asleep but very much alive! Now lets go awake the nations together.” The word “awaken” stirs my spirit! Now I can’t help but see these sleepers and soul searchers and I just want to shout, “What you are looking for is Jesus!” I love that Awaken almost demands a response. Who shall we awaken? Awaken hearts. Awaken disciples. Awaken the Church. Awaken nations. Awaken the earth. Awaken the return of Jesus!
What does this mean to label/brand this DTS as AWAKEN? I think what Andy Byrd taught last week sums it up. The Awakening process starts as a heart revival and reformation and then progresses to a burning heart to see the same revival and reformation in the church and nations. Its an Awakening that we never fall asleep from. We won’t ever as we learn the Truth about who God is, who the Holy Spirit is, and who Jesus is!
My wife and I are part of the Awaken Community. We desire restoration and reconciliation in the broken and lost. We both love God and are committed to following his will. I enjoys taking photographs of my travels as well as blogging about awesome things God does or teaches me. To see more photos, visit our gallery. More about Calvin and Camille
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[...] Discipleship Training School (DTS) is a YWAM school for training up disciples of Jesus. Calvin designed this while staffing the DTS in 2010. The goal was to communicate to the students school [...]
Awaken DTS Website « Design Smart
7/2/2010
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