Fall Quarter DTS's

This is an amazing quarter in Kona!

Many of you know that John and I work with the DTS Department here. DTS stands for Discipleship Training School, a 5 to 6 month program which includes a Lecture Phase (here in Kona) full of incredible teaching, followed by an Outreach Phase (hands-on missions work, usually in other nations). It is a place for people of all ages to come and grow, learn more about God and the world, and then get sent out to make a difference in the Nations.

I wanted to write a little bit about each DTS that is going on here this Fall. We are so excited to be a part of what God is doing here right now!

All Nations Bilingual DTS: This is the first time we have run this DTS in Kona! Most of the students are from South Korea, others are from the US as well as a couple other places, but they are doing all the teaching in both English and Korean. It is incredible! The school leaders are Moses and YoungEun Kim, a Korean couple who have worked in Kona for years and are well-respected internationally. Their heart is to see Korean people sent out into missions. Joining them in leading this school are David and Ellen Ross. This American couple has actually been living and ministering in Korea for decades, and they are fluent speakers of Korean. This is the largest school this quarter, with about 90 students, and about 25 staff.

Asia Pacific DTS: This DTS is being led by Ben and Alli Nonoa, who both grew up in the Pacific Islands. Their school will focus on the culture of the Islands, and they will be sending their Outreach teams throughout Asia and the Pacific. They have about 30 students and about a dozen staff. With all the recent news of earthquakes and tsunamis in the Pacific region, these outreaches will have an opportunity to meet the immediate needs of people impacted by these catastrophes.

Compassion DTS: Pieter and Dawn Heres lead this school, and each year there are outstanding outcomes. They will be sending Outreach teams to Cambodia, Colombia, Rwanda, and possibly a few other locations. They tend to do work involving children at risk. Pieter and Dawn have even established a school for children in Cambodia- an incredible ministry that changes lives! We are excited to see the things God does in the lives of their 50 students (and the 10 staff members too!).

Community Transformations DTS: This school is led by Jeff and Bethany Reid…our family! It is so exciting to watch them as they challenge their students and staff to let their lives be completely changed by God’s love. As we observe their leadership, we are learning so much. Their staff is outstanding, and we’re enjoying the opportunity to get to know the 10 of them. There are 57 students in their school, including Liam and Rachel Byrnes (our good friends from Scotland) and one of Johnny’s sisters, Katherine. This school will be sending teams to South Africa, New York, Sweden and Finland, Colorado, Amsterdam, and possibly a couple other locations. The heart of this DTS is to go impact entire communities with the Gospel of Christ, and to watch transformation happen in all areas…education, entertainment, church, family, businesses, etc… It is an exciting vision, and it is directly from God’s heart!

Crossroads DTS: This school tends to bring in people a little further along in life, but still youthful at heart! It is intended for people at a turning point in their lives, ready for a change, or something new. There are several couples taking this DTS, and their children are here with them too! It is amazing when families go into missions. The Lord uses them in so many ways. Bob and Carolyn Hopkins are a couple that, despite their age, remain youthful at heart as they lead this school and we aspire to be like them when we are at that stage in life.

To read more about each DTS that is going on in Kona right now, Go here, and you can also explore the U of N Kona website!