I am working on Grounds, getting everything ready for our giant celebration called the 50th Celebration of YWAM, Youth With a Mission (mind you), so as apart of the Grounds crew with "Uncle Peni" and the Mission Builders, we are constantly on the move with different things. Plant that tree, pull that weed, move that rock. Sure, it sounds menial, but I find peace and joy from it because...well, God told me to do it this season. That, and music really helps out. I can put on some Cory Ausbury or Demonhunter and be lost to the world of sweet melodious wonders. I also find that this is a very spiritual aspect of my life as I am going through some workings of the heart and discipleship. Pulling out the weeds of my heart and making everything beautiful as I am be completely blasted by Jesus and His glory. With His light, I can see what was hidden in the darkness and make the move to get rid of it and avoid it next time.
This is also a wonderful season for me to learn a lot about leadership. Not only am I learning a good leadership style under Uncle Peni, but I am also apart of the Basic Leadership School, or BLS for those who understand YWAM-nese. Its equipping me with leadership principles and bringing in speakers who have walked out in leadership to give us nuggets to chew on to see if what they have learned is something we can apply in our own lives. What I've learned, from being on Grounds, is that a leader isn't behind, or even fully in front to be seen. A leader is in the pack, willing to go through all of the things he is asking those that are following him. Its easier to follow someone who is walking with you rather than having them point out everything from the background. It also helps to have a cheerful attitude and always have a smile on, because in this world you gotta have the joy of the Lord inside of you. I have it, do you?
Whats next...oh yeah, I have been accepted into the School of Communication Foundations in Burtigny, Switzerland. It started in April 2011, so I will hop on a jet plane there once I have all of the support raised (which is you are interested in praying or supporting me, please contact me so I can give you the necessary information). That school will help equip me with the necessary tools I need to walk out in my gifts of speaking and writing, as well as develop a mindset for the communications sphere of society. Then, its Mozambique for the School of Biblical Studies (SBS) to get a crazy, in depth look at the Word and all of it's splendor. A 9-month course of intense bible study...holy smokes.
Welp...thats pretty much it really. Just a little informational deal to tell everyone what I have been up to and what I will be up to. Still looking for a job and raising support to stay on campus. Thats...always fun.
Send me an email about what you are doing these days (to whomever is reading this)
Email: derekwilliams2112@gmail.com
See ya!
