How doing a DTS at 27 changed my life
Gripping the resignation letter, my heart was pounding as it suddenly occurred to me that I may be making a terrible mistake by saying yes to a DTS. The fears started rolling in. Was I kissing my career goodbye? Am I too old? How am I going to make friends?
Yes, those questions are incredibly real and so valid.
Initially when researching if doing a DTS with YWAM would be right for me one major thing that struck me was the array of young faces that flashed across my screen. I always viewed 27 as young (and you should too!) but it doesn’t quite compare to fresh out of school 18-year-old faces if you know what I mean. Having almost a decade more life experience than others in a community you could be doing life with was quite a daunting prospect for me.
Despite the critics, the negative mindsets, and continual hesitation I chose to jump in anyway! I am going to be really upfront and honest with you, it was the BEST decision I ever made and here are a handful of reasons why.
Christianity is a lifestyle
Going to church every Sunday was really as far as my Christian walk took me for years on end. I knew there was more but I didn’t know how to break out of this pattern of a routine that the world offers. Working 9-5, Monday through Friday with a decent paycheck was what I had always known but it was not enough! Doing a DTS taught me that being a child of God far exceeds an hour service on a Sunday. I learned how to have a deep intimate relationship with the Father.
Age is just a number!
We get so fixated on age but in the kingdom of God that really has no place. Some of my deepest and closest friendships were formed on DTS and most are at least five years younger than me. These people loved me for me and were able to challenge me in ways I was not expecting. If I had not done a DTS at 27 then I would not have met these incredible people that I hold so dearly to my heart.
It’s never too late to turn your life around
This was probably the hardest truth I struggled to believe. My life was a mess. I had no direction or purpose and more insecurities than I knew what to do with. However, during my DTS I knew that I was not too late as God had huge plans to heal, restore, and renew my entire life!
Rest assured, the decision to do a DTS at my age was absolutely no mistake. Ultimately I was ready to discover who I really was and to know God like never before. Being “older” meant I took the challenge seriously and made sure to make each day count as I dug into knowing God, forging community, and discovering how I can serve others with greater impact.
Are you ready to take the leap and change your life too? Don’t let your age or career, fear or insecurities, life experiences or pride hold you back. Learn from my mistakes! And learn from my change of heart! I promise you won’t regret it!
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About the Author:
With a business degree in hotel management and many years experience in the hospitality industry in Sydney, Jessica Worner chose to quit her job and complete her DTS in Queenstown, New Zealand. To this day she maintains it was one of the best decisions of her life. Follow Jess on instagram at @jessaworner.
Featured photo by @lifewithlaurrr
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Dan Worne
Love your work Jess! Great to know you found your calling
Zama Keswa
Oh my goodnes Jess! I am literally weeks away from starting out my journey with a YWAM DTS myself…at the sweet age of 27!! I havent related to an article as much as this one! Would love and appreciate to hear how Jesus moved and changed you in your time leading up to,and in your experience with the DTS…. :)
Emilia Inkinen
It is always wonderful to hear testimonies of what God has done in people’s lives during DTS! Although, I would like to hear more stories of what is it like to go home after that. Because according to my own and some of my friend’s experience, that is definitely the hardest part of doing a DTS.